A Rose to Keep (The Society 1)

“Just a little swollen. Nothing a little rest won’t do to heal,” he said.

“Okay. Thank you. I didn’t mean to slow everyone down.” Chloe, the bitch, had pushed me off. I hated her just because of the pain she was causing me.

“You’ve got to learn to watch your back. Some of the nastiest women I know come from this high school.”

I chuckle. “Thanks, Coach.”

He still massaged my ankle.

“I better get going.”

“You know, Sian, if you’re in trouble or if you ever need to talk to anyone, my door is always open.”

“I appreciate that.” This was getting awkward. “I better go. Thanks again for helping me.”

I pulled my foot from his touch and quickly put the socks and trainers on. As I got to my feet, Coach Bilson stood also. I was sure he skimmed the tips of his fingers against my thigh, but as I looked at him, there was no touch, and he seemed completely oblivious.

“Have a good weekend.”

Ignoring it, I put it down to my weird imagination and hobbled to the changing room.

This time, I had no choice but to change as I was meeting my parents. Class had already run over because of the gym incident, and so I quickly changed into one of my mother’s favorite dresses she loved to see me in and a pair of flat pumps. There was no way I’d even attempt the heels.

Heather helped me to dress, zipping up the back and then getting to her knees to help with the pumps.

“I can’t believe Coach made you do that,” she said.

“It’s fine. It’s over with, and I didn’t have to make you do it three times. We’re saved.” I tried to laugh it off. The truth was I felt like I was dying after he told me to finish it. My ankle still throbbed even now.

I couldn’t help but wince with each step I took.

“Let me help you,” Heather said.

“You are a good friend. I don’t suppose you’ll drop my bag off, will you?” I asked. The idea of carrying it around with me and my ankle didn’t appeal, not that I wouldn’t.

“Will do. I’ve still got a spare key.”

“Thank you. You’re a real lifesaver.” We left the changing rooms, heading to the quad, and from there, to the entrance where my parents were already waiting. Joan and Alexander Roberts climbed out of the back of the limousine. It was strange to see them in such a luxury car.

They never took me out midway through a semester, or at least the first couple of weeks.

“Hello, Heather,” my mother said.

“Hi, Mrs. Roberts,” Heather said.

“What’s the problem?” my dad asked.

“Just a little fall in gym. Don’t worry about it.” The last thing I wanted to do was let go of my best friend. She felt like an anchor right about now. My parents were the ones who frightened me.

I promised to talk to Heather later, and with my mother’s help, climbed into the back of the car.

“Those shoes are not exactly fitting for the restaurant,” my mother said.

I explained the pain in my ankle, but she shook her head as if that wasn’t a good enough excuse. This reminded me of the mom from my past. The one who wasn’t trying. The one who didn’t care that her daughter was being raised by a nanny.

Conversation was nonexistent. I stared out the window to pass the time.

Spending time on campus was a better idea than being stuck with my parents. Neither of them understood me.

I bounced my leg.

“I thought your ankle hurt,” my dad said.

“It does. It’s the other leg.”

“I don’t think you should be bouncing it.”

I stopped.

Not allowed to bounce the leg.

Putting my hand over my mouth, I tried to stifle my yawn.

“Sweetheart, please act like a lady.”

No longer allowed to yawn or be human.

This night was already longer than I wanted it to be. Why did my parents have to come here?

I didn’t understand why I needed this visit.

Two weeks into school and they had come to see me. This never happened. It was how I got through several years of public school before they realized their error.

We arrived at a small Italian restaurant. I’d never been to it, but the moment we entered, they were treated like celebrities. We were shown to a private booth, and we had our own personal waiter.

I sat, feeling hungry while my parents ordered for me. Before the waiter left, I let him know I didn’t have any meat, fish, or dairy. I got one of those looks and sat back, waiting for the food.

“Well, this is nice,” Joan said.

Alexander looked down at his cell phone.

“So, honey, tell us everything that is going on,” Joan said.

“School is great. I’m doing well in all of my classes. Heather is still top of everything.”

“No, honey, we know,” Joan said.