You Were Never Honest (Never 2)

“Hang on, so why was Devon held accountable? Surely the driver of the van should have been arrested,” this doesn’t make any sense.

“The driver said the car appeared out of nowhere and they didn’t have time to stop, it would have been his word against your friend’s, but something was discovered with Devon’s car. Henleigh, their car was filled... with guns. They were armed, and they were high.” if there was a gold medal for awkwardness, he would win it hands down right now, he did not want to tell me this. Please tell me he’s wrong, that can’t be what happened. It can’t.

“No, that can’t be true. Not Elliott, he would never do something like that,” I say, I can’t believe it, I won’t.

“Please little hen, drop the rest of it. Don’t ruin the image you have of Elliott; he can never improve it.”

Devon’s words won’t stop ringing in my ears, there has to be some kind of mistake but what if there isn’t? Why would he have been drugged up and armed? What the fuck were they up to?

“I’m sorry Leigh, do you want me to keep digging?” Despite the position I’m putting him in he still wants to help, I know that makes him a great guy but what does it make me. That I keep allowing it or worse; I keep asking for it.

“I don’t know, I can’t see how you can find out the reason why only Devon or Asher can tell me that. I may never know, but there is something you can do for me,” I say as an idea forms within my mind, it scares me, but I can’t put it off any longer.

He agrees, and he doesn’t ask any questions, I know I’m risking my secret with this one, but I need to put it to bed. This is the only way I can.

I’m quiet and I know Elijah and the others are trying to figure out why, I’m just not ready to talk about it.

“Have you found a replacement for Leah yet?” Declan asks Roxie and she throws a chip at him in response.

“No, and she’s now forming her own band. Good luck with that,” she retorts but I know she’s worried she won’t find a replacement guitarist in time for their Christmas performance.

“Why don’t you let a guy join?” I ask and it makes everyone groan, guess I’m not the first one to think of this.

“Because we’re a girl band, come to think of it can you play any instruments baby girl,” her eyes are sparkling, oh no. I am not going there.

“Nope, not at all. I can’t play anything utterly tone deaf,” I say, and I hope no one thinks to check me up on this. I do not perform in front of people, ever!

“Great, I guess we’ll have to keep auditioning. We’ve only got two weeks we may have to bow out.”

Ah crap, if they don’t find anyone after a week, I’ll offer to sit in but I’m keeping quiet just in case. Stage fright is a big thing when it comes to me performing, I struggle to play in front of my Dad how can I do it for the whole school?

Going to the library today feels surreal, Benjy is sitting outside our study room and he’s the happiest I’ve seen him.

“Hey you, what’s going on?” I ask, his smile is infectious.

“Wait until you see for yourself, he’s over the moon,” he replies before he ushers me inside and I don’t know how I’m going to pick my jaw up from the ground.

He’s standing at the table and his chair isn’t anywhere in sight, this is fantastic.

“Blow me, look at you,” I say, and he turns around to face me. He’s slow on his feet, but who cares when he’s standing and moving unaided.

“Getting there, still need the chair for long distances but it’s getting better. I’m happy to start studying and all but I’m really enjoying standing for the moment,” I can see a smile teasing the corner of his lips, I bet he’s a heart stopper when he truly smiles. Not that I’m interested in any way, just an innocent observation. Head meet arse.

“Do you want to go for a walk until you’re ready to sit and concentrate,” I say with a slight chuckle and he’s agreeing, okay then.

Seeing as all the year thirteen are in the other buildings there’s no chance of running into the Shepherds, which is nice. Benjy is following us but he’s staying back, I think he’s trying to give Harrison as much independence as he can.

“You know, I was thinking. I never did decide what name you could call me, are you ready for my decision?” his eyes are intense, I feel like the helpless prey and Harrison is the predator circling me, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and go in for the killing blow.

“Sure…not nervous at all,” I re

ply, damn it’s going to be something humiliating, isn't it?

“Relax, I don’t know why but I think I’m okay with you calling me H for the time being. It might help me figure out why it feels so familiar to me, this doesn’t mean we’re friends though. I still can’t stand you,” he says, but it’s lacking his usual conviction.

“Of course, enemies for life. No worries over here H, I’m glad you’re back on your feet though,” my voice softens at the end and he stiffens a little before relaxing again.

He’s starting to slow more but he’s too proud to admit it is time to head back.