#19 I have dealt with worse

Hey guys!

I know it's been a hell lot of time since I have updated. My school just gave me a lot of 'quarantine-work' to do.😓 But here I am now! Enjoy!...*not edited*

I was sitting in the hospital cafeteria, having a sandwich. The school is shut down for a few days. I mean, that was obvious, wasn't it? Ash and Stefan are leaving today, for their soccer camp. I am moving into Ash's apartment. I already have the keys, so I had already moved all my stuff into the apartment. Only unpacking was left.

I don't believe it! Two weeks! Only two weeks! It took only two f*cking weeks for my whole world to fall apart. Two weeks before, if you would have told me that I would be sitting in a hospital cafeteria, alone, waiting for Ethan to wake up and told me that my mom, one of the people who I loved the most, is not my real mom and she just took me in to continue her legacy in the Gang? I would laugh at your face. And the fact that the Knights are searching for me, to kill me, doesn't make it any better. My thoughts were interrupted when I saw an unfortunately familiar face enter the cafeteria.

"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be on the bus?" I asked Stefan. "Well, I canceled the trip." He said as he sat down in front of me. "And why did you do that?" I asked, clearly startled. "I had my reasons." He answered. "What the f*ck we're your reasons which made you give up your one in a lifetime opportunity?" I glared at him. I was already pissed off at my life. And now he not going on the trip made me angrier.

"Well, one of them was you." He shrugged. "What!?!" I raised my eyebrows at him. What does he mean? "You are not in a good state, right now. I mean, your brother is in the hospital and you just experienced a terrorist attack. Plus all the family drama. So I didn't think that I should leave you here, alone. And you also made Ash promise that he will go." He quietly said. "Will everyone stop acting as if I am made up of glass? I am fine by myself. And why would you cancel the trip for a hated b*tch like me? I can take care of myself." I glared at him. "Yeah? So how do you explain the tears on your cheeks when you are eating a non-spicy, perfectly tasty sandwich?" He raised his eyebrows.

I touched my cheeks to find them wet. I am crying? Well, I don't care that I am crying. I quickly wiped off my tears. "That's none of your business." I glared at him. "Now, tell me the real reason why you canceled the trip?" "I already told you that-" He started but I cut him off, "I don't need your f*cking pity!" I shouted, making all the faces around, turn towards me. "What?" I glared at them. A doctor, who was having his coffee, came beside me, "Mam, please lower your voice." He said. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. "Sorry," I said to everyone and walked out of the cafeteria.

I entered Ethan's room, with Stefan unfortunately behind me. "Princess, calm down." He said. "You know what? I don't care that you canceled your trip. I am pretty sure I am not the reason. And if I was, I want you to go home, pack your bags and take the next flight to Georgia. And now, I want you to leave me alone." I said, trying to not shout. "Princess-" "Leave me alone," I stated. He silently left.

I went and sat by the window. "You are strong Nessa. You are not affected by these things. Ethan is going to wake up and everything will be fine. You are strong Nessa." I said to myself. My legs started shaking and my breathing increased. Great. Now I was hyperventilating. The last time I was like was three years ago when Emma died. This is the time when I really need Ethan. I miss him. Suddenly, I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see my mom and I quickly jerked her hand away. "Nessa, dear. Are you okay?" She asked, worry clear in her eyes. My heart wanted to hug her. So much. But as usual, I glared at her. "Firstly, you are not allowed to touch me. Secondly, leave me alone." "Dear, listen-" "I said Leave. Me. Alone." I glared and turned towards the window.

I turned around as soon as I heard the door close. Great Nessa. You are alone. Now what? I couldn't believe it. I was the reason for it all. I mean, Ethan was shot protecting ME. I was supposed to protect HIM. I was also the reason my Mom and Dad Divorced. Stop thinking, Nessa. My brain warned. But I just couldn't help it. I was also going to be the reason Ethan has to move if he wakes up. I even put the whole school in danger. Tessa, Abby, Claire, Ryan, Ash, Melvin, Stefan...even Sarah for that matter. She might be a b*tch, but I don't want her dead.

Before I could think anymore, I quickly went and took the seat beside Ethan and held his hand in mine. "I miss you brother. A lot. I need you." I was about to cry but something stopped me. You are the Gang Leader of the Elites. You are not supposed to cry. Look how weak it would make you look. Do not cry. You are not sad. The Devil in my brain said. And like all other people, I ended up listening to him.

I stood up and walked out of the room. Stefan stood up as soon as he saw me. "Don't," I said before he could say anything. I walked to my car, sat in, and drove off to Ash's apartment. I was going to unpack all my stuff. Keep myself occupied. So that I will get a break from this overthinking. Yep. I will love a break.

**********

I entered the apartment and started unpacking the boxes. After some time, there was a knock at the door. I opened the door to reveal Stefan. "What the hell are you doing here?" I glared. "I came to check on you-" "Well, I am fine. Goodbye!" I said and was about to close the door when he blocked it. "If you let me in, I have ice cream." He suggested and successfully gained my attention. "Come in."

We both sat on the couch while he gave me my scoop of ice cream. It was mint choco chip. My favorite. And it calmed me down. No surprise in that. "You good?" He asked me. "Yeah. How did you know this was my favorite?" I raised an eyebrow. "I trusted my instinct." He shrugged. "Now, tell me, why did you cancel the trip?" I asked him. "I already told you." He answered. "I am not buying that." "Well, your wish. But that's the truth. And there was another reason." He started. "Today is Sean and Selena's Birthday. I would hate to miss it. They said it was fine but I would hate myself if I was not with them." He shrugged.

"Finally, I valid reason. But still. The Georgia Trip was a one time opportunity. I wouldn't cancel it for anyone's birthday." I shrugged. "Even they told me to go but I also had other reasons to stay back." He reasoned. "Well, I don't think any reason is as important as the Trip," I said. "You are." He mumbled but I was able to hear it. But I ignored it.

"By the way, wish Selena and Sean a Happy Birthday from my side," I remembered. "That, you'll have to do it on your own. You are coming tonight. To the birthday party." "No. I can't." "Why not?" He asked.

"I don't know...It doesn't feel right to me. I mean, Ethan is suffering and I go to a birthday party?" I sighed. "You are not supposed to put your life on hold. What if he doesn't ever wake up?" He unknowingly said. My eyes widened at that thought. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. But still, you are coming and that's final." He remarked. "You are not going to decide for me." I glare at him. "Well, you have to come. Selena made me promise that even if I don't show, it's fine. But I am supposed to make you come." He shrugged. "She seriously said that! Looks like I am her new favorite." I chuckled.

"Yeah yeah. So you are coming." He said. "I'll come but I'll leave a bit early." I shrugged. "And wear something blue. Selena loves Disney. And Sean is a Marvel fan. So every year, we chose one princess and one superhero as the theme. This year or is Elsa and Iron Man." He informed. "I'll find something. But...I can't wait to see you wear Iron Man costume." I chuckled. He just rolled his eyes.

"What are you gonna do now?" He asked me. "Well, I'll unpack some of my stuff and then I'll go back to the hospital. What about you?" I asked him. "Well, I can help you if you want." He suggested. "Not needed. I'm fine by myself." I denied. "I can- you know what, I am staying here and helping you. And that's final." He declared. I just rolled my eyes. And we started unpacking.

**********

"I am never going to talk to you. Ever. I hate you." I shouted at Ethan. He had just clumsily spilled his coffee on all my painting assignment which were due to the next day. And I was fuming about it. I don't like anyone messing with my artwork. "I said I am sorry. Come on Nessa. It's just Art." Ethan whined. "It's not just Art. And your sorry is not going to fix anything. Now get out my sight. I have to redo everything." I scolded him. He quietly left the room. And I again started doing my paintings.

After three days, I was still not talking with him. Suddenly, he came into my room. "Go away!" I said. "Nessa, I am sorry. Let's go have ice cream. My treat." He suggested. "No. I don't want ice cream." I said. His eyes widened in surprise. This one of the rare times when I had denied an ice cream treat from him. He sadly nodded and went away.

After some time, I was laying on the bed when something pricked me. I looked down to see a box. I sat up and opened it only to reveal a very beautiful necklace.

There was also a note with it. I opened it. 'Sorry for spoiling your paintings. I know how much they mean to you. I hope you accept this apology gift and forgive me. - Love, Ethan.' Aww. He bought this for me. That is so nice. I am glad to have a brother like him. I forgot all my anger, took the pendant and ran to his room. I hugged him as soon as I saw him. "You are forgiven." I smiled. He grinned.

"Nessa? You okay?" I snapped back into reality. Selena was looking at me. "Yeah. I'm good." I shrugged. She looked at me for a moment and then went back to applying lipstick. I, Selena, Tessa, and Abby were at Claire's house getting ready for the party. We all were invited. Did I ever mention that Claire is an excellent makeup artist?

I found a blue dress. It was the one I had worn on my sixteenth birthday. I was shocked that it still fit me. With my makeup already done and my heels on, I was ready to go.

Ryan was picking up Selena. Abby and I were riding with them. Claire was going with Tessa and Kevin. We reached the Thompson's clubhouse, where the party was being held. And it was awesome.

Yeah. The Thompson's are very rich. I could stay in this place forever. The whole hall was separated into two halves. One half was blue and the second was red and yellow. In the middle was a very huge Happy Birthday banner. This was awesome. I wish I had my tenth birthday party like this. To be honest, I don't even remember my tenth birthday.

We all entered inside. There were kids everywhere. The boys in Iron Man costumes and masks while the girls in blue and white Elsa dresses. So cute. There were many adults around too. All the men in suits and the women in long gowns. A bearded man came towards us.

"Hello, Mr. Thompson. How are you?" Ryan greeted. Oh. He was Stefan's father. "Very good, son. How are you? Glad you could make it." He smiled at all of us. I don't know, but that face and the voice seemed very familiar. Like I had seen him before. Before I could think anything else, someone came and hugged me. I looked down to see Selena smiling at me.

"Nessa, you came!" She said. "Of course I came. And you look good." I smiled back. She was wearing a silver and blue gown with a tiara. "You don't look bad yourself." She said. "So this is the famous Vanessa I always hear about. I am happy to finally meet you." He said. "Glad to meet you to sir." I smiled. "Oh, don't call me Sir. It's Joseph. And now I leave you guys to enjoy the party." He said and left. He seemed nice. But then why did I have a bad feeling about him?

"Nessa, come on. Let's take a picture with Elsa." She said and pulled me with her. "Yes, why not." I chuckled and told Lena that I'll see her later. We went to the huge Elsa stand where we took some photos. Then Selena left to play all the games that were arranged for them. I was searching for my friends when Kevin came to me. "Have you seen Tessa?" He asked. "Hello to you too. And no I haven't seen Tessa. Actually, I was searching for them too." I told him. "Ok. By the way, Stefan is staring at you." He whispered in my ear. He chuckled and walked away, shaking his head and mumbling something. What was that about?

Ignoring him, I walked towards Stefan who was still staring at me. "Take a picture. It'll last longer." I smirked. "Oh, I trust me. I already did." He smirked. "And you look hot." "Thanks?" I said. "I was actually looking forward to seeing you in an Iron Man costume," I smirked. He was wearing an Iron Man hoodie with black jeans and Red sports shoes.

"Well, I was never going to wear that." He rolled his eyes. "So, you like this?" He asked me, pointing at the party. "Like it? I love it. I wish my tenth birthday celebration was like this." I exclaimed. "But I would have chosen Wonder woman as my theme." I shrugged. He chuckled.

"You remember Abby and Melvin's 15th Birthday party?" He asked. "That was awesome. You guys are heartless. That was the first time I pity Sarah." I laughed, remembering the incident.

"Hey, Vanessa! I am here to warn you. Do not go near the chocolate fountain in the center." Ryan whispered. I was shocked to see him talk to me. I mean we were partners in the Art class. But that's it. "Yeah, okay. But why?" I asked him. "You'll see." He said pointing at the fountain. Sarah was about to dip the strawberry in it when the whole fountain fell on her. The tabled was turned, revealing Stefan from under it. The whole hall was filled with laughter mixed with Sarah's cries. Abby came to me, "Melvin had been planning this for one month. These guys are idiots." She chuckled.

"Really? I had a lot of fun." He smirked. "You always have fun in others' sorrow." I chuckled. Suddenly an elderly woman came towards us. "So you must be Vanessa. I am Josette, this idiot's mother. He talks a lot about you." She smiled, pointing at Stefan. I turned towards him to see him glaring at his mother. I chuckled. "Hello, mam. Nice to meet you." I smiled. "Don't you dare call me mam. I am Josette or Jo." She chuckled. "Mom, did you meet Aunt Lizze? She was searching for you." Stefan interrupted us. "Yeah. Yeah. I am going. I hope to see you soon." She said and then winked at me. Huh? What was that about?

"That was not awkward at all." I joked. "That's my mom for you." Stefan glared at the place she was standing before. "I liked her," I said. "You like everybody," Stefan said. "What does 'everybody' mean?" I raised my eyebrows. "Nothing. I have to go, and greet the other guests." He said and left me. Rude.

***********

I was standing near the water stand when I heard something beep. I looked around to see all the boys playing. There was another beep. I ignored it. It would be something of the toys they were playing with. There was another beep. That turned on my suspicious side of the brain. 'Beep' one more. I walked away from the table and waited. Nothing was heard. I walked back to the table. 'Beep' They were so faint that anyone could not notice. I walked around the table. As I moved towards the backside, near the wall, the beep sound increased. I bent down and raised the tablecloth. And the next thing which I saw, almost gave me a heart attack.

There was a time bomb under the table. But how? Someone from the Knights or the Blacks had snooped into the party and situated them. And it would go off in nine minutes?!? There can be many bombs situated everywhere! There children everywhere! I had to get them out of here. But how?

I did the first that came to my mind. I dialed Lena. "Hey! Where are-" She started but I cut her off. "Come near the water table. Now!" I whisper shouted and then cut her call. The next thing I did was to call Kelly. She was the bomb expert of our Gang who knew to defuse all types of bombs. I dialed her, but it went straight to voicemail. I dialed her again but again it went to voicemail. "Are you hiding from someone?" Lena asked me. I hadn't realized that I was still leaning down. "No. Just come here and look." I told her. I came beside me saw under the table. "What the f*ck!?!" Her eyes went wide.

"How the hell did this come here?" "I have no idea but I think it was the Knights or the Blacks. They have been attacking us for quite some time now." I answered. "Did you-" " Yes, I called Kelly but she is not picking up," I answered her question. "We have to get everyone out, to the ground," I told her and she nodded. "But how?" She said, looking at the crowd. "I have an idea but everyone is going to hate me for it. But I don't care. " "I'll go and open all the gates. We don't have much time Nessa." "Go!" I told her and made my way towards the stage, where the magician was doing some tricks for the children.

I went and snatched the microphone from him. "That was a wonderful show! Thank you! Now, everyone, get out of here! The party is over!" I shouted in the mic. Everyone was looking at me like I had grown two faces. "What? Move!" Some of them started moving out. "But we didn't even have cake. Look, I know you saved my life once or something but I want my cake!" The boy in the Iron Man costume said. He removed his mask, revealing Sean. "Happy Birthday Sean! Now get out!" I told him. "What the f*ck are you doing?" Stefan shouted at me.

"Saving your a*ses. Now get everyone out of this room or we'll have to continue this party in heaven!" I shouted at him. "What?-" He was going to say something but he was cut off by Ryan. "She is right. We have to move. Now!" He told him. "Why?" He asked us both. "There are time bombs situated in this hall. We to get everyone out!" He told him. How did he know? I looked at Lena who nodded at me. She told him.

Stefan snatched the microphone from my hand. "Didn't you hear her? Move!!" He shouted. Finally! Everyone started hustling out of the hall. But the only problem was that I couldn't see a silver blue dress with a tiara anywhere. "Where is Selena?" I asked Stefan. "Oh, sh*t! She is in the upstairs washroom-" I didn't wait to hear him. I ran towards the staircase. "Princess, wait!" Stefan called me. "Just get everyone out. I'll bring her."

As soon as I was near the staircase, I removed my heels, threw them aside, and ran upstairs. It's not easy to run in heels, you know? As soon as I reached, I remembered something. I did not know where the washrooms are. As on cue, a board caught my eye. It showed that the washrooms we're on the left. I ran in that direction. As soon as I was inside the washroom, I heard the bomb go off. One by one, almost ten bombs went off.

I heard Selena scream as she came out of one of the stalls. "Nessa, what is going on?" She asked me. "Everything is going to be fine once we get out of here, to safety," I reassured her. I held her hand and we both ran outside, only to see fire everywhere. Great! "I am scared." Selena sobbed. "Shh. Don't cry okay? I will get you out of here. I promise." I told her as we came back into the washroom.

"Okay. Now there is water everywhere around here right? So there might be a water pipe which would be connecting the tank above to this, right? Now, tell me. Do you have any idea what is below us?" I asked her. "There is a washroom that is under maintenance." She answered. "Great. So the pipe would be connected to it too." I said, making my way towards the window. I opened the window and looked beside me. There was a pipe just beside the window, just as I had guessed. I followed the pipe down only to see some wood which had caught fire. We had to move quickly.

"Do you like piggyback rides?" I asked Selena. "Yes, but why?" She asked, clearly confused. "I am going to give you one." I smiled. I turned around. Thankfully, the window was pretty big. I only had to break the fixed glass which was surrounding the movable glass. I bent down to see underneath the basins. There was an old soap dispenser and a broken tissue paper holder. Great. We are in luck. I took the tissue paper holder and smashed into the glass, shattering it. Good.

"Now, listen. You are going to climb on my back." I instructed her. She did as I said. She wasn't heavy at all. "Now I will climb out of the window. Just be careful with the glass pieces." I told her. "Nessa, I am scared." She cried. "I know, dear. Just trust me and hold on tight to me, okay?" I told her, as I carefully climbed out of the window, and held on to the pipe.

I slowly started climbing down. "Nessa, fire!" Selena shouted in my ear. "I know, dear. Now I will lean a bit back, away from this pipe. I want you to jump as far as you can, okay?" I instructed her. "I am scared." She said. "You are going to be great. Now, on the count of three, I will lean back, and you will have to jump as far as you can, ready?" She nodded her head. "One. Two, Three." I leaned as back as I could. As instructed she jumped and landed on the ground, away from the fire and that's when I heard something break.

"You okay? Are you hurt?" I asked her. She looked up at me, a wide smile on her face. "I'm good. Now come on!" She told me. "Great! Now, go to the football ground outside. Stefan will be there." I told her. "What about you?" "I promise I'll be right behind you," I assured her. She smiled and ran off.

I felt something move near my neck. I looked down to see my necklace broken. No! I watched it as it slipped and fell into the fire. No! I couldn't believe that I had just lost the thing that Ethan had given to me and which was the closest thing to my heart. I felt the tears threatening to flow. I took a deep breath. I had to get out of here first. I leaned back and jumped as far as I could. A stone pricked my foot as soon as I landed on the ground. The disadvantage of being barefoot.

I started walking towards the ground. But I didn't want to go there. I didn't want to face everyone. I don't know why, but I just didn't. Instead, I decided to walk to the bus station and take a bus to the hospital, ignoring everything else. I started walking in the opposite direction of the bus. "Thank God!" I heard someone say. I turned around to see Lena.

"Hey?" I said. "Thank God you are fine! What were you thinking?" She scolded as she pulled me into a hug. "Hey, Lena. Please can we just talk about this tomorrow? Please just tell everyone who asks about me that I am fine. I am just going to go." I told her. "You are bleeding!" She said looking at my foot. "I have dealt with worse." I shrugged. "Just please tell them. I don't want to go there." "Are you sure?" She asked me. "Yeah." "Fine. But we are going to talk about this tomorrow." She sighed. "Thanks. I love you, you know that right?" I grinned. "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever." She said and walked away, while I made my way out of the gates on to the footpath, heading in the direction of the bus station.

I was walking towards the bus station, all the thoughts of the previous weeks running in my mind. Ethan. I don't even know if I am going to talk to him ever again. My dad. He now officially hates me. Although I knew that already, it just felt weird. My mom. She is going to alone because of me. I hate her for not telling me that I was adopted, but I still love her. And then there are these attacks. I hate myself for putting all these people into danger. I have to find more information on these attacks. "Where do you think you are going? You are literally leaving a blood trail behind you!" Someone shouted from behind.

A/N:

Hey guys!

Hope you liked the chapter...

This is officially the longest chapter I have written until now...Almost 4600 words!!

And... *drum roll* This book has reached 2k reads! I can't believe it! I love all of you guys very much! Thank you all of you readers for 2k reads!

BTW what do you think the Knights want from Nessa?

The next chapter is going to be 'interesting'. Till then...

See you soon...