CHAPTER 18: ALONE?

                                    

                                          
I would want to dedicate this chapter to bookideas for the wonderful cover!
Thank you!
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It's always easy to stand with the crowd,
It takes courage to stand alone!
                          
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Ria's pov:-
                          

I stared into his eyes the whole time. My body felt like it was floating. I couldn't hear anything. My eyes were only focused on him.
                          
How stupid was I to think that he would save me from Candice. A bastard like him can never do any good.
                          
His eyes weren't soulless pits all of a sudden. They were soft, almost as if he was regreting his actions. I think I even saw him extending his hand towards me, but it was too late.
                          
The damage is already done.
                          
I closed my eyes and shut my mouth tightly, as I felt myself fall into the pool. The impact was harsh and I felt dizzy immediately.
                          
The cold water pricked my skin like I was laying on a thousand needles. My dress felt heavy and my body was only going deeper.
                          
My lungs were burning from the lack of oxygen, and I was almost tempted to breathe. I opened my eyes and the cold water attacked them instantly.
It felt like someone threw chilli powder in them. I tried shutting my eyes, but it was difficult.
                          
I moved my arms, trying to reach the surface, but that seemed impossible. Soon, I was out of energy and my hands stopped moving on their own accord.
                          
Slowly, I started giving up.
                          
The water slowly entered my body, as my lungs gave in. The burning sensation proved very difficult to fight against.
                          
I could vaguely hear the shouts from people around me. My mind was hazzy and my senses were getting week.
                          
I have already given up.
                          
My parents smiling faces flashed before my eyes. I could not wish them a goodbye, and I regret it.
                          
When I thought all hope was lost, I felt a pair of hands around my waist. Soon, I was pulled out of the water, and I coughed as my lungs pushed out the water and greedily took in huge gulps of oxygen.
                          
A towel was dropped over my shoulders, but I didn't dare to to open my eyes.
                          
Not because of the crowd of people surrounding me, but because I don't want to see the faces of those traitors whom I had considered as friends.
                          
Only Olivia knew that I couldn't swim and she fucking used it against me.
                          
I wanted to run away. Somewhere where nobody could find me, because the girl I had burried deep inside had come out again.
                          
And nobody could change that.
                          
I will always be weak and defenceless.
                          
"Ria...Ria! Open your eyes, talk to me." I heard someone calling me and when I opened my eyes, I was met with Brandon's deep blue ones. He immediately hugged me.
                          
Shock was displayed clearly on the faces of the people crowding around us.
                          
Brandon helped me up and I noticed Olivia standing in the crowd, a mixture of guilt and concern on her face.
                          
The look on her face did nothing, but fuel my anger. 
                          
Bloody bitch!
                          
I took a step towards her but she stood still staring at her feet.