Chapter 6

Just as I was about to inquire about his cousin, Six loud reports rang out. Girls shrieked, and the music came to an abrupt halt. Panic ensued, and it wasn't long before I understood the cause: an angry voice boomed over the noise.

"WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING IN MY HOUSE?" the voice demanded, capturing everyone's attention. Hearing it stirred something in me, but following the crowd's lead, Shane and I moved toward the voice.

From my position, I couldn't see much, but I could hear the exchange.

"Sweetie, you're back sooner than expected," the redhead from earlier said.

"We leave for just three days, and you throw a party here? What were you thinking, Bridgette?" a different male voice, identified as Cash, reprimanded.

"It's not what you think, Cash! It's the Pre-Homecoming party I told him about last week," Bridgette defended herself.

"EVERYONE OUT!" Cash shouted.

People scattered faster than I'd ever seen, and apparently, the command included everyone, even me. Shane guided me outside, where we joined Brady. We were on our way home shortly after.

"That was disappointing," Brady commented.

"What caused those noises?" I asked.

"Gunshots. Six probably fired them," he answered.

"Six?" I asked, confused.

"The homeowner," he explained.

"The missing host," I said, now understanding.

"And the most popular student at school," Brady nodded.

"His name is Six?" I asked, bewildered.

"No one really knows. He joined the school two years ago, and everyone, including the teachers and principal, started referring to him as Six. We all picked up the nickname, but I don't think anyone besides his close friends knows his actual name," he explained.

I didn’t ask anything further until we arrived home. My father was surprised to see us return so early, but Brady quickly explained the situation while I went upstairs to change into my nightwear. Later, I went downstairs and found Bella in the kitchen.

"You’re back sooner than expected," she commented.

"It seems the party was thrown without the homeowner's permission," I responded.

"Ah, I see! So, what are your plans for tomorrow?" she asked.

"No shopping," I teased.

"No shopping," she laughed.

"What else did you have in mind?" I inquired, knowing shopping wasn't an option.

"How about we go out and bond? We could get pampered at the spa and then treat ourselves to hair and nail appointments?" she proposed. The idea sounded appealing.

"I’d enjoy that," I smiled.

"Fantastic! We’ll head out around nine so we can be back in time for you to unwind before school on Monday," she replied.

"Sure thing!" I agreed.

By midday the following day, we were completely at ease. We had enjoyed Thai therapy, recommended by one of Bella's friends, and it was incredibly effective for relieving stress.

"I don't even want to move," she moaned.

I laughed softly. "I know exactly how you feel."

"Why don't we get lunch first before going to the salon?" she proposed.

"Good idea," I agreed.

It took some effort to finally get ourselves moving. The spa staff exchanged amused looks when we eventually stood up. Bella thanked them as we left for a chic restaurant in the same area.

We were seated shortly after arriving, and a waiter promptly came to take our drink orders. Bella playfully teased me about the waiter flirting with me, which I vehemently denied, though my cheeks flushed, much to her delight.

"So, how are you finding this place?" she asked.

"I honestly love it. It's a lot better than where I used to live," I confessed.

"Do you think you'll ever feel close enough to me to talk more openly? I know I'm not your mother, but I wish we could have that kind of bond. I already love you just as much as I love Brady," she said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"To be honest, I already trust you enough to open up, but I need you to promise not to tell Dad what I'm about to tell you," I asked.

The truth is, I trust Bella as much as I trust Brady. They've both been amazing and have made Dad and me very happy. They've been nothing but supportive and loving since I arrived, and I could trust them with my life story.

However, I can't trust Dad—not because of any distance in our relationship, but due to my fear of his reaction if he knew everything. I've managed to keep everyone safe until now, and I want to maintain that. Of course, this depends on Brady keeping his word not to act impulsively.

Bella promised to keep it between us, so I told her everything. We likely appeared quite emotional in the restaurant, with our tears flowing freely. Recognizing it wasn't the right setting, we decided to take our meal to go. In the car, I continued sharing my story.

By the time I finished, her eyes were puffy and wet with tears. She agreed to let me drive, as I have a driver's license. I drove us back home, forgetting about the salon, and thankfully the boys weren't around.

We continued bonding in my room as she also opened up about her past and how she met Brady, along with everything that happened afterward. By the time Brady returned home, we were emotionally spent.

"It looks like I walked into the middle of the Nile River," he remarked.

"Shut up, Brady!" I retorted, my voice hoarse from crying.