Falling Behind (Falling Series) (9 page)

Titus

I wanted to turn around and go find that douchebag. I was nowhere near done giving him a beating for what he’s done to Reese.
All of my suspicions were now confirmed. He may not be raping her, as in tying her up and forcing himself on her, but what he was doing was still considered rape. I pounded my steering wheel as I headed out to Black Bridge to pick up Candice. Hopefully I wouldn’t have to deliver another broken nose, tonight.

Just as I pulled into the dirt road leading to the south side of the bridge my phone beeped. I hoped it was Candice.

Mom: Candice is here. Get here as fast as you can.

If Candice was at my house
, this could not be good. I didn’t even bother texting Mom back. I could be there in less than a minute. I tapped out a quick text to Reese before I hit the road to tell her that Candice was at my house. I didn’t want her to wait up too long.

Candice
was sitting on the couch, her face covered in blood and bruises already forming. Everywhere. She was going to be almost completely purple by morning. I walked toward her and sank to my knees. The tears for Reese were now flowing and mixing with those for Candice.
How the hell did they both end up with complete assholes?

“C, what the hell happened?”

“She won’t talk, Son. I already called her parents, they’re on their way.”

I dropped my head into my hands, pulling on my hair. This was a nightmare. I shook my head,
taking several deep breaths and pulling myself up as I did. I walked out the front door and punched the garage door. I hated them both. I was probably going to end up in a heap of trouble in the coming days. If I saw either asshole, they were getting this fist. I punched the door between words, In. Their. Face. And then I punched the garage three more times for good measure, before I sank to the ground.

Candice’s parents showed up shortly after I had my meltdown and took Candice to the hospital. I
apologized, profusely. Mr. Warner insisted it wasn’t my fault and told me he would keep me updated on her condition.

Reese

Waking up the next morning I felt stiff and uncomfortable. Before I could start to process last night
, I stretched and looked around for my phone. I needed to know if Titus found Candice. Sitting on the bedside table, it was lit up with messages.

Titus: C’s at my house.
Headed there now. I’ll talk to you in the morning.

At least he found her.
Why would she go to his house?
I didn’t have to wait long as just then, my mom knocked on my door.

“Reese, get dressed. Candice and her parents are here to see you.” Mom’s eyes were watery with tears. This would not be good.

I threw on some yoga pants and a hoody. Rushing into the living room, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Candice sandwiched between her parents.  I couldn’t move.  I thought that my knees were going to buckle and I would fall right in my tracks.

Her face,
her whole, entire face was swollen with new bruises framing her eyes. Our eyes locked and I swear I could barely see her pupils; although the tears that rolled out of the corners were obvious.

My goodness, how did she let this happen
? I timidly walked to her and Mr. Warner stopped me.

“Reese
, she is very sore; please, just sit.” He pointed to the only chair in our living room, a few feet away from Candice, as if I did this to her.

“Alex?” I ques
tioned her. The shake she responded with was barely noticed. She was going to lie to me as well. I knew Alex did this to her, but she was going to deny it.

“Reese
, Honey, George and Cecilia are trying to press charges, but Candice won’t tell them anything. Is there anything from last night that you can help them with?”

I shook my head, “We haven’t talked since the night we took
you to Alex’s house.” I looked at Mr. Warner. “You all know that. I didn’t see her last night, except the few minutes at the dance.”

He
sat, at the end of the couch. “I understand that; did you see her at an after party, maybe? Did you see her with Alex at all?”

Reese glared at Candice. “When I told my mom and your dad about Alex, I tried to stop this from happening.” I gestured to her face and body.

I turned to her dad. “
I haven’t seen much of her or talked to either her or Titus, much. I only had my suspicions when she wasn’t at the after party with Titus.”

I was scared for Candice. So scared that my best friend could have died and I
wasn’t able to stop it. Candice sat there tight-lipped, crying.

I could see through the swollen mask to Candice’s eyes.
She was begging me to leave it alone.  But I couldn’t. Not this time. “She was there with Ty, at the dance. I was helping him look for her at the end of the dance before my boyfriend decided it was time to go. Ty told me he’d find her, not to worry. I got a message this morning from Titus that said she was at his house. I was literally just wondering why she was there when Mom knocked on my door, telling me you were here. I didn’t know. I don’t know what happen after I left Ty.”

Candice being beat
-up by her boyfriend took every memory from the night before and smashed it. I was relieved that the focus wasn’t on me and my night. I hoped it never came up in the future.

“Thank you
, Reese. Our problem is Candice is swearing that it was not Alex and that she didn’t see her attacker. She is saying that it happened outside of the gym, while the dance was going on. The doctors collected evidence, hopefully it is enough. I’m sorry for bothering you all. Diane, thank you, again, for letting us in your home.” George and Cecilia helped Candice up and ushered her out the door.

Candice never looked back, walked right out without a word
. She was in serious trouble. Titus was right. My mind whirled. I wanted to talk to Candice, without our parents hovering. But that would never happen. She won’t even talk to me. I wanted to talk to Titus, too, but didn’t know what to say.

My phone beeped and lit up my dark room.

Ty: I hear u saw Candice.

Me:
Ya. She looks horrible. Why is she denying it was Alex?

Ty:
Same reason you’ve stayed with Josh, I suppose

I didn’t respond, I didn’t know how
to; he was right.

Chapter Fifteen

Titus

Rumors flew through the halls on Monday morning. I prayed Reese hadn’t heard what was being said. I walked up to my locker and two sophomores leaning against their lockers a few down from mine were staring at me and whispering—whispering loud enough for me to hear them.

“Can you believe what a slut Reese is?” The shor
t blonde asked, loudly.

“Right?
Who has sex in the orchard when there’s a party going on?”

I clenched my fists, ready to slam them into their faces. I spun toward them, slamming my locker shut. “Listen
here” I looked out at the crowd of students scattered throughout the hall. “It’s none of your damn business what happened with Reese after the Formal. Or Candice either, for that matter. The next person I hear talk shit about either of my friends, I will personally kick”—

“
Titus, that’s enough.” Mr. Gustin came over and stood next to me. He turned to the rest of the students. “All rumors will stop. Immediately. The events that happened over the weekend are no one’s business. The next student I hear talking about it, will be suspended.” He looked around to everyone. “Any questions?”

Most everyone mumbled no or shook their heads, Josh was the exception. “Since I was involved
, that means I can talk about it all I want.” He laughed. The ass laughed. I lunged forward, ready to punch his damn face again, when Mr. Gustin clasped my shoulder and steered me toward his office. Mr. Gustin opened his door and motioned for me to go in.

“Sorry
, Mr. Gustin, I can’t stand the guy. He’s talking about my best friend ya know?” I was rambling. I guess I picked up Reese’s nervous chatter habit.

“Titus
, I understand. Truly, I do. I wish I could allow you to pummel the guy; but that’s against everything I stand for.” He sat in his chair and pointed to the chair across from him. I slid in, chewing on my thumb. I knew I wasn’t in trouble by his casual, relaxed manner. But, I still didn’t want to have the conversation that I was sure we’re about to have.  Mr. Gustin smiled at me. “From what I’ve heard, you knocked him around pretty good on Saturday night. Well, I shouldn’t say you, personally. That isn’t what I heard. I heard he got hit a couple times and got knocked out. I assumed it was you’re doing. Am I wrong?”

I shook my head. “You’re right.”

“Now then, I have to ask you to keep your distance. Try shutting off your ears, don’t listen to the rumors. You, Reese and Candice know what happened this weekend. Unfortunately, so does Josh and Alex─ although Alex isn’t as forthcoming with his involvement. If you feel the need to go after Josh, come in here, talk to me and we’ll see what can be done. It’s going to be a rough few days, but the rumors will stop. People will get tired of talking about it and move on to another person or wild event. Trust me.”

“All right
, Mr. Gustin, I’ll do my best.” I stood up, ready to walk out, ready to go find Josh and finish what he started.

“Titus, no going to find Josh
, I will have to suspend you.” I spun toward him.
How the hell did he just read my mind?

Mr.
Gustin smiled before standing himself. “I saw the look in your eyes, kid. I know that look all too well. You want to protect what’s yours.”

I nodded my head before grabbing the door handle. “I do, but I won’t
. Here.”

“Thank you.”

By third period, I was glad I had PE and an opportunity to get rid of some extreme aggression. Plus, I wasn’t ready to see Reese, just yet. She hadn’t texted back after I called her out for staying with Josh this long. I knew she thought I wouldn’t understand, but I would. I do. I know more than she thinks.

I got changed into my gym clothes and headed for the speed bag. Imagining Josh’s face hanging perfectly in front of m
e, I pummeled the bag, repeatedly. Faster. Harder. Each punch breaking a bone in his face. If only it was him.

Basketball had started so I used my gym time to build my upper strength. After the speed bag
, I started on push-ups and pull-ups. Feeling the stress release from my body I started to relax and felt ready to see Reese during fourth period.

Reese

Monday, after school, we had the first practice of the basketball season. Our coach asked us all to sit in cheer circle. Cheer circle was just that; the squad sat in a circle and discussed problems within the squad, boys, grades and parents. It was required to stay within the circle, no matter what was said and everyone knew they could share anything and it would be safe. Candice was missing in the circle and I immediately knew why this circle was called at the beginning of practice.

I watched Coach
Colleen look at each girl, with tears in her eyes. “I have bad news. Candice will not be returning to cheer with us for the rest of the year.” The group all had the same reaction as I did. The wind gushed out of all us as if someone punched each of us in the gut.

“You can’t ask why. You are not allowed to discuss this
, after today. Just know that it is for her benefit. She has things going on that she needs to address and I couldn’t let her be part of this team, while she is working out these issues. Her parents and I were in total agreement. Please do not try to question Reese; as you can see, she is just as surprised as all of you. “

I wasn’t sure what to do. “Coach, can I go to the bathroom
? I will just be a minute.” Bathroom breaks during practice where frowned upon. We were old enough to hold it for the two hours we committed to. The team should be uninterrupted, but I was hoping she would understand.

Without even looking at me she said, “Make it quick.”

I ran to the locker room. As I pulled the door open, Titus walked around the corner and looked at the tears in my eyes. It was the first time we had actually looked at each other since the day after the Formal.  I let go of the door and took a step toward him.

“Reese, I can’t. I’m going to be late for practice.”
He turned and jogged the short distance to the gym.

My heart broke. I missed my friends. I missed Candice’s laugh and even her controlling habits. I even missed the fact that all guys wanted her and not me. I missed Ty. I missed his
smell and strength, the way he knew me and was there to listen to everything. I missed the three of us hanging out on my bed and talking at all hours of the night. I guess it’s true you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

I walked into the bathroom
and washed my face, inhaling stale bathroom air before heading back to practice. I wanted nothing more than to crawl into my bed and let the grief roll over my body. Dark thoughts started to surface and I pushed them down with a smile and ran back to practice. I could cover up my hurt.

That night
, after dinner, which never actually made it to my mouth, I sat talking with my mom. “Can we change my number?”

Mom’s brows pinched together
. “Why?”

“Josh and I broke up. He
wanted to take our relationship to the next level and I told him I wasn’t ready. He didn’t seem to care. He kept making an issue of it, so I ended it.”

“Did he do something you weren’t wanting?” Mom’s eyes were full of fear.

“No.”

“Well then, it’s for the best. We’ll get it changed
, tomorrow. Shut it off, for tonight.” Getting up she leaned toward me and kissed my head. “Love you, Baby Girl. Sleep tight.”

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Love you
, Mom.” It was our routine when I was sad. It reminded us both that I would always be her little girl.

Over the next few weeks
, my days passed the same. Early to school, hide in the library. Catch an early ride home, hide at home. Shower, sleep, repeat. I hadn’t been doing my homework, classwork or eating. What I did eat didn’t stay in my stomach long. I was falling behind. I had no clue what was going on in school, no idea what was going on with my friends. I honestly didn’t even know what was going on with me. The rumors, which were pretty accurate as far as to what happened with me, bothered me. I had sex in an orchard, while a party was going on. It doesn’t matter whether I wanted it or not. He was my boyfriend. I had loved him. I thought I had anyway. I said that I did. Titus hadn’t talked to me since the day in front of the locker room when he told me he didn’t have time to talk. I went back to sitting in a desk far away from him, in the few classes we shared. It took a good week for Candice to show back up at school. She wouldn’t even look in my direction.

I was headed for fourth period
when I decided I would try to talk to Titus, again. I walked into class early and headed to my normal seat. When I heard footsteps behind me, I turned to find Mr. Wait waiting, just behind me.

“Is everything going all right
, Reese?”

“Yeah, fine.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me. He knew I wasn’t fine. He saw. “You know, I don’t believe that. You haven’t turned anything in, for weeks. I can’t force you to tell me what’s going on. But, what I can and will do is offer you my listening skills. I am a great listener.” He flashed his dimples and winked at me.

“Thank you, I may take you up on that sooner
, rather than later.”

“You should. When you’re ready
, I have a make-up packet for you.” He nodded his head and walked away, toward his desk. I could talk to him. I think I could talk to him.

“Mr. Wait?”

“Yeah, Reese?” He turned back toward me. There were only a few students walking in, now.

“You know when something happens and you do the right thing
, but the consequences afterward don’t really feel like it?”

“Yeah
, Reese, I believe I do.” He scanned the classroom before locking his gaze with mine. “Can we talk this afternoon? We can meet in Mr. Gustin’s office. Or we can meet with Sarah, the counselor. It’s up to you.”

“Okay
, thank you; let’s meet with Sarah.”

He smiled and started class. At the end of class
, he dismissed everyone ten minutes early asking me and Titus to stay.

“You two need to talk. It’s none of my business
, I know, but I can’t handle it. Talk, now!” He spun around and headed out the door without another word.

Titus stopped short of the door and spun around coming back toward me. He slumped down into the desk next to mine. His thumb went to his mouth. I could tell it was red and he had been chewing on it a lot lately.

“How are you?” I asked, looking at the swirls of fake wood on my desk.

“Pissed, upset, livid.”
He looked toward me and dropped his hand from his mouth. “I hate him, Reese. I hate that everyone, including him, is talking about what happened to you. I hate me the most for not being there for you. I am so sorry. I should have never let anything get between us.” He ran his fingers through his hair. I wondered for a brief second if I’d ever be able to do that to him. Shaking my head, this was not the time to think about what I wanted to do to Titus.

I reached across the aisle and gripped his hand in mine. “You should be.” I
chuckled. “I’m sorry, too.”

“So, Josh?” He finally looked at me.
             

“It’s over.” It was my turn to look away.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I turned back to him
, fighting back the tears. I’ve missed Ty so much. I would rather have him as a friend than nothing at all. “Later? Do you think you could come over after the game?” It was our last home game.

“Yeah, I can. Has Candice talked to you
, yet?”

Hope flared in my chest
. Maybe my other best friend, and the completion to our triad, would forgive me. “No, why?”

“She just mentioned that she wanted to talk to you.”

My chance to respond was stopped by Mr. Gustin and Mr. Wait walking into the classroom. “Reese, Titus, can I see you both in my office, please.” They both came through the door looking sullen.

Titus and I shared a loo
k before we followed them to the Principal’s office. When we turned the corner around the secretary’s desk, we both stopped. Our moms and Candice’s parents were standing in his small office.