(12) Keeping Secrets
Isabel knew that to keep Tess’ horrible secret would be a terrible thing to do. She also knew that to tell someone against Tess’ wishes would be even worst. She was at a dilemma.
She knew that the best thing she could do was to tell and let the authorities deal with it but would putting Tess through that type of emotional ringer be help or a hindrance to her? On the other hand not telling someone and allowing Tess to keep it all bottled in would not be good for the young girl either.
She helped Tess to clean up as best she could then she guided her out of the bathroom and out the house. She made sure that no one saw them leaving. They headed over to Alex’s car.
“Tess do you think you’re okay enough to stand right here while I go get my brother?”
“Isabel I don’t want anyone to see me like this.” She pleaded.
“I’m just going to ask him for his keys. Okay?”
Tess nodded. “Okay, I’ll be fine. Please hurry.”
Isabel wiped the tears from her face. “It won’t take me long.”
She rushed quickly back into the house. She couldn’t help looking at the faces of all the guys that she passed by, wondering if one of them was the ones who hurt Tess. She snorted in anger and continued to look for Alex. She found him sitting at one of the poolside tables arm wrestling. She sighed in exasperation.
“Alex, something came up. I need your keys to take someone home.” She stated.
He stood up. “I’m about ready to ditch this party anyway so I’ll take you home.”
Isabel resisted the urge to kick him in frustration. “Alex, you just don’t want me to drive your car. Please just give me the keys and get a ride home with Max.”
“This party is dead Iz. I’m ready to go now and Max isn’t going to want to leave until Maria does. So come on.”
Kyle spoke up then. “You can ride with me man. I’m about ready to leave as soon as I find Tess.”
Isabel didn’t give Alex time to answer. She yanked the keys out of his hand and ran off. Kyle laughed at the shocked expression on Alex face. “Guess you’re riding home with me and Tess.”
“Yeah looks that way.” He shook his head then sat back down. “Okay let’s finish our game.”
“Same stakes?” Kyle said putting his elbow in position.
“Yeah. I win, then you stop pursuing Isabel. You win, then I stop hounding you.”
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Isabel walked up to Tess and opened the car door for her. “Almost had to wrestle Alex for these.”
“Sorry to cause so much trouble.” Tess whispered.
Isabel looked into her tear-streaked face. “It’s no trouble at all Tess. I just wish you would tell me the names of the jerks that did this to you. If I could get my hands on them right now they would so regret hurting you.”
“Please Isabel, I don’t want to talk about it.” Tess begged.
Isabel sighed. “Okay I won’t say anything.” She started up the car. “So Kyle says that your parents aren’t home. Do you want to be alone.”
“Not really could I crash at your place?” Tess asked hopefully.
“Yes but first we’re stopping by your house to get you some clothes.”
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“Michael what are you doing dancing with this nobody?” Liz shouted over the music.
Maria turned and stared at her arch nemesis. “Who are you calling a nobody you bitch?”
Michael laughed. “Ladies, ladies, let’s not fight. There is plenty of Michael Guerin to go around. Besides Liz you went off and left me to continue your fun so I was just dancing with Maria to fill the time until I could have you back in my arms.”
Maria gasped at his callous remark. “You jerk. You were just using me?”
Liz grinned evilly. “You didn’t actually think my man would be interested in your? Why go for a plain cheese pizza when he could have the supreme?”
“A supreme slut is what you are. And as for you Michael Guerin you’re nothing but a conceited ass. The only people who are interested in you are yourselves.”
With that said Maria walked off.
