16Ten.
"Mr. Bennett, Landon."
Lindsey kept her voice steady as she slowly stood up from behind the desk, smoothing out her white t-shirt and gray sweats. She looked across the desk to see Mr. Bennett dressed in a perfectly ironed suit. A striped blue tie rested tightly around his neck and on a stainless white dress shirt. The buttons of his black blazer were all done except for the last one on the bottom. Landon was standing next to him, in black slacks and a blue button up with his sleeves rolled up. His white tie was loosened, and his hair placed in his normal faux hawk.
She felt more than awkward in their presence, especially in her current clothes. She felt unworthy under their scrutinizing eyes, forming into suspicious slits. Her heart was pumping on overdrive, and she could've sworn that they heard it.
"Miss Pratt–" Mr. Bennett's voice was anything but nice. His expression was indifferent, but when Lindsey met his eyes, she saw a deep burning fire. His blue eyes that were so similar to Deane's were shaded over by black. "Care to explain what you were doing here in my office?"
She furrowed her eyebrows slightly. She had gotten permission to come in here, Deane had told her to after all. There was no wrong that was committed. It just so happened that she found herself in this predicament. It was a coincidence.
Even with her logical reasoning, she still felt in the wrong. She always felt wrong when she was around Mr. Bennett. Nevertheless, Lindsey tried her best to remain calm so that there were no further suspicions. "I just came to get some pens. But I dropped them and I was… I was in the process of picking them up." She gestured slightly to the few pens sprawled over the carpet.
"Pens?" Landon had an eyebrow raised and his hands were placed firmly in the pockets of his slacks. His eyes were filled with something between amusement and disbelief.
"Yes–" she began to defend herself, but was abruptly cut off.
"Miss Pratt," Mr. Bennett was getting impatient, his voice low to a rumbling growl. He looked at the gold Rolex watch clasped around his left wrist. "Why would you need to come to my office for pens? You can get those anywh–"
"Because I told her to."
She felt butterflies in her stomach when she looked up towards the double wooden doors to see Deane casually making his way in. During the time that she was in Mr. Bennett's office, Deane had showered and gotten dressed. He was now wearing a crisp white shirt, black slacks, and working to fix a forest green pattered tie. In the past few months, she would've never thought that he'd be coming to her rescue.
Her unexpected white knight, a madman perhaps, but a knight in shining armor nonetheless.
Mr. Bennett turned his head away from Lindsey, nodding disapprovingly at Deane. "Son, you know I do not like others in my office."
Thanks for making me sound like a despicable insect Mr. Bennett. Lindsey rolled her eyes.
Deane kept his posture firm and his eyes fixated indifferently. The only part of his body moving were his hands, which were having a difficult struggle with the tie around his neck. "My mistake," he said simply without much care, "Let's go Lindsey."
She quickly knelt down behind the desk and picked up the few pens that had gotten her into so much trouble. The room was deathly silent as she made her way past the two men towards Deane. The tension was so thick it would've needed a machete to cut through.
She gave Mr. Bennett a sheepish head nod although he didn't acknowledge her, "I'm sorry for intruding your office, Sir."
She lifted Deane's large hands and placed the pens gently into them. Then moving her hands to his neck, she quickly adjusted his tie. He placed his hand on the small of her back, pushing her gently out the door. "Goodbye Father, Landon."
He followed swiftly after her, walking down the hall until they were out of earshot. Landon turned his head from the doors, back to Mr. Bennett. He was wiping his forehead with the back of his hand, but other than that he was motionless.
"Do you think she heard us?"
Mr. Bennett gave him a simple head nod of confirmation, his eyes in slits towards the door. "She's going to try to tell him sometime soon."
"What should we do?" Landon's brows furrowed across his face, one in slight confusion over Mr. Bennett's calm demeanor.
A sly smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, "Nothing. He won't believe her."
Before their stroll in the courtyard, Lindsey had changed into a simple white dress and black flats. A warm beige colored pea coat protected her from the slight chill of winter.
She was walking with Deane on a gravel pathway, leading into a garden further away from the mansion. In the farther back was a makeshift waterfall leading into a koi pond. The only sounds came from the flow of water and their light footsteps on the ground. The sun was gradually descending, making its way into the depths, leaving the sky a vibrant orange red.
She gave his hand a little squeeze, further closing the spaces between their intertwined fingers. Her left hand wiped away the bangs from her face as she looked up towards him. "Deane?"
"Yea baby?" He turned to his left, his soft gaze looking down towards her. He moved his right hand over to his left arm and readjusted his rolled up sleeve.
She was quiet for a moment, fighting with herself about what she should be doing. "I have to tell you something–" she hesitated slightly, frowning as she turned her head forward, "–about your dad and Landon."
Deane gave her hand a reciprocating gentle squeeze. He stopped in his tracks and pulled her arm lightly, turning her around to face him. Using his right hand, he picked up her left so that they were looking at each other with both hands clasped.
He gave her a smile, but the look in his eyes was anything but happy. The subject seemed to bother him, and a hint of sadness lurked in the brightness of his blue eyes. "I don't want to talk about them right now."
"But–"
"Lindsey, please." He gripped both of her hands tighter, but in a reassuring way. He slowly stepped closer, eliminating the distance between them. Her heart was pounding, and she so desperately wanted to tell him everything about what she had heard. His forehead pressed gently against hers, "I'm pretty sure you can tell I don't like the subject of my father."
She searched his eyes, confused and concerned. He never really opened up to her, and he was always distant. But she was curious, so she wanted to test the waters. "Why?"
He shook his head gently, letting out a soft chuckle. But he was laugh was directed more at his misfortune than anything actually funny. Deane was silent for a moment, debating his inner demons about whether or not he really wanted to talk about it. He let out a soft sigh, "He's everything I don't want to be. But everyday I'm becoming more like him." He placed his arms around her shoulders and pulled her in closer, resting his chin on her brunette hair. She placed her ear against his heart, hearing the steady drumbeat. "He… hits Mother too, you know..."
Lindsey wrapped her hands tighter around his waist, hiding the look of shock that invaded. She furrowed her eyebrows, but still wanted him to continue. She pondered for a second, thinking of the right words to say when she muffled into his chest. "But you're not like that anymore."
"He always liked Landon more. He didn't have to say it… It was obvious." He sighed slightly as his shoulders slumped, "I spent my whole life trying to get him to tell me that he was proud. Happy for me." He shook his head slightly, chuckling softly in a whisper, "I'm such a pathetic fool."
She didn't respond, but just pulled herself into him. Lindsey couldn't bear to listen anymore. Deane was supposed to be strong, not vulnerable. But he is only human, just like her, with many, many flaws.
She knew she had to tell him about what she had heard, but it didn't seem like the right time at the moment. She didn't want to upset him, especially after he'd finally broken down his wall. She pondered silently when a hoarse cough broke them apart. Deane quickly pulled away, straightening his posture and digging his hands into his pockets.
"Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Bennett has requested for me to go in search of you. It is nearly time for dinner, Sir."
Deane gave a simple nod, his expression back to confident and tough. There was no trace of the sorrow or vulnerability that earlier occupied his eyes. "We'll be inside in a few, Alfred." The butler politely nodded, turning swiftly around and making his way back inside.
He began making his steps back as soon as Alfred disappeared. He never turned back around to acknowledge her, but kept to himself. His wall was quickly rebuilt.
Lindsey hesitated, but nevertheless followed a few steps after.
Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Bennett sat comfortably at the two ends of the table opposite of each other. Lindsey sat next to Mrs. Bennett and across from Kristy, whom she had not seen since the previous night at the party. Deane sat next to Lindsey and Mr. Bennett, but across from Landon.
Even though they were technically sitting next to each other, the dining table was ridiculously large so there were empty pockets of space between them. Deane was at least three feet away from Lindsey, possibly fitting in three more chairs between them.
Not much was exchanged in words, except for some occasional chatter from Mrs. Bennett. Mr. Bennett didn't say much as usual, but when he did, it was directed typically directed towards Landon or Deane. Lindsey had never sat in a more awkward dinner, since dinner at her humble home was normally talkative and carefree.
This was definitely not the kind of life, or family, that she wanted.
She was happy at home, with her own parents.
Lindsey was already finished with her meal, so she was absent-mindedly mashing the rest of her tiramisu into mush. She sighed and looked across the table towards Kristy, who hadn't said a single word to anyone all night. She was surprised to find her friend playing with her food as well, her eyes gazing nowhere else but downwards. In fact, Kristy hadn't even eaten much at all throughout dinner.
"Kris?"
Kristy jolted her head upwards, the soft whisper breaking her away from her thoughts. She looked around, but no one noticed the noise except for Lindsey who was looking directly at her. She gave her friend a gentle smile, but her eyes were occupied with a dark sadness. She placed her fork down on the side of the plate, quietly placing her hands in her lap.
Lindsey returned her not so genuine smile, a look of concern etched across her features. She continued in the same soft whisper, "We'll talk after, okay?" But all Kristy did was give her a hesitant nod, her fake smile slightly twitching.
Kristy could never hide her feelings, especially since she was usually such a happy soul. Her eyes were solemn, threatening to break tears.
Something was definitely wrong.
Lindsey stood outside Deane's bedroom balcony, wrapping a fleece blanket tightly around her shoulders. She leaned against the marble railing looking outwards to the courtyard, waiting for Kristy to meet her.
Deane left after dinner to go back to his office in downtown LA. He had been called in on an emergency, so he left promptly with Landon back to headquarters. Did she ever wonder what Deane was doing? If he was possibly cheating again?
Well… of course. There was no doubt that those thoughts still lingered in the back of her mind. They'll never go away, as much as she'd like to forget them. She didn't trust in Deane as much as she previously had, but she couldn't deny that she had a weakness. After all, she still loved him – and everyone knows how we never really have a choice about whom we fall in love with.
She sighed slightly into the chill, the stinging coldness making her cheeks a rosy pink. She still loved him, and that was exactly why she had to tell him about Landon and Mr. Bennett the first chance she gets. They were plotting something. This time, she'll make him listen. He has to.
It was possible, though, that Deane was a monster before because of Mr. Bennett. He never really spoke to him, other than business. Even then, he never really seemed all that polite or interested in talking to his father. It was evident that he was trying to change, but what if he was still fooling her? She shook her thoughts away, suppressing the doubts into the back of her mind.
Click.
Lindsey quickly turned around, leaning her back against the railing. Her eyes fell upon her broken best friend, who had just closed the glass doors behind her as she stepped into the cold. She walked up to the railing, placing her elbows onto the top and leaning over. Lindsey remained in her position, looking in the opposite direction.
They were quiet for a few moments, listening to each other's steady breathing and the whispering of the wind.
"I miss you, you know. All the time." Kris kept her eyes forward, gazing out into the courtyard. She also had a fleece blanket wrapped around her shoulders, her blonde hair pulled back in a simple French braid.
Lindsey leaned further back into the railing, her arms on top supporting her weight. Her brown eyes glanced upwards at her friend, a soft smile grazing her lips. "I miss you too, but you know you can always call me."
Kristy sighed slightly, closing her eyes shut before turning to her friend. "I do try–" Her voice was soft, filled with regret and heartache. "–but whenever I do, I can't."
"You can't?" Lindsey pondered for a few seconds, leaning her head backwards and letting her brunette hair cascade down the railing. A simple frown traced her pink lips. "What do you mean?"
Kristy shook her head slightly, not responding to her question. She looked back out into the courtyard, clasping her hands together over the edge and fumbled her thumbs together. Lindsey scanned her friend for some answers, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. But her eyes widened as the silence that overcame them spoke everything she needed to know.
"Kristy," her voice was soft but demanding. Her friend didn't respond, so she grabbed Kristy's wrist to turn her around. But Kristy only pulled away, a look of hurt and pain eclipsing her eyes. Lindsey reluctantly let go, pulling her hands into her chest. Her jaw clenched, and her eyes were fierce with anger.
Lindsey attempted to reach for her again, causing Kristy to flinch against her touch. She tried to pull away, but Lindsey kept her grasp firm. "Lindsey, you're hurting me!"
Lindsey brushed off her responses, reaching underneath the fleece blanket to roll up her sleeves. "Oh my… Kristy. Why didn't you tell me?" She scanned the soft flesh that enveloped Kristy's body, discovering circles of yellow and blue pigmentations. She gasped slightly, running her fingers over them before her friend forcefully pulled her arm away one last time.
Kristy's tone was harsh and raw, "It's none of your business." She turned away, facing back into the courtyard. Suddenly realizing her tone, she continued in a regretful whisper, "There's nothing I, or you, can do anyway. But you knew that already."
Déjà vu.
Lindsey edged herself closer, but Kristy didn't move away. Her voice was soft, a simple suggestion, "Leave him."
But Kristy only shook her head, causing a few strands of her blond hair to escape the perfectly made braid. Her lips trembling and her eyes watering, "I-I can't."
Déjà vu.
"W-why?" Lindsey choked out the question, but she already knew why. She went through the exact same thing with Deane. But Kristy didn't want help. She already knew what she wanted, and Lindsey couldn't change the fact that she was going to stay.
"I love him," Kristy's answer was simply disgusting. It reminded Lindsey too much of herself. Lindsey tightened her hands into fists, violently wrapping the blanket around herself tighter.
Déjà vu.
But Kristy continued, her voice soft and gentle. She gave Lindsey a small smile, perhaps a genuine one. She took one of Lindsey's soft hands into her own, and intertwined their fingers. "…and I'm pregnant."
"Pregnant?" Lindsey looked at her best friend, but she only nodded and smiled, perhaps the first real smile she's seen all night long. Lindsey's eyes were wide, one of shock but also one of happiness. "H-how long? And how – I mean – you've been on birth control."
Kristy pondered for a few moments, taking in a deep breath. "About three weeks now. I was on birth control when it happened. But surprises do happen apparently." She shrugged slightly, but Lindsey only gave her a look of disbelief. Kristy gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. As if she already knew what Lindsey was going to ask next, Kristy continued, "No, Landon doesn't know."
Lindsey raised her eyebrows, unease and concern treading along the surface of her brown eyes, "But you have to tell him."
Kristy nodded hesitantly before turning away, "I know."
A/N: Thank you everyone so much for the continuous support. This chapter is eh okay, but hopefully it was still a treat nonetheless.
All my love...