Chapter 15

I frowned to myself, perplexed by the constant negative attention I received from the triplets. It was a mystery why they always seemed to be out to get me. I tried my hardest to keep out of there way, but they always seemed to end up where I was anyway.

Every day seemed like a never ending onslaught of abuse and hatred, all stemming from the brothers. Anna and her group were happy to join in on the attacks, but they all originated from either Nicholas or Cheney.

Determined to shake off their pursuit, I decided to ignore them and took Lily's hand, intending to lead her away from the situation. I turned her towards the front of the gymnasium, hoping to escape into the lobby for a few minutes.

However, my plans were interrupted when the group of girls traveling with the brothers pushed Lily from behind. Giggles and taunts rang out around us.

“Aw poor things, did you trip on something?” Anna laughed, taking pride in her torturous behavior. “You should take better care to watch where you’re going, and who you’re going there with.” She shot a venomous look my way.

I rolled my eyes at her words, already immune to her nastiness. The laughter and talk around me meaning nothing to me. I was passed being humiliated by these girls, they meant nothing to me, but I remained unsure of me feelings about the triplets who ran things around here.

It became apparent to me that the triplets had planned this, with Lily becoming their target out of convenience. She had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. In an act of kindness, Lily had instinctively put herself in my place, moving to shield me from harm, but taking the brunt of the assault on herself.

"Lily!" I yelled, concerned she might be hurt. I was looking over Lily for injuries when I noticed Brain approaching swiftly, extending his hand to help her up. Wynter smiled within me, loving the kindness that Brian was always showing. I watched as Lily blushed, her gratitude evident in her eyes.

A passing thought crossed my mind, Does she care for Brian? As I thought this I could feel a low growl emanating from Wynter in my mind, no longer happy about Brian’s nearness. She did not like Lily’s reaction to Brian at all. I pushed our feelings aside and reached for her.

“Are you ok?” I asked her, shaken by the sudden assault. I didn’t understand why they would seek to hurt Lily, just because she was with me. “Yeah, I’m fine, nothing broken.” She grinned at me and shook herself a bit.

Meanwhile, Nicholas, wore a visibly upset expression, a mix of anger, confusion, and frustration. He seemed bothered by Brain's actions, and the reason behind his distress remained unclear.

Why are they all acting like this? Why do two of them seem to hate me and the other seems to want to protect me? I don’t understand any of this. Why is this happening to me?

I was thinking to myself, but Wynter, ever present, seemed to have an idea. They are torn by how they feel about you. Their pride is taking over. At least with Nicholas and Cheney anyway.

I sighed, knowing she was right, but hating the whole situation. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me as Brain leaned down to me and gently whispered in my ear, “Get out of here.” I smiled up at him and thanked him with my eyes before taking Lily’s hand, leaving the dramatic scene behind.

We made it to the lounge lobby, and hide there. I assumed the brothers would be heading home now. That was their normal routine after a hard practice, go home and swim with their groupies.

“Uh, I’m so sorry Lily. I never meant to get you involved in that.” I hated that she was suffering because of me. “It’s ok, what are friends for?” She smiled at me and we hugged. I was so grateful to have such a good friend by my side.

Just then, the lounge door opened and we heard the group enter the lounge in the room next to us. “Shh.” I held my finger to my lips asking her to remain quiet.

I was terrified that they would hear or smell us and the torture would start all over again. I just needed it to be done for the day.

The room was full of aromatic flowers so I hoped it would help cover my scent. We peaked over the wall separating the lobby from the lounge.

Nicholas dropped his hockey pads in front of Brain. Brain's reaction was nonchalant, seemingly unfazed by the brewing tension. Cheney, though, began to pace restlessly, muttering to himself as if in disbelief.

"This is ridiculous. How is this possible? No... why is she all I think about... this weird fat chick! I hate fat chicks!" Cheney huffed in frustration.

Nicholas seemed concerned by Cheney's behavior, “What’s your problem?” Cheney hesitated, seeming unsure of himself.

“You have feelings for her.” Brian made it a statement and not a question. “We all do, but it’s a primal thing, not a mental one. It’s not something we chose.” He didn’t look at his brothers as he spoke, just leaned calmly against the wall.

Nicholas shifted uncomfortably at Brian’s words, it was clear that he had become unusually susceptible to my emotions and this was causing him distress. This turn of events was inconceivable in the past, before I had moved in with them.

During those times, I’d been told Nicholas had been entirely consumed by his passion for hockey, paying little attention to any woman aside from filling his physical needs.

“You’re right, Cheney, this is ridiculous. It’s all just too much.” Nicholas seemed to be weighed down by his thoughts and emotions.

Both of his brothers looked at him in concern, it was unlike Nicholas to show any kind of weakness or emotion like this.

It was obvious that my presence, for whatever reason, had brought about a shift in the dynamics of their household, triggering unexplainable reactions within the triplets.

The significance of this change remained a mystery to me, and seemed to leave the triplets grappling with their newfound feelings for me, whether they were good or bad was yet to be decided.

I was completely bewildered by the complex dynamics at play, and continued to ponder the reasons behind their actions.

I just couldn't wrap my mind around why she had become the center of their attention or why my presence seemed to affect them so profoundly. Curiosity and a tinge of apprehension settled inside me as I wondered what it all meant.