vulnerable

17.

a/n: this chapter has references to domestic violence so if you feel uncomfortable please feel free to skip! it's a bit cheesy as well so prepare ya selves 😂. Thank you guys! 💖

The moon was shining overhead, shedding glittery light on the ocean. Stella felt the cold water flow over her feet as she walked in the sand. She listened to the sounds around her: the waves, people talking on the various restaurant patios, kids running around on the beach, and her increased heart beat pounding against her chest. Her eyes twinkled, glancing at Gio, who walked beside her with his dress shoes slung over his shoulder.

"I need to tell you something Stell, before you come to Germany."

Stella wondered what he was going to say... but she knew his suggestion to take a walk after dinner was building up to whatever it was. She wanted to tell him something too. But she stayed quiet, taking in how handsome he looked under the night.

He looked peaceful.

Maybe because he was well-rested again and able to take a break from all the stress in the world of soccer. His lips were tugged in a comfortable grin, glancing ahead at the tall hotels. She caught him moving his gaze towards her, so she quickly looked away.

"Do you wanna sit?" Gio asked, coming to a halt.

Stella shrugged, showing off a half-smile. "Sure."

"You can sit on my shirt." Gio started to unbutton the top layer. Stella blushed, trying not to stare as his fingers popped the buttons out of place. She wondered what his fingers would feel against her own clothes... she shook her head again, looking away in a hinge of embarrasment.

"Thanks, G." She forced out a couple words. Gio laid the button-up on the sand. He was left in a black sleeveless shirt, showing off his muscles. They looked so strong, and glistened with his olive skin. "Let's share though. Your pants will get sandy."

Gio chuckled, but nodded, sitting down first. He pressed his hands behind him, keeping him steady. Stella did her best to sit gracefully, smoothing out her romper shorts once her legs frayed outward. She could feel his warmth beside her, radiating from how close they sat. Leg to leg. Arm to arm. She caught his eye, shooting him a grin.

"Now I won't have sandy cheeks." Gio must've been holding that one in.

Stella couldn't help but belly laugh at his comment. She hit his leg, teasing as they giggled together. It reminded her of when they were young... carefree and full of innocence.

The laughter died down, bringing back a heavy silence. Her eyes met with the moon, tilting her head to the side as she thought. Thought about Gio. Thought about telling him everything. She sucked in a breath, preparing for all the nerves to come crashing down. Her mouth opened-

"I know about Collin."

Stella hadn't been the one to talk, but her mouth didn't close. Gio looked at the sea, locking his jaw into a firm line. She stared at him, shaking her head in disbelief. "Know about what, Gio?"

He let out a shaky breath, "I know what he did... to you."

Stella had the urge to cry. She was going to tell him... she was going to be brave and tell him. Who had told him? How did he find out? Was it Christian? He had promised. Was it Devyn? Apparently everyone knew when she had tried so hard to keep it a secret.

But secrets always come out in the end.

She watched him, looking at her with such empathy. "How?"

Gio's eyes looked almost blood shot as he spoke. "No one told me, Stell. I found out on my own."

Stella didn't have words. She waited for him to continue, holding her knees to her chest. He let out a breath. "I um-" He looked nervous. Anxious. He gritted his teeth, sliding them over his top lip. "I came to Pennsylvania... before you graduated. I had something I wanted to tell you. The same thing I have to tell you tonight."