the royals ✅

chap 3: makeup doesn't make you pretty

 Max is the one who breaks the silence, "Let's go on board" His words pull me out of my thoughts and back into reality. Parker hit her. Physically touched her. Left a hand print on her cheek. It takes time for it to sink in, time for me to absorb it. It seems easy to grasp. But it isn't. In all our time together, he had never touched me.

She feels a flurry of emotions fly through her. And then, she sighs, "Actually, I think that it's a better idea if me and Blair go back to my house" I say through gritted teeth. I hate her, I truly do, but I understand that she needs space. I'm not someone she can talk to because I will never pretend to understand or care. Because I don't care. She's a victim of her own actions, her own choices, and I'm not here to remedy that. But I can give her somewhere to stay away from prying eyes. I would never want to be a victim to such abuse, and I can understand if she doesn't want to be around everyone.

Everyone else will question her. But I won't because it's not in my interest to make Parker a better person or help Blair. All I want is to know I did something stop an abusive situation. Even if I'm not going to intervene further then this. Eric and Max flash each other looks, making it clear they don't think that's the best idea. Max is usually more receptive to me, but judging by the look in his eyes, he's high. And more then that, he isn't thinking clearly. Otherwise he would likely side with me.

Max is the one who finally is bold enough to speak,"I don't think that's a good idea" Max says matter-of-factly with a look at me. I can't decipher but at the same time, I don't care. Max remains high 70% of the time. If anyone has a right to judge, it's me. I have every single right to judge him. His words come out in a slur, and he chuckles slightly. It's not my fault his mother puts so much pressure on them. It's not my fault he's chosen to resort to drugs. I am a better person then Max, and while I don't have many morals, I don't drink religiously, and neither do I use drugs religiously. Usually, I get along with Max well, but some issues, we disagree on. And when he is not high, he is a much better person.

Silence descends upon them,"I want to go with her" A voice says, breaking through my silence at his response. I don't even know what to tell him, or how to argue with him. It's Blair. I cross my arms victoriously, giving Max a smirk in return. He doesn't even look at me, instead, is staring at Blair.

Eric's gaze flickers to hers, "Are you sure?" Max asks, a concerned look dotting his features. Eric is standing, arms crossed, staring off into the distance. It's obvious that he has more pressing issues on my mind, and I would pay good money to know what. I may not want to be with Eric, but that's more out of self-preservation then not enjoying his company.

I could have easily spent the rest of my life with Eric. I've just chosen not to. I don't trust him enough to put my faith in him. And now, Adonis is my go-to person. And even right now, here, I know how hard it will be for me to leave him at the end of this summer. It's been such a short period of time, but we've clicked. Simple as that.

Blair wipes her face, wiping off the tears streaming down her cheeks, "Yes" Blair finally responds, and her voice is firm, leaving no room for argument. Max seems to understand she doesn't want to be pressed on the issue, and he's finally silent. He glares at me, a piercing glare, and more then that, I know what it is. He's warning me to not do anything. He doesn't think I can maintain my kindness for long.

Eric cuts in, clearly over this situation. He doesn't care enough to intervene more, "Alright, well, we'll going to go back on board. Are you sure you don't want to meet everyone?" Eric asks, a slight smirk rising on his face. He knows how much I hate every single one of them. How much I hate everyone on that fucking ship.