Chapter 13 Claimed by My Bully Alpha Chapter 13 I blinked, my chest tightening at her words. Nice company. No one had ever told me that before. Most people either tolerated my presence or ignored it entirely, and yet, here she was, choosing to sit with me. Choosing to talk to me. I swallowed, suddenly feeling something unfamiliar... and warm settle in my stomach. "I don't think anyone's ever been this kind to me before," I admitted, my voice coming out quieter than I intended. It was a strange thing to say out loud, but I felt like I owed her honesty. That I needed her to understand just how much this small act of kindness meant to me. Caroline's expression softened, and for a moment, she didn't say anything. Then, with a gentle nudge to my arm, she offered me another smile -one that felt real, like she wasn't just being polite but actually wanted to be here. "Well," she said, "maybe it's about time that changed." And for the first time in a long while, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, she was right. The late afternoon sun bathed the field in golden hues, but the warmth did nothing to fill the cold distance between me and the other kids. I sip my drink occasionally, but my gaze shifts between Caroline and Caleb. I have a vague feeling that he is aware of exactly where she is. Finally, she lifted her head and turned those big, questioning eyes to me, her voice quiet but firm. 1 "Why don't you have any friends?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. The simplicity of the question sent a pang through my chest. She sounded more curious than sad, as if she was genuinely trying to puzzle out the answer. I hesitated. There were a thousand different ways to soften the truth, but none of them would erase the reality of it. And Caroline wasn't the type to be fooled by pretty lies. I let out a slow breath and leaned forward, bracing my elbows on my knees. "Because they hate me," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "They hate me for what my father does... the gambling and the constant borrowing of money that he can never return. That's why no one wants to be friends with me." Her brows furrowed slightly, but she didn't look away. If anything, she looked at me even more intently, as if she was waiting for me to take it back. When I didn't, she finally exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "That's not fair," she said, and there was something almost fierce in her voice now. "No child should ever be punished for the crimes of their parents." I swallowed, my throat tightening. "It doesn't matter if it's fair," I muttered. "That's just the way people are." But Caroline straightened her back, her expression determined. "Then I'll be your friend," she said simply, as if it was the easiest decision in the world. I stared at her, my chest tightening in a way I didn't understand. No hesitation. No conditions. Just a statement of fact. For a moment, I didn't know what to say. Then, just as I opened my mouth to respond, a sudden commotion erupted from the field. Shouts rang out, high-pitched and frantic, and our heads snapped in that direction. I saw the students scattered like startled birds, and beyond them, I could see a figure moving towards the field. Caroline was already on her feet, her earlier words forgotten as she turned to me with wide eyes. "What's happening?" I asked, gripping the edge of my sleeve. I had no idea who just arrived on the field, but something in my gut twisted, warning me that whatever was about to happen, it wasn't good. Chapter Comments 9 POST COMMENT NOW Title: ReelTalk Episode 32 - Rekindling Memories with Kiki Frags and Samantha Drews Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing In the latest episode of ReelTalk, two beloved characters from the ReelShort universe, Kiki Frags and Samantha Drews, come together to reflect on their initial encounter and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes. As they delve into their past experiences on set, a wave of nostalgia washes over them, evoking both laughter and poignant moments. Exploring themes of friendship, love, and the unpredictable nature of relationships, this episode provides a deeper insight into the personalities of Kiki and Samantha. Their dynamic chemistry and genuine camaraderie shine through as they reveal untold stories that give fans a peek into the inner workings of their on-screen personas. What sets this episode apart is its authenticity in portraying the complexities of human connections within a romantic context. With humor, warmth, and relatable experiences, Kiki and Samantha's interaction captivates listeners, creating a sense of intimacy that resonates long after the episode concludes. For those eager to immerse themselves in this heartwarming journey down memory lane with Kiki and Samantha, ReelTalk Episode 32 is available to read at CrushReel. Join them as they navigate love, friendship, and the joys of reminiscing about the past in a narrative that is as touching as it is entertaining.