13 Amelia's pov " Are you mad at me ? " I winced as we came to a screeching halt on the driveway to the house . Dad glared at me and opens the door , getting out without a word . Growing frustrated at his silence , I grasp the bag and throw the strap over my shoulder while stepping out of the vehicle . You know I am not to be blamed for this ! I wasn't the one who threw the water . Can you believe that Dayna didn't even receive punishment too- I stopped abruptly when dad whipped around . Shit . He's really mad . " You should have told me you were being bullied ! " He snapped , turning back around to continue his path to the door . I followed after him and let out a snort . " Bullied ? I don't consider this bullying when I can handle myself ! You should have seen her face- I bit my tongue when dad sent me a sharp stare that told me to not dare finish my words . I smiled sheepishly and followed after him into the house . " Look , I am okay . I handled it . " I sighed , throwing the bag on the couch . He plops down on the cushion , his face in his hands as he groans . " You could have been in more trouble than this Amelia . You don't know how far a girl like Dayna could have gone . " He rubs his hands down his face and my brows join into a furrow . " A girl like Dayna ? " He sighed , nodding . " Girls like her would go to the extreme just to have the upper hand . You can't trust her to go easy on you . " I scoffed . " I know girls like her , I can handle her . " He shook his head . " You don't Amelia , you don't know girls like her , " he rose up and approached me . He took my hands in his hold and squeezed , his worried eyes on me . " Look , please stay away from Dayna and her friends . Keep your distance and don't cause any trouble . This is for your own safety Amelia " My brows furrowed even more , confused by the way his tone had taken on a pitch of unease . But I didn't want to question him any further seeing how he looked so concerned . So I nod and he let out a sigh of relief " I'm going to start on lunch The principal gave you a pass for the day but that doesn't mean you can go about punching anyone young lady . " His eyes narrowed as he pointed a finger at my face I grinned proudly . " It was a nice right hook . " I shrugged . " It was only right to give her my best gift too He let out a cough and chuckle . " Just don't let it happen again " He patted my shoulder and began to walk away " I'm sorry but I can't promise that , " I said truthfully , causing him to stop and turn around with a warning glare " Amelia 1 shook my head " I was never one to back down and have anyone walk over me I grew up with my mom alone , no dad to protect me " Giovanni flinched but I continued " She taught me how to survive in this world . To not take shit from anyone , " my lower lip wobbled as I remembered her " I can't disappoint her . Not now , " I shook my head as I swallowed the lump in my throat " Not ever * Giovanni stared at me silently and tore his eyes away with a nod " She raised you well I nod " She did " Giovanni returned his gaze to me , his concerned eyes dancing on my face . " You still need to be careful with Dayna and her friends Amelia Stay away from them I nod to ease his worries . " That I will promise . " +25 BONUS With a grateful smile and a comforting squeeze on my shoulder , he leaves to head to the kitchen while I head upstairs to clean up . " Amelia , " I looked up from the books I scattered on the bed to stare into my father's eyes . He's in the doorway , leaning against it as the sunset glow from the crack open window , casting over him with warmth . " Hmm ? " I bit on the end of the pencil as I waited for whatever he has come over here for . " Get properly dressed . We are joining my boss for dinner with his family tonight . " My eyes widen as I scurry off the bed . " Your boss ? " He nodded , looking serious . " It.may be a long dinner . " I swallowed . Dinner with his boss and family ? His bushy brows furrowed as he seems to pull himself into thought . " He actually has a son your age , perhaps in your class . You may know him . Raiden . " My heart drops in the pit of my stomach and the sudden wave of nausea hits me like a brick to the gut . My eyes widen in horror , hoping , praying he was not referring to the Raiden I know . " Raiden ? As in black hair , really tall , piercing green eyes , bully- " Bully ? " Dad cut in confused . I laughed nervously , looking away . " Sorry I may be confused . " Swallowing I looked away , awkwardly scratching my head . " Is this dinner tonight ? Are you sure ? " " Yes Amelia , I am very sure the dinner is tonight , " dad responds with a tone of confusion . I coughed . " Sorry I can't make it , I feel unwell . " " Really ? " He questioned with surprise and concern , moving away from the door and stepping further into the room toward me . I begin to panic as I remember that Giovanni is supposedly a doctor . re " Just a little tummy ache . " I made a show to " It's nothing serious ! " I blurted out , turning around to avoid his worried stare place my hand on my belly , letting out a little grunt I won't be winning an Oscar this year or the year after that that's for sure " Amelia , " Dad sighed " We may not have known each other for long yet , but I can tell that you're lying straight through your teeth Come on get ready , we leave in the next ten minutes "