MANIPULATED

Reggie

"What happened to your lips, Alexia?" I asked as I noticed the swollen part of her lips. She had been trying to hide it, but now? I could see it.

She quickly bowed her head, but then she remembered Angelica's task. Alexia raised her head and stared pitifully into my eyes.

"I had an accident." She inched close and placed her head on my chest, sobbing. Of course, she wouldn't tell me she got that from the slap Angelica gave her.

She hugged me and slowly used her hands in caressing my back. As she sobbed, she mustered a smile and nestled her head under my chest, telling me how she was almost hit by a car. I was caught off guard. I didn't know what to do. Tell her sorry or hug her back?

I raised my hands to hug her, but I wasn't sure it was cool.

"So sorry about that…" I gently removed her hands, but she placed them back. I raised a brow… what else should I say?

"Um… Alexia… we are in the office?" I was calm.

She lifted her head, staring deep into my face. "Does it mean we can do