The Distance Between Us (I fell in love with my bully)

g in the afternoon sun. Drivers stood by, waiting to whisk their charges away to their respective destinations. Patrick and Victoria were already settled into the backseat of their

iew mirror. As the driver pulled over, Victoria signaled to Zoe to enter the car, a warm smile on her face. But to everyone's surprise, Zoe hesitated, her eyes fixed on the car as if uncertain about getting in. ''I'm fine, really,'' she said, her voice firm but polite. ''My house isn't far from here. I can walk.'' Victoria's expression turned cautionary, her eyebrows rising in concern. ''Don't be silly, Zoe,'' she said, her voice gentle but insistent. ''It's no trouble at all. Get in, and we'll drop you off at your house.'' Zoe's eyes met Victoria's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, with a slight nod, Zoe relented, opening the door and sliding into the seat beside the driver. As she settled in, Patrick's gaze fell on her, his eyes narrowing in disdain. ''Make sure your dirty shoes don't stain the car,'' he said, his voice dripping with condescension. Zoe's eyes flashed with embarrassment, but before she could respond, Victoria intervened, her voice sharp and authoritative. ''That's enough, Patrick,'' she said, her eyes blazing with anger. ''The state of the car is not your business. You don't wash it, you don't take care of it, and you don't do any other chores at home. So, maybe you should just focus on your own mess instead of worrying about Zoe's shoes.'' The car fell silent, the only sound was the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing of cars outside. Patrick's face turned red with anger, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on the window as he stared out at the passing scenery. Victoria's gaze never left his face, her eyes daring him to say another word. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts. Zoe, sensing the unease, looked away, her eyes fixed on her laps. She felt a pang of gratitude towards Victoria for standing up for her, but she also felt a s