No More Pain...

(21) Date part 1

It's Friday, and for the entire week I've been avoiding Damien and my aunt. I don't even use my phone anymore. That shit still laying where I left it. I just don't feel like being bothered. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my aunt, but I'm scared that he'll try to hurt our small family.

After what Cobi did, we had to move out the house. I had nightmares after nightmares every night in that house. For 4 years I had to take therapy. I was traumatized, and I think I'll always have that fear of men.

"Ms. Mackenzie, your homework?" I was sitting in my last class for the day, math. Which also happens to be a breeze for me.

"Oh, sorry." I handed her my work and she eyed me, "I'll like to see you after class."

Great.

I slumped down in my seat, I eyed the clock seeing that I had five more minutes until the bell rang, and an additional six minutes for me to be out the school gate before Damien sees me.

I've gotten use to walking home, but on Tuesday I swore I was going to die. The bell rang and I sprinted up and sprinted to the door, but of course she catches me.

"Jade?" I looked back at my math teacher, "Yes?" I stood by the door. "I specifically remember telling you to see me after class. Correct?" I sighed.

"Oh, I'm sorry, it's just that, my aunt...well she wanted me home before a certain time so I try my best to get a head start." She peered at me and took off her glasses.

"I must have 'fool' written on my forehead. What's been going on Jade? You don't seem..happy anymore, you certainly don't dress the same anymore. Is it a bad break up with that boy?" I rolled my eyes and shifted to my other foot.

"Look, no disrespect, but I'm fine. And I'd like to go now. I came to school to learn, it shouldn't matter whether I decide I don't want to dress up for three days! Is that okay with you?" I snapped and didn't wait for an answer.

I pushed through the door cursing internally.

Great! Now Damien will surely see me. Thanks a lot Ms. Willis.

Lost in my thoughts I bumped into the last person I expected to see.

"Mara?" I stared at her new appearance. And might I say she looked good; clean. I hadn't seen that Mara in forever.

She stared at me for a moment. "Jade?" She looked down at my clothing in confusion. "Did your hamster die or sum'n? Bad break up? You look horrible." I glared at her.

"Gee, thanks. Really, I do try my best to look this way." She looked back at her friends, "I'll catch you guys tomorrow! Call me tonight Anya!" Her friends nodded and went through the door.

"So, Jade, what's been up? Did you and lover boy break up? Hence your horrible sense of fashion right now?" She did look concerned, but her mouth didn't match her facial expression.

"Why does everyone think we go out? No, we did not break up because we were never dating!" I was getting irritated.

"Uh ah, bitch lose the tude, I will leave you right here stranded. I'm just...worried." She pulled out a napkin, I was confused as to why, until she whipped the tears I didn't even know I had.

"Jade, this isn't like you, what's happening?" She held my hand whipping my tears.

"Cobi."

She gasped and faced me to her. "Is he back? Did you see him? Is he here? How did he find you guys? Matter of a fact, how the heck did he get out?" Of course Mara knew about the situation. It so happened that we were close at the time.