Compelled By Love

Compelled By Love Chapter Three

Compelled By Love

Chapter Three-Why Are You Running Away?

~Asher

            “Why not Melanie?” I asked, searching her face earnestly.

            “Seriously, Asher?” She clipped, pain filling her eyes. “Every time out family gets really close again, you leave.”

            “Please, one more chance. I won’t let you down again. I promise.” I sputtered, shocking myself. I never beg, ever. Yet here I am, begging.

            “I can’t handle this right now.” She insisted, walking past me—making me feel like a complete tool.

            Mel and I had Eden two years ago. I was young and stupid; I took it all for granted. When I was a kid, I didn’t have a stable household. I lived unwanted in an orphanage twelve years before I started renting the apartment I’m in now. I never had parents to look up to and learn from, parenting is completely new to me, but I’m ready to take it seriously.

-Samantha

            When Asher finished talking to Melanie, he turned to look at me, disappointment in his deep blue eyes. He came up to me and smiled half-heartedly. I automatically knew what had happened.

            “Hey, cheer up. I’ll talk to her.” I assured him, smiling softly.

            “I hope you’re right.” He commented, pulling me into a hug.

-Jessica

            I woke up at five and took a steaming hot shower before forcing myself to eat a bagel. Then, I grabbed a bottle of water and curled my deep red hair before doing my makeup and leaving. Believe it or not, the whole process takes at least two hours. When I got to school, my cheerleading squad was waiting for me while they flirted up jocks.

            “Jess, lookin’ good.” Aaron, the captain of the football team complimented. I half-smiled as I felt my breakfast begin to creep up into my throat. “See you in class!”

            I half-ran to the bathroom, trying my best to keep my composure. It didn’t look like anyone was in there, so I went straight to one of the stalls; my body violently lurching itself forward the moment I got in it. This painfully continued until I didn’t even have bile left. I slowly straightened myself back up and blotted my face with a tissue before flushing and walking out. To my surprise, Aaron’s girlfriend Alina was standing in front of one of the mirrors, glaring at her reflection. I noticed her eyebrow slowly rise and her eyes shift over to me, though.

            “This gets out, I’ll—” I started, stopping once I realized how ridiculous I was being—it’s not her fault I’m anorexic and can’t even hold down a bagel. “Please don’t tell anyone.”

            “Secret safe with me.” She replied, shrugging and looking curiously at me, “How long have you been like that?”

            “Four years and counting.” I answered, sighing and starting to touch up my makeup. “It’s really hard to be a cheerleader here. If I get over a size six, I might as well be five-hundred pounds.”

            “That’s just ridiculous.” She muttered, fixing her eyeliner and downing the last of her energy drink. She’s part of the ‘emo’ group, but unlike most of my preppy friends, I think they’re really cool. Some days I wish I was part of that group. They know who they are and aren’t afraid to show it. Me? I don’t even know who I am.

-Ethan

            “Heh, there’s your little love toy.” One of the guys teased, nudging Aaron and gesturing towards Alina.

            “She’s stupid.” Aaron said with a scowl, “I ask her to bring movies and the stupid whore can’t even do that.”

            “She’s not a whore, Aaron.” I snapped as she looked up at me in shock. “Just because someone isn’t drooling all over you doesn’t mean you can bad mouth ‘em.”

            “Whatever, Ethan.” Aaron muttered, glaring at her as he and the guys left me.

            “Hey, don’t listen to them.” I said, gently patting her shoulder. She winced and I pulled my arm back, “Are you okay?”

            “Look, thanks for sticking up for me and all, but I’m fine on my own, alright?” She said, her eyes telling me something else entirely. I nodded slowly and walked away, a million questions in my mind.

-Alina

            I was walking home from school when someone grabbed me roughly from behind. I glanced up to see who it was, and my eyes met Aaron’s.

            “We’re takin’ a walk.” He said flatly, shoving me into the alley by us and punching me in the collarbone. “So you think Ethan can just step in and be your big protector now?” I shook my head furiously, but he didn’t buy it. “Liar!” His fists flew to my ribs and I sucked in my bottom lip. When he got his fill, he left without a sound.

            When he was out of sight my legs collapsed under me and I winced at the slight movement. I pulled the half-full bottle of vodka from last night out of my bag and just started drinking it to still the pain that enveloped me.

-Ethan

            I was just leaving the school after helping one of the teachers grade their assignments when I saw Aaron come out of the alley and get in his car. I jogged over to the abandoned alley, only to find Alina with a bottle of alcohol; pain all over her features. Anger flooded through my veins and I pried the bottle form her hands, thrusting it at a wall. I’m not sure what came over me.

            “What do you think you’re doing?” She demanded, her eyes returning to stone.

            “Do you know what that does to people?!” I yelled, pointing at the shattered glass. “It DESTROYS families!”

            “Well, you’re in luck. Mine is already in ruins.” She snapped, getting up and glaring into my eyes, “You don’t know me, so don’t pretend like you do.”

            “I don’t. You’re right. Come on, I know Aaron and that’s enough. What are you so afraid of, huh?” I challenged.

            “Who said I was afraid?” She sneered, “If you want to get to know me or whatever, it will take more than some pep talk!”

            “You know what, forget it. You’re so scared of change that you won’t even try to change a thing!” I shot back.

            “That’s not why.” She denied softly.

            “Then why are you running away?” I questioned.