Cover Your Tracks [HS][2014 VERSION]

41. Pressure

"There's a change in pressure, we're never gonna lie to you . . ."

The day passes slowly and with it my difficulty to pay attention grows stronger. The information that's being pounded into my head seems not so important compared to the thoughts that fill my mind, each one provoking better questions than the ones asked in class. I spend each period dreading the next, only getting a break when lunch time comes around.

I stand alone in line, ignoring the crude remarks and boyish laughter surrounding me. Someone pokes my shoulder in hopes that I will turn and look the wrong way and I cringe, tensing every muscle in my body. The line moves forward and I force myself to move with it, doing my best not to touch anyone or anything in the crowded cafeteria.

The boys behind me have reached my last nerve when I finally grab my food and escape them, venturing off to find my small table of friends. I keep my head down as I walk over and take my usual spot next to Naomi.

"Hey, look who it is."

Numerous gazes burn into my skin as I sit down and raise my head. Naomi is turned towards me, her eyebrows raised with a smirk on full display.

"What?" I ask in confusion, looking around.

"Don't play dumb with me," she tuts. Her drink is placed down, tray pushed forward. She rests her elbows on the table and scoots closer. "Spill."

"Spill what?"

She rolls her eyes and leans forward, whispering quietly. "Oh, come on, Lyza. I could spot that hickey on your neck from a mile away."

My eyes widen. I self-consciously raise my hand to my neck, feeling around for the irritated skin. Sure enough, there is a raised patch in the hollow just above my collarbone.

"Fuck," I curse.

"Fuck is right. What the hell, Lyza? I can't imagine you doing a thing like that. I mean, don't get me wrong- I'm one to experiment, but you? I never thought I'd see the day."

"I thought it would have faded by now," I whisper in embarrassment.

To my surprise, the aftermath of Harry's assault on my skin has yet to heal. The area had suffered the war created by the clashing of fire and ice upon his cold lips coming in contact with my hot skin. The two elements came together to form the purple hue that had tainted my skin so many nights ago. It's art that he created with the intention of my eyes being the only to witness the chaotic creation.

Sharing it with Naomi feels wrong.

"Um, that's..."

"Don't try and hide it; I know what a hickey looks like." She squints her eyes to further observe the purple mark. "Damn, whoever did that got you good."

"Stop," I gush, covering the area with my hand.

She stares at me for a moment and then her face lights up as if an epiphany had hit her.

"Oh, my god," she exclaims loudly. "Did that boy give it to you? The one working his probation off at your ranch, did he do it? Gah, what was his name? Horton? No..."

"Naomi-"

"Hair.. Harry! That's it!"

"Naomi, shut up!" I gush.

"Aww," she coos. "Don't be embarrassed."

I pull her close and bring my mouth to her ear. "It's not about that, Naomi. This could get me in some serious trouble. You know how this town is. Everyone thinks I'm the Chief of Police's perfect daughter. My father cannot find out."