Knives and Nightmares

Chapter 2

The cool autumn breeze made me shudder as I walked to school. I wasn't ready for Annie's constant torment, the pain her and her 'friends' caused me, both mentally and physically. The harsh shoves in the hallways, bruising my arms and chest, the 'go die' notes in my locker. I sighed and kept my head down as I walked, ashamed to me me. To be Melanie Foster, living with a drunken mother and a dead father. I huffed, realizing there was no way to change any of that.

My thoughts consumed me, and before I knew it, I was arriving at the school only minutes later. I gazed up at the huge white building, the bricks chipped and filled with Illegible graffiti. In through the double doors I went, walking into the crammed hallways. I kept my head down, like I always did, pretending not to notice the awkward glares at me. The whispers that swirled around my head

'There she is'

'Didn't her dad die or something'

'Ew, look away'

The varsity team populars passed me, all rolling their eyes and groaning in discust. I looked at each of them individually, watching their proud faces, a boy with brown hair and emerald eyes caught my eye. He was different, he didn't laugh or scowl, but smile empatheticlly. I knew exactly who he was, he used to be my best friend.

'Connor' I whispered to myself, hearing his name made my skin tingle. Each time I see him, a new memory pops into my mind, reminding me of who he used to be, who we used to be.

I looked again as he passed, his varsity jacket looked brand new, white and purple, complimenting his eyes. A giant 'C' was on his shoulder. The school looser loved the captain of the football team. I sighed and continued on to my first class-geography. I took my seat beside Liz ,her blue eyes crinkled while she smiled as she saw me. She was the last I had. She had her hair straightened and in her eyes. Suddenly, Liz's eyes became cold and sharp. I almost knew what it ment, it meant I would be tortured once again. I jumped as I felt a tap on my shoulder. The fake nails softly brushing my skin, it felt so unnatural. I cringed. I had a faint idea of who it was. To my absolute horror, it was Annie. Annie holding my note book that held more then just notes. Lots of scribbles of hearts and Connors name, as well my favorite quotes lined every free space.

Connor my best friend in elementary, back then, he was kind of a nerd, his eyes caught my attention then- and now. But everything changed when eighth grade came around, when he discovered his amazing football talent- when he became popular. The word made bile rise in my throght.

I couldn't stand any of them, the 'populars' the way they put others down, the way they carry themselves, it made me sick. But worse, the people who sit and envy them with everything inside of them. Since that year, I have been stuck staring at him from the back of the class.

I don't have the courage to talk to him at all. Opposite of Annie, his girlfriend. Or so she says.

I watched Annie stand up on her chair, to present her findings to the rest of the class.

"NOO!" I screamed. "Please Annie. The phone calls, humiliation, torment, isn't it enough?!"I pleaded.

"No," she replied her bluntness shocked me. "it isn't enough" something inside of her screamed at her for not hurting me more, I could tell. She averted her attention the the rest of the class, who's eyes were glued to her. Girls eyes filled with envy, boys with shock. Her body made everyone want to be her.

"Hey guys!" She grinned at Connor, who rolled his eyes and looked back to his friends, trying so hard to avoid her.

"I have this amazing book, its Melanie's. There's so much in here. Connor come here and see!" her voice was so cold, ice shards shot at me.. She glanced at me with a devilish grin, she knew Connor would come, her grey eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"No, Annie, please!" I begged one last time.

I tried to grab my book. She held it high, and with her high heels, she was simply too tall.

She glanced at Connor and held out a slender finger, motioning for him to come here. He stood up slowly;

"STOP!" I screamed, I took one last glance at Connor, he looked shocked, tears were welling up in my eyes. I couldn't let the class see me crying so I ran out of the room. I stopped when I heard Liz scream back at Annie,

"Come on Annie! I can't believe you would go so low. You disgust me!" Her rampage continued, but I tuned it out and continued walking towards the exit.

I had to get out of there. I would go home, see Charlie, watch a movie, maybe make some popcorn. I returned to earth, I was feet away from the door, I heard the classroom door slam shut.

I quickened my pace as I heard footsteps behind me. It wasn't high heels, I exhaled, relieved there was no way it could be Annie. With everything inside of me, I hoped it was Liz. I quickened my pace again as the footsteps behind me sped up. I was sure it wasn't Liz, she would have called after me by now.

'It's probably one of Annie's minions' I scoffed silently.

"Mel, please stop." He said.

I froze. It was Connor. He caught up to me and put his hand on my shoulder. His touch brought back so many memories, I wanted them back, but he didn't.

"Don't let her get to you," he said. I wanted so badly to turn around and see his beautiful eyes. I wanted to tell him it's too hard, but I knew I couldn't.

I didn't want him to see me like this. My eye liner was probably smeared into black streaks across my face.

"Look at me, please?" he pleaded.

"No, I can't. I probably look terrible. Isn't the torture enough for you? Haven't I been embarrassed enough?" I whispered.

I wondered if he would find me revolting. Why was he coming back to me? He's the one who left me for years, it's been so long. This is such a sick joke. It seemed as if he just wanted me to turn around so he could snap a picture. I still didn't move. He held me in place as he walked around me, forcing me to look at him. I turned beet red as he looked into my eyes, tears still flowing down my cheeks.

"Don't cry, you're strong. It's one of the many things I love about you," he whispered.

'Love' is that what he just said? why would he love me! he left me.' Thoughts raced through my head. I couldn't help but wonder what he meant. I looked back into his eyes; he looked serious, and truthful. It confused me.

The bell rang and the hallways started to flood with students chattering to their friends about homework and their plans for the upcoming winter holidays. Suddenly, the noise all stopped. I felt people staring at Connor and I.

"You should leave, you don't want to ruin your reputation by talking to me. Plus your girlfriend will freak," I whispered embarrassed.

"What? I don't care about what people think! And who's my girlfriend? Guess I didn't get the memo." He tried to joke.

I looked back into his eyes "What about Annie? Aren't you and her-"

"ANNIE?!" he screamed "you're kidding! Is that what she's telling people now? Well, it doesn't matter. I have my eye on someone else."

I stared at him, confused. He wiped the last tear from my eye

"hey," he said, "smile, please?" I looked back to the ground and shook my head.

"Too much has happened lately," I whispered.

"I'll make you smile, even if I have to force you," he chuckled. I looked back at him wondering what he was thinking about.

"This isn't over!" he declared as he walked away, carefully slipping a note into my hand. I spun around and watched him leave. I looked at the note filled with his messy hand writing.

Meet me in front of your house at four thirty if you know what's good for you!

-Connor

I smiled at the note. Should I? Is this some sort of joke? I wondered. Maybe I shouldn't, but what if he's telling the truth?