Broken

Chapter 13

As I walked through the hallway I avoided eye contact with anybody. I was sure I had huge eye bags under my eyes which I had concealed with way too much eyeliner making me look a little ridiculous.

I opened my school bag to pull my books out and stuff in my locker when my eyes caught that small note. I took it out slowly and re-read the words from my mom.

I LOVE YOU RONIQUE.

I exhaled softly and my mind wandered back. After yesterday night I was surprised to wake up to a well arranged house, the whole place looking like they wasn't any damage at all the night before.

I felt guilty for not helping my mom out cause I knew it was a whole lot of work to do. I called out her name but it was obvious she was out early.
When I went into the kitchen to grab what to eat, I saw she had already made breakfast for me. I just sat down and looked at the well set table. I knew all I said yesterday was true but considering the manner and names I called her I didn't ever think I would wake up to this.

I suddenly lost appetite, I had wanted to turn and leave when I saw a note peeking out of under the plates, I took it up and read.
That was the note I was holding now. I had wiped the corners of my eyes not wanting to cry and I left the breakfast untouched.

"Hey." Someone said jolting me from my memories and startling me. I turned it was Nina.
She looked amused at the way I jumped.
"Who else would I think would appear like a ghost." I rolled my eyes.
She chuckled. "What's that?" She said referring to the note I still held.
"Nothing." I swiftly moved it to my back pocket, took my books out and locked my bag inside my locker.

I turned to see she was watching me.
"What?" I blurted out.
She smirked. "I have physics now, see you around." She prattled and left.
I wondered what that was about.
I turned to make my way to class when my eyes met that familiar light brown hair in it's signature curls.
The events of last night immediately enveloped me and I could feel regret wash over me.

I knew I had to apologize but I just didn't know how to start. Would he even want to talk to me? I seriously doubt that.
When I felt his eyes turning my way, I swiftly covered my hood and left hurriedly. Maybe I wasn't ready to face him yet.

I avoided Paxton throughout classes. I felt a little bad he too kept his distance away from me but I couldn't blame him, could I? All I did was push people away.

"What is wrong with you?" Nina's voice echoed in my ears.
I turned to her, she was biting down her hamburger with her eyebrows furrowed together. I looked away.
She had dragged me down to the canteen to have lunch with her.
"Nothing." I muttered.
"Oh Spare me that Ronique! You've been off since today, look, you haven't even touched your cheese rolls plus you haven't told me what's up with your ridiculous eye make over." I could sense disgust in her voice.

I pinched myself internally for being to close to Nina that now she even reads me like a book. Like no one could ever know when I was off cause I never showed. I was really becoming soft. I cringed.

"And look who's here?" She smirked. "Maybe I could call him over to lighten your grumpy mood."
I looked up just in time to meet Paxton's eyes, I averted my eyes immediately.
"Shut up." I said through gritted teeth to Nina.
"What?"
I released my breath. I really didn't know I was going to be telling her this.

"I think I did something really bad to him."
She scanned me. "And what's that?"
"I was pissed off and I said shitty stuffs."
"Did he piss you off?" She snarled like she was about to walk up to him right now and punch him hard in the face for hurting me.
"No." I shrieked, I was getting fraustrated cause it was the other way round and my mom's crying sobs over the phone rang in my ears.
"But you took it out on him?" She said more calmly now.
I swallowed. "Yes."
"You have to apologize girl." She said as she folded her arms and rested on her chair.
I sighed. "I know."
She threw her arms in the air. "Then what are you still waiting for?"
"I will do it later Nina, let's just dropped it."
She shrugged. "Fine. But damn girl! He has really taken a toil on you. Look how you look like hell just cause he's mad at you." She smirked.
I glared at her which made her laugh.
"I'm not joking girl, look at you."
"Will you drop it already?" I almost growled.
She took her hands up. "Sorry for pointing out the truth sweetheart." She smirked.