From Knives to Pens

From Knives to Pens - Chapter 3

A/N: Thanks for the reads everyone! I really appreciate it! Tell me what you think of the story so far and heres the third chapter. Ciara x

Chapter 3 Willow’s pov:

I don’t know how long I stay like that, curled up in a ball with the rain pelting mercilessly down on my sore body. I think I’m in shock. We only want a bit of fun…

I open my eyes and see nothing but water everywhere. Red coloured water. I try to sit up but gasp in pain. Moving hurts. I can’t stay on the floor forever though, I have to get up. My bag is on the floor next to me, soaked through. Great, all my work is ruined.

Through the pain I manage to get to a sitting position. I take note of my surroundings. I’m on a deserted street with a few houses on it. The houses look dark and grungy. I don’t think it’s uncommon for a body to be led on the floor bleeding on this street. I need to get away from here. I hug my stomach and try to get to my feet. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts I manage to get up. My head starts to spin and I grab the lamppost next to me to steady me. I don’t know if I’m going to make it home.

I pick up my bag with difficulty. Tears spring to my eyes due to pain and the shame of letting those men do this to me. I start to walk back the way I was chased. I can’t move very fast as every step I take sends pain shooting across my ribs.

I get back to the school but I don’t go in. I can’t when I look like this. I need home.

***

I get home without incident. I get a few stares and gasps along the way but no one stops to help me, they just whisper to their companions. People are so caring these days. By the time I reach the front door I feel like I’m about to pass out. I collapse on the sofa and gasp in pain.

After a few minutes I decide that it’s best that I get upstairs and clean up. I don’t want to see what they’ve done to me, but I know I’ll feel worse if I don’t.

Laboriously I make my way to the bathroom. I stand in front of the mirror and gasp when I see my reflection. I’m a mess. My face is covered with cuts and my hair is a tangled, soggy mess. Dry blood covers my cheeks. My makeup is non-existent. My eyes are bloodshot and teary. Gingerly I pull my top up not wanting to look but having to assess the damage. Tears overflow from my eyes when I notice how much damage they have inflicted.

I’m purple and blue. Everywhere. I have a few minor cuts and marks but I can’t get over the bruising. God it hurts. And the shame is almost unbearable. I sink to the floor and put my head in my hands. I collapse in tears. How could I have let this happen?

After what feels like ages I brush away the last of my tears. I need to clean up. I push myself up from the cold tiled floor and avert my eyes from my reflection. There’s no way I want to see that again.

It’s time to think rationally. I need to text Zack, let him know that I won’t be there to meet him after school. I hope he can make it home by himself. There’s no way I can go out looking like this.

I send him a quick message telling him I was ill in school and I won’t be waiting for him after school. He texts me back a minute later telling me that its fine and he hopes I feel better soon. My heart floods with guilt at lying to him and leaving him at his time of need. There’s no way I could tell him the truth though. He would get worried and do god knows what.

There isn’t a way I can keep this from him forever though. I have to look after him and Mum. Mum…

Oh shoot I forgot she was in the house. Crap crap crap. Hopefully she was asleep and didn’t hear me come in… or my tears. Please don’t let her have heard! I don’t need Mum to see me like this.