From Knives to Pens

From Knives to Pens - Chapter 5

A/N: Just a note of warning that this scene does contain some events that might cause some readers distress. It involves reference to cutting and the last thing I want is to cause people distress by writing about it. If you wish to skip out this chapter because of this scene I don't mind but this chapter is quite vital to the storyline. I will summarise what happens in this chapter in my note before the next one just in case some readers decide not to read this particular chapter.I hope it's ok and please notify me if there are any problems with what I have written. Ciara x

Chapter 5 Willow’s P.O.V:

I’m woken by the sound of the front door closing. I check the time, 15:30. It must be Zack. I get up slowly not wanting to hurt my ribs. Before going downstairs I check my appearance in the mirror. The cuts have started to heal but I still look a mess. Great. I can’t cover them up but I need to talk to Zack. He’s going to know something’s up. Better get it over and done with.

I walk to the stairs slowly, wincing when my ribs begin to hurt. I see Zack sat on the sofa watching the TV. Trust him to turn on the TV as soon as he comes in.

“Hey Zack.” I say and he looks up. I hear him gasp and he comes rushing over to me.

“What happened?” He asks taking my hand. I lead him to the sofa and sit down. He sits opposite me, his worried green eyes frantically searching my face. “What did you do?”

I think fast. “I fell Zack, it’s nothing to worry about. It was my fault, I wasn’t concentrating.” I force myself to smile. I hate lying to him but I know if I tell him the truth he’ll start to worry. He might think I’ll go back to the way I was…

“Are you ok? You look sore!” He exclaims. My brothers grown up a lot since Dad’s accident and I smile. Dad would be so proud of him. My chest begins to hurt thinking about Dad so instead I answer Zack.

“I’m fine honestly. I just need to rest tonight and I’ll be fine tomorrow.” I say trying to convince myself as much as Zack. Zack isn’t fooled but he decides to let it go.

“Ok.” He mumbles and he turns back to face the TV. I watch it with him for a bit before I ask him what’s been playing on my mind for a while.

“Zack how was school?” I ask it quietly not knowing if he will answer or not. He looks at his hands and chews his lip. Oh no.

“Zack what happened?” I ask searching his face. His eyes are clouded with tears. “Did they say anything Zack?” My voice gets louder due to the anger that is stirring in me.

“I didn’t mean to… It just happened…” Zack mumbles. What the hell is he on about?

“Zack what are you talking about?” I ask, confused. He doesn’t look up but continues to fiddle with his hands.

“I just got angry and… I couldn’t take it any longer.” He says but his head stays downcast. I turn him to face me. I tilt his chin up so he looks at me. He doesn’t resist.

“Zack just tell me.” I say in a soft voice. He takes a while and just as I start to think he’s not going to answer he does.

“I hit him.” Zack all but whispers. I let go of his chin and sit back against the sofa, in shock. Zack did what? I must have misheard him. He wouldn’t have done that.

“You didn’t did you?” I whisper watching Zack’s face. A tear slips out and he nods. I take a sharp breath. “Why Zack? Violence?! Remember what Dad said? Violence is never the answer, it only escalates the problem!”

“I know Willow, I know but I was really angry and it… just happened I guess.” He shrugs and looks down cheeks reddening. He bites his lip. I don’t know what to say. I’m one of those people who doesn't believe in violence and think it solves nothing. I know deep down Zack isn’t like that either.