Amelia - jenna mcdougall

chapter 7

"JENNA?" Bens voice echoed through the empty corridor. I tried to raise my head but I was still weak from the beating.

"Ben?" I half whispered, seeing him emerge from round the corner, his face held a look of pure horror and shock.
"OH MY FUCKING JESUS!" He cried running towards me. I tried again to raise my head. That was when he saw the bruises. He knelt down beside me and pulled me up into a sitting position. I felt my eyes well up and I buried my head in his shoulder.
"Jenna. What the hell happened?!" He asked examining my wounds. I shrugged and wiped my nose.
"You remember how I said t-there was this g-group of people I wanted to avoid?" I stammered.
"Yeah"
"This is why" I gestured to my face and back.
"Who was it?!" He exclaimed grabbing my hand. I sniffed and shook my head.
"It doesn't matter, whatever you do it won't help, it will only get worse, for both of us."
He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me tight. I hugged him back before getting to my feet. My back ached and I winced.
"What is it?" He asked supporting me as my legs weakened.
"My back" I said through gritted teeth. I slung my arm around his neck and linked off down the corridor.

* * *

The rest of the day went slowly. And I almost laughed in relief when the bell went, signalling the end of the day. Luckily Ben and I were in the same last class so we were able to walk home together. I was shitting myself about going to Ben's. I mean I know that it was for my own good but I couldn't help thinking what was going to happen to my dad. I kept thinking about what would happen after. I mean u could only stay at his house for so long, until a family member was tracked down. I sighed. Then another thought struck me I was turning 16 next month so maybe I would be able to get a place of my own. My mood brightened at that thought and I walked slightly faster to catch up with him.
"Hey wait up! I'm a cripple!" I laughed.
He grinned then turned serious, "are you okay?"
"I'll live." I punched him lightly on the shoulder, "don't worry, I'm sure the worst is over."
He smiled and threw an arm over my shoulder, "yeah, it is."
We walked like this until we got to his house where he let go to unlock the door.
"At break I brought your bags home so they're already here." He said gesturing for me to enter.
"Thanks you didn't have to, you've done so much for me already."
He silenced me with a shake of his head.
"Come one let's get food."
"There's one thing I have to do first." I said turning around and running back out if the house and towards the cliff. I needs to tell Amelia.