Knives and Nightmares

Chapter 9

I got up early, eager for Connor to come. I looked at my reflection in the mirror once more. My face has changed a little. My eyes look less...dead, and my lips showing a small smile. I'm still much too thin, but that's how I like it. I slowly removed the band-aids from my neck. Under them I saw a red streak. I sighed and picked up my backpack, rushing downstairs to wait for Connor.

I waited outside in the cool early winter air, wearing just a sweater. I stood on the drive way, freezing, waiting for Connor who must be running late. It felt as though Jack Frost was puncturing my skin with razors. My black sweater was much too thin, and I was shivering like a Chihuahua. Finally, he pulled up. I got into his truck.

"We might be late," he announced as we were almost at school. He pulled into the schools parking lot.

I caught a glimpse of Annie coming closer. I quickly got out and hid on the other side until Annie passed.

"Hey Connor!" Annie said as she got closer.

I heard his car door slam shut. Stealthily he looked around for me. She didn't notice.

"Annie," He said in response.

"You know, Connor. You're so... special." She slid towards him.

"I don't care what you think Annie." Connor managed with a fair amount of control.

My fists clenched. I imagined myself punching her, giving her the payback she deserves. I smiled a little at the thought. He's defending me, that's so cute.

I heard Annie grunt. "Well, that's not fair! Do you know how much better I am? How prettier I am? How much smarter? Do you not see how alive I am compared to her?" She question, raising her voice. Her cold eyes locked on Connor. She stayed perfectly still in her black stilettos and tiny pink dress.

Meanwhile, Connors green eyes flared with fury. His fists clenched into tight fists. His knuckles turned white. "You?! She is beautiful. She is smart. You're so fake! She may be less alive than you,but she has a heart!! She cares Annie. She's much better then you!! And of you don't mind. I forgot something in my truck, and your annoying me."

Annie's face turned white as he opened his car door and pretended to look for something. He silently tapped the passenger side door. I tapped back indicating I was behind the car, safe.

"You'll pay for this!" She screeched.

"As long as you don't hurt her, do whatever you like." Connor said calmly looking over his shoulder at Annie.

She left with a grin on her face. I slowly got up, and Connor came around to me.

"Thank you," I whispered and kissed his cheek.

"I meant every single word." His eyes were dancing with delight. A grin was plastered on his face. "Come on, arriving late isn't ideal." He chuckled.

We ran to the school doors and walked in. He stopped. Dead silence. We were late. Connor groaned, and we walked to the principal's office, hand in hand. We stopped when we heard high heels. I held his hand tighter.

"Well, well, well," Annie said.

I turned around. Behind her were familiar faces. Kent, Brock, and Roger. All football players. I had Connor. He spun around and glared at the boys. Their expressions hard, but their eyes showed they were sorry with the exception of Brock.

He was the biggest, and closest to Annie. He held her at her hip. Close. Roger and Kent were a little father back. Their twin faces pale, and matching red hair a mess. They're golden eyes worried and ashamed, standing with their heads down. All four boys wearing their matching Tiger varsity jackets.