Silhouette|| Daniel Seavey

4.

ARIAS POV-
The next day, i awoke uncomfortably sprawled out in bed.
I stayed quiet and listen for a moment to listen if my dad was home.
When i heard nothing, i side braided my hair, threw on some clothes, and brushed my teeth.
I noticed two cuts on my right cheek from last night.
Placing a hand on them, i winced.
i cleaned them again before eventually getting on the bus.
The air was crisp with autumn, winter nipping at my skin.
The leaves were colors of red, gold, and brown.
I noticed that some trees were already bare.
The bus pulled up with the smell of fumes and exhaust, the door swung open.
I climbed on, not saying anything.
People looked at me weirdly, like i was a freak for having a black eye.
I breathed in the scent of fumes before sitting in my usual spot near the middle.
I placed an ear bud in both ears and hit shuffle.
Halfway through my bus ride, I turned and looked out into the aisle to see none other than Daniel.
His eyes met mine, and without hesitation, he slid into my seat with me.
He grinned at me and spoke, "I never got your name."
I shied away uncomfortably before almost whispering, "Aria."
"Nice to meet you, Aria." He said and put on his ear buds too.
I swallowed hard and turned to look out the window.
A while later, he tapped my shoulder again.
"Did you do the social studies homework?" he said.
I smiled a little and shook my head.
"Me either." He looked away again.
The bus pulled up to school, and I hurried to my locker to get to homeroom before the hallway got to crowded.
I was walking kind of rapidly when a person stuck their foot out, purposely and tripped me.
Laughter met with my ears.
I looked at her and rolled my eyes.
Picking up my books, I heard another familiar voice.
"Need help?" I looked up to see none other than Daniel.
I shrugged, and he helped me pick them up anyway.
"Thanks," i said quietly before walking back to homeroom.
"Wait! I'll walk with you." He said and caught up with me.
We didnt talk any more after that.
I took my seat, and he took his.
Of course, homework was collected and i was given detention along with Daniel.
I was actually quite surprised that no one else didnt do it.
The day ended, and i found myself in detention.
Daniel took a seat next to me.
A few moments of silence passed by before Mrs Bradley stood up.
"Since you two seem to love detention so much, you will be working on an extra credit project together."
My stomach dropped.
"The project will be on the culture of India."
I felt my face flush and placed my head in my hands.
He could find out about the abuse.
"It will be due in one week."
She sat back down.
"You may talk it over now."
I turned to face Daniel.
He looked at me and said, "When do you want to start?"
I shrugged.
"Can i come over for a few minutes after school?"
I swallowed hard as thoughts raced through my mind.
He could find out.
"Yeah." I reluctantly agreed, and he smiled.
"Im just gonna stop home first, but i'll be right over." He smiled a smile that could make any girl smile right back.
and that included me.
We were eventually dismissed, and I rushed home.
I quickly but not-so-quietly opened and closed the door.
But he was waiting for me again.
His sick smile made me want to shrivel up and never see the light of day again.
He lunged for my throat.
Desparately gasping, I tried to pry his fingers loose.
My attempt failed.
My vision was growing darker, and i was sobbing by this point.
He let go and punched me hard, right on the cheekbone.
I cried out in pain.
"Aria?" I heard from outside the door.
Daniel walked in and paused in his steps.
My dad, laughing, wearing a dirty t-shirt and wild eyes, clearly had been drinking.
Me, trying to stop the bleeding from my cheekbone, sitting awkwardly on the ground, sobbing.
Crying was for the weak.
I guess i was weak.
"And who are you?" My dad slurred.
Daniel's eyes met mine.
"My name is Daniel, and what are you doing to her?" He said and sat down in front of me.
My dad just laughed, hiccupped, and left the room completely.
"Aria," he said gently, running his thumb under my eyes to wipe away my tears.
He brought me upstairs, and watched as i cleaned up my face.
I paused in the midst of cleaning my cheek.
"Um, Aria?" Daniel said awkwardly.
I couldnt help it.
I crumpled to the floor and put my head between my knees.
"Im sorry for ruining your day," i whispered.
Daniel walked over and sat next to me.
"You didnt ruin it."
"Yeah, i kind of did. I hate myself," I blurted and clasped a hand over my mouth.
It was silent for a moment.
Daniel lifted my chin to look at him.
"Listen to me, Aria. You did not ruin my day. Look, here i am, spending time with the most gorgeous girl that i know, learning more about each other." He said and got up, then offered me a hand up.
I took it, but instead he pulled me into a hug.
I breathed in his scent of cologne, and placed my head on his chest.
We stayed like that for a few moments, just enjoying each others company.
He eventually let go of the hug, but his hands held mine.
He mumbled a noise of confusion before letting go of one hand to look at my wrist.
Cuts, fresh and old, scattered down my forearm wrist.
He gasped, "Shit."
Tracing over them lightly, he kissed my wrist before letting go all together.
"Now you know everything." I said quietly.
His sky blue eyes searched mine as he promised, "I won't tell."
Just then, his phone buzzed.
He picked it up and said, "I have to get home, but could i have your number?"
I swallowed and nodded.
I carefully typed in my number for him to save as a contact.
He texted me so that i would have his number too.
"Aria, if you ever need anything at all, just text me, okay?" He said, and i nodded and escorted him out the door.
At the front door, I said quietly, "Please dont tell anybody."
He smiled weakly and said, "Your secret is safe with me."