PHONIEX

Phoenix

Lizzie kicks me again. And again, and again. At this point, you think I would be used to the physical abuse I endure daily. But at least it isn't as bad as yesterday. She served me 4 kicks to the stomach and today it was only -

Okay maybe things aren't improving. Honestly though, I don't think I can blame her. She hates me, and so do the rest of the people in this dreaded small town found in South Carolina. I did start the fire after all. I am the one with the scar left on my face for the entire town's enjoyment. To them it is my punishment and I agree. I deserve it. Maybe I do deserve the abuse. It doesn't matter either way. It's not like anybody cares about what happens to me even though they all know about it. But it's fine. I deserve it.

"You are nothing" she spits in my face before leaving me alone on the bathroom floor. Slowly I sit up grimacing when the pain makes itself known. I stand and carefully make my way over to the mirror trying not to cause more stinging than is already there.

I pull my shirt up just enough to see the bruise that has already started to form. Normally I try my best to avoid mirrors, but I want to see how bad the damage is. Black and purple splotches are going to me my new skin tone if Lizzie keeps this up. Normally she doesn't kick this hard, but tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the accident. Dropping my shirt, I try to fix my appearance to the best of my ability hoping no one will notice even though they will all know by lunch either way.

Just as I walk out of the bathroom someone nearly sends me back to the ground that I lay on a few seconds ago. I can't help but stare at him wondering who he is. In a small town, everyone knows everyone, which is partly why I'm so famous! But I have never seen this boy in my entire life.

"Hey, are you ok? It sounded like someone was in pain in there." He is still standing in my way with what seems like no intention to move.

"Yeah, I'm good. You must be imagining things." I rushed out trying to look anywhere but his face. He pauses for a moment not saying anything before he steps out of my way, and I practically run to class. Right as I reach the door, I realize I still don't know who that kid is. Drawing in deep breaths I walk into class and make my way to my seat in the back of the room and the bell rings. When I get settled in my seat the door slams shut and in walks Mr. Mystery Person.

He looks around the room before he sees me. His gaze flicks to the seat next to me that no one sits in. It is too close to me. Infact, all the seats that border mine are empty. He strides towards the seat on my right and plops himself in it. Then the door opens again and Mrs. Hampson walks in. She nearly trips when she sees that someone has decided to sit next to me today. Mrs. Hampson is one of the teachers here that finds a particularly large amount of joy in tormenting me. I'm not very fond of her either but at least I don't bully her.

"Last night was nice outside; perfect night for a fire," Mrs. Hampson states loudly. I could already see where this was going before it even started. "You have behaved lately. Right Rayne?" The room breaks out in loud laughter. Oh yes, the greatest joy of all. Making fun of me.

"I'm surprised she couldn't do more to put the fire out. I mean her name is Rayne for Christ's sake!" I lower my head, my cheeks flushing. They are right. I should have done more. I didn't do enough, and it is all my fault.

"That seems a bit rude don't ya' think?" a voice says. My head snaps up as I lock eyes with the mystery kid from the bathroom. What is he doing?

"She deserves it. She knows she does," Mrs. Hampson barks out in her signature snarky tone. "I'm just saying what everyone is thinking."

"Exactly. Thinking. If no one has said it yet, it is for a reason." Mystery dude is staring Mrs. Hampson dead in the eyes. This kid has some serious sass.