The Alphabet Theory

Chapter 6

 I never knew how to apply a full face of makeup so I couldn't cover up the bruises on my face from my dad, I fell from the vent so I also have bruises from that.

It was already dark out when I got back to my dorm which was depressing. Even though I love Christmas I hate when it gets dark because I can't do anything after too dark.

My face was aching.

My stomach was aching.

My back was aching.

'I'm just going to skip the last two classes.' I muttered to myself.

I had no motivation to go to classes if I was looking like fecking Violet Beauregarde.

'Well, Mr Connolly is a rambler when it comes to history and P.e is useless anyway so you're not really missing out on anything important.' I raised my head from my pillow to see Vincent standing with apple juice and pretzels.

'Jackie said I could take these to you. I saw how on edge you were around your mother so I thought this might help.' I hid my face in my pillow so he wouldn't see my bruises.

I think he mistook this as anger because he said,

'Oh, it was stupid anyway. Never mind.'

'Wait! It's not stupid! ' I jumped up and grabbed his arm.

'Oh shit. What happened to your face? Are you okay?' Vincent grabbed my face and inspected my cheeks.

'I fell from a vent in the church.' I muttered 'Don't laugh! It's not funny it's sore.' I winced when he grabbed my arm and brought me to the bathroom.

' Do you have shorts on underneath your dress?' I nodded. Why was that relevant?

'Okay, good. Lift up your dress so I can press the cloth to your back.'

'No, you weirdo.'

'What? No not like that dumbass! Just do it. Go on.' He sighed.

'Fine. Just be quick about it.' He lifted my dress and carefully put the cloth on my back.

'Does that hurt?'

'No, it's fine I guess. Also, guess what? Beatrice Clearmont was there. Here take a look at this. I found it in the memorial casket.' I handed him my phone with the picture of the note.

'Jesus Christ Valerie! This is pretty much clear proof that she did it! We just need a straight-up confession now!' Vincent said.

'Yeah but she knows it was me, you need to follow her and I'll follow Chloé Dunne.' Vincent let go of my dress and gave me back my phone.

Vincent pulled me into his arms and said,

'Please don't put yourself in any danger, okay?' Aw cute. He thinks I won't put myself in danger because a white man told me not to. I tried to pull away but he just held me tighter. I'm not all that used to positive affection but it was nice. He was warm. He smelt nice. Like lavender and fresh croissants. I like croissants. When he let go of me he smiled and looked down

'I won't, but right now you're in danger of me punching you so be very fucking careful.' I scowled and took a bite out of a pretzel.

'Always a pleasure to be around you, my darling.' He winked and I took out my laptop.

' You and I are going to watch the easily best film of all time. Ace Ventura Pet Detective.'

'Don't tell me you've never watched it? Oh my god! Am I about to introduce you to Ace Ventura.'