Shattered ✓

T H I R T Y - T H R E E

Alexa

I was still so annoyed that I got suspended over something that wasn't even my fault, yet Stephanie went unpunished.

Oh well. Can't complain about missing school, I guess.

The week of suspension was going good at first.

My brothers and friends all went to school, while Zach went to work, always reminding me to keep everything locked and to not leave under any circumstances.

It was boring being by myself during school and work hours, but it was also peaceful. It felt nice to have some time for myself.

It was Friday.

Monday through Thursday went by without a single flaw.

But today—Friday—is when things hit the ceiling.

I woke up at noon, and of course, everyone was already gone. Zach had made sure to lock the doors when he had left.

I went to the kitchen and made a bowl of cereal.

After I ate, I went back to my room and plopped onto my bed.

I had an uneasy feeling, but I think that it was my anxiety.

I glanced at my window and saw a shadow figure.

I swallowed, my nerves frayed.

I'm probably just seeing things due to paranoia, but even so, I got up and quickly moved the curtains over my window.

I sighed and went back to my bed. I pulled out my phone and began texting Michael. I'm sure Michael could take my mind off of things.

Alexa: hey

Michael: hiiiii

Alexa: wyd

Michael: class:(

Michael: I miss you😢

Alexa: I miss u too, I'm so bored lol

Michael: least u get to stay home☹️ I wish I could stay homeeee

Alexa: well then next time get suspended with me😭

Michael: ehh after today it's just three more weeks till graduation 🥳

Michael: so spill the tea sis

Alexa: huh?

Michael: do u like Elliot or not??? I told you who I like so it's only fair u do the sameee ‼️

Alexa: ok I might like him just a little bit don't tell anyone pls

Michael: I would never do that baby

Alexa: baby?

Michael: yes, it'll annoy literally everyone else and I live to be annoying<3

Michael: baby

Alexa: lmao alright but don't expect me to save you when you get ur ass kicked 🙏

Michael: whatever u say baby

Alexa: you're so silly

Michael: only for u baby

Michael: bro I think Jackson's mad at me again😭😭😭

Alexa: HUHHH????

Michael: oh nvm I think we good

Alexa: bro.

Michael: what

Alexa: nothing

Just as I send that last text, there was a smash from the window. I gasp, jumping from my bed, hitting the floor farther away from the window, as a piece of glass gets jammed into my arm.

I cry out in pain as blood gushed from my arm. I heard a ding from my phone—that I left on my bed—probably from Michael, but that was my least concern at the moment.

I glance back at my now broken window, the curtains blowing rapidly. My eyes widen as Benny steps through.

I suck in my breath, standing up. I didn't care that blood was currently dripping from my arm, or that I probably needed the glass surgically removed. 

"Hello, my dear Alexa."

Benny grins and steps toward me, and my knees buckle out of pure fear.

The locks did nothing.

He broke my window to get to me.

I looked at my phone and made a jump for it, so I'd be able to call for help, but Benny was closer and grabbed my phone.

I was expecting him to break it, but instead he just puts it in his pocket.

"H—Hey!" I complain. "Please, give me my phone back."

I felt like I wanted to cry, but no tears came out.

Benny smirks at me and I swallow, almost letting out a whimper sound. It was hard to tell what he was thinking, but he has such a twisted mind, I didn't even want to know what his thoughts were.

Benny steps closer and I step backwards. I was beyond terrified. I was hoping that this was just some crazy nightmare, but I knew that this was real.

Right now, my fear was stronger than my pain in my arm. I was barely aware of the glass lodged into my skin.

Benny grabs me by the hair and I yelp. I close my eyes tightly, as tears flooded them. This hurts. "Well, Alexa," Benny says, pausing after saying my name. His tone was cold and lifeless.

I wanted to beg for Benny to let me go, I wanted to beg for help, but my voice wouldn't I work. It's like I've gone mute.

Zach should be home from work in thirty minutes, but I had a feeling that by then it would be too late.

Benny let's go of my hair and my hands flew to my sore, aching head. I stare at Benny, who continued to wear the same menacing smirk. I gulp, nerves consuming my essence.

It felt like we stared at each other for hours, but I knew that it wasn't nearly that long.

"Oh, Alexa," Benny says, grabbing my arm. He laughs a bit. "You're injured, how cute..."

This boy is sick.

I attempt to pull away from his grasp, but that only caused him squeeze my injured arm tighter and I cried out in pain. His fingers were pressing where the glass was lodged.

"That hurt?" Benny's tone was condescending.

I remained silent.

I heard a beep coming from Benny's pocket. I swallow. It was from my phone. Someone texted me. It was probably Michael double texting me.

"Let's go," Benny said, dragging me toward the window, despite the glass shards all over the floor.

I avoided stepping on them. I didn't need any more glass embedded into my skin.

Just then, I hear the front door open and I almost wept in relief.

"Alexa!"

Zach was home early.

I opened my mouth to call to Zach from my bedroom, but Benny cussed in annoyance, and pulled me in front of him, and pushed me out of the window.