DISTRESS

CHAPTER 28

I can't believe Raven did this.

I've been trying my best to avoid the principal no matter how much I want to see her. I'm still angry and upset that I can't get myself to face her. I'm scared and worried that if I talk to her nothing is going to change, that I can never have the thing I'm hoping to have.

As much as it hurts, I chose to stay away from her. The graduation is growing nearer and so is my birthday. All I need to do is to hold out until that happens. Then I'm out of this town and my shitty father forever. I'll start somewhere fresh and live the rest of my life without worrying about anything. Manager mentioned she'd help me but I also need to work for myself and not rely everything to her.

Remembering the unexpected incident in the bistro made my stomach churn. If the interaction between me and the principal lasted any longer, I'm pretty sure I would've given in. She was pleading and the pain in her eyes were enough for me to crumble yet I was glad I held myself back. I wanted to give her a chance, to talk to her and end her suffering. But I can't. She has her own life and I can't keep stepping in and cause ruin in her marriage. That's why it's better for us to part ways. This way we can never hurt each other anymore. Yet cutting her off my life for good hurts a lot more than I expected.

I was so out of it but all I could do was cry like some helpless child. I've never, I mean never been this messed up not after my mother and sister's death.

Is my life still worth living? Because I honestly think it's not...not anymore. My goal back then was quite simple. Graduate high school quietly and survive the unbearable abuse just until the right time for me to leave. But what happened??! School didn't become quiet, not with the principal there and surviving the beatings became too much that if I stayed there any longer than this I'll end up losing my life in return. It's like I'm walking in a tightrope. One wrong move and it's the end for me. No comebacks. No redos.

My life sucks at this point. It's not helping that my stomach feels like it's going to explode.

I gasped and my body shot up but a pair of hands held my shoulders to calm me down. I blinked my eyes rapidly trying to brush the blurriness in my eyes as well as the panic that's building in my body. Once it cleared up I came face to face with the person I dreaded to see. "Calm down. You're safe now," she cooed giving my shoulders a light squeeze.

I ignored her words as I glance around my surroundings. I'm in her house and in her living room sitting in the sofa.

Why did you take me here Raven? I asked myself, shutting my eyes. The only response I got is the slight warmth in my body. I'm so upset with her right now. My body stayed still and I knew that she went back to sleep. She must've been tired from enduring the beatings of that asshole and for walking here while raining.

"Dawn, are you okay?" a voice pulled me out of my thoughts making me open my eyes.

"Let go of me. I need to leave." I pushed her aside though it was a little stronger than I expected that even I lost balance and fell down on the floor. My stomach landed on the floor and I had to bite down my scream. I cough clutching my stomach. I feel like I'm gonna throw up.

"It would be better if I take you to the hospital." she held my shoulders but I brushed her off.

"No," I said stubbornly.

"Then at least let me help you Dawn," I didn't have the energy to refuse her, let alone utter even a single word as she lifted me back on the sofa.

Fuck!! It's hurts like hell. Sweat trickle down my forehead and the principal quickly dab it with a towel. "Get away from me," I said, in a faint voice as I swat her hand away though it came out as a weak push.