Aria

Chapter 7

-Aria-

I jolt up from my bed, sheets tangled around me. The fairy lights are still twinkling and the room is dark. 

Sweat is layering my body but I can't help but feel uncontrollably cold. I wipe my hand through the messy hair lying on my forehead and look around the room.

I notice a small alarm clock on the desk in the far right corner. It read 4:00 am.

I stretch and wince from the sting in the back. I should probably shower and reapply the ointment from earlier.

I slowly get out of bed and tiptoe to the bathroom. I gently twist the knob and turn on the lights before walking in. Once in front of the shower, I take off my clothes. Viewing my back and body in the mirror I wonder how long I can keep this a secret. Scars are overlapping each other, some small and light while others are dark and large. Constant reminders of the horrors I faced in the past. I break my gaze from the mirror and fold the clothes to the side. 

I walk to the shower and turn on the warm water. Stepping and releasing a content sigh.

I try to avoid getting soap on the wound closest to my shoulder. That's the one that is surrounded by a dark purple bruise. It seemed to have opened up last night in my sleep and was seeping a bit of blood. After showering I place a bandage on it and apply some ointment to the rest of my back.

I look through the clothes handed to me by Leo and put on the hoodie and sweats that were the smallest of the bunch.

I take my previous clothes and place them in the closet. Once the bed and bathroom were set I opened my rooms door. 

The corridor was dark and I could barely see the stairs. I didn't want to turn the hallway lights on and disturb anyone so I put my hand on the wall to guide me to the stairs. Once I got there I slowly but safely made it down. There was a small light glowing in the kitchen and it seemed to have called my name. Thankful to have seen it I make my way over.

I inhale sharply when I see the mess in front of me.

There are cans of beer everywhere. Some are spilled on the counter whereas others are dripping onto the tiled floor. Red cups are scattered throughout the kitchen. 

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around swiftly. There stands, wobbly, a man with dirty blond hair. I can smell alcohol from him as he leans toward me. My eyes widen and I step back when he pokes my face.

Please, please don't do anything.

I take another step back but he follows along by stepping forward. He raises his hand in an odd motion and I startle back, bumping into one of the stools by the counter. It lets out a loud screech and the man places his hand on my mouth.

"Shhh," he says looking back to see if anyone woke up.

My eyes start to water thinking about what he might do next. When he turns back he has a scared expression.

"No no don't cry, please." He whispers panicked.

Letting go of my mouth he steps back, hands raised.

Right then Zeno walks in with another man next to him.

He doesn't notice me and continues to speak to the boy as he passes by. His eyes lay on me for a second and wander back to the can in his hand, before whipping back when he registers I'm here.

He sees the dirty blonde next to me and glares at him.

"I swear man I didn't do anything." He raises both of his hands up higher.

He was about to march over when the guy beside him took a hold of his arm.

"Is that her?" He asks with a distant look in his eyes. He had light brown hair with greenish eyes.