Secrets | 5SOS

[3]

I walked downstairs to the smell of pancakes. I went to the kitchen, where Luke was flipping pancakes at the stove.

“Morning, Isabella,” he greeted cheerfully.

“Morning,” I mumbled, taking a seat at the table.

“How’s your nose feel?” he asked, glancing over at me.

“It’s fine,” I replied, poking at it gingerly. It still hurt, but I wasn’t going to admit that.

“You should take it easy today,” he suggested, sliding a plate of pancakes in front of me.

“I’m going to school,” I said firmly.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Michael asked, walking into the kitchen with a cup of coffee.

“I’m not going to hide,” I snapped, immediately regretting my tone.

Michael raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. Just be careful, alright?”

“Whatever,” I muttered, sipping a glass of water as i sipped some water, slinging my backpack over my shoulder.

"Hey! Eat your breakfast before you go",Calum shouted after me.

I paused momentarily. Those pancakes smelt amazing but was i going to eat them?

Fatass
Obese
You need to lose weight
You're disgusting, noone will love you

"I'm not hungry!" I shouted back and ran out the front door before they could question me.

School was a nightmare. Whispers followed me wherever I went, and I could feel the stares of my classmates. I kept my head down, trying to ignore them, but it was impossible to escape the rumors.

By lunchtime, I was exhausted. I found a secluded spot in the courtyard and sat down, letting out a heavy sigh. I wished I could just disappear, leave all the pain and judgment behind.

“Hey,” an annoying voice said, making me jump.

I looked up to see Clarissa standing there, her expression angry. “What do you want?” I asked, my voice tinged with annoyance.

“You're a whore, you know that right! So disgusting and fat too! No wonder your parents didn't want you and neither did your brother." Clarissa spoke to me.

It was so hard to stop myself from hitting her. I couldn't hit her, Calum would be mad and what if Clarissa was right? What if he was just putting up with me because he had to?
I unclenched my fists and watched as Clarissa's boyfriend, Jake came over to us.

"Ew babe what are you doing with this girl? Come on lets get away from her." He spoke and gave me a kick on my torso, where all of my other bruises were.

It hurt like hell.
I just couldn't wait to be home.

-------

The moment the bell rang i was out the classroom door and started walking straight home. Screw that, i was running. My body hurt from all the kicks and punches it endured today and all i wanted was my bed.

I opened the front door and ran straight to my room not even checking if anyone was home.

"Bella? Can i come in?", I heard Ashton speak.
I guess he was home today while the others worked.

"What Ash?", I spoke my voice annoyed.

"Are you okay?"

“I’m fine,” I insisted, though I knew I wasn’t convincing anyone.

Ashton studied me for a moment, then reached out to touch my arm. I flinched, a reflexive reaction that I couldn’t control.

“Isabella, what’s going on?” he asked softly.

“Nothing,” I said quickly, pulling away. “Just leave me alone.”

“Bella, please,” he pleaded, using the nickname again.

I felt tears welling up, but I blinked them back. “I can’t,” I whispered. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me,” he said gently.

But I couldn’t. I couldn’t let him in. So, I stood up and walked away, leaving Ashton looking after me with a pained expression.