Rebecca's POV (1st Person):
I sat in the backseat of the car, nursing my stinging cheek. My father had slapped me harder this time, and while part of me thought I deserved it for lying, another part of me simmered with anger and frustration. I also had a couple of bruises on my stomach from trying to run away, but that didn't work out to my advantage. My mother had seen through my lie immediately. I told them I had stayed with Charlotte, but my mother knew better. She had called Charlotte, who had no idea where I was. Now, I was not only in trouble but also branded a liar.
The car ride was suffocatingly silent. My siblings were unusually quiet, the tension in the air palpable. Lianna kept glancing at me with concern, her eyebrows knitted together. I gave her a weak smile, trying to reassure her, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. I could feel my father's anger radiating from the front seat, and my mother's disappointment was like a heavy cloud hanging over us.
As soon as we pulled up to the school, I practically jumped out of the car. "Have a great day," my mother said with forced cheerfulness.
I couldn't help myself. "Yeah, sure. Whatever." I retorted sarcastically, slamming the door behind me.
"Rebecca!" my father yelled after me, but I didn't turn back. I walked towards the school, grateful for the escape.
I reached my locker and grabbed my books for math. I just wanted to get through the day without any more drama. I slipped into my seat, noticing Charlotte sitting nearby while Oliver was stuck near the front. He glanced back at me, his eyes filled with concern. I ignored their stupid whispers and comments and focused on the problems on the board, thankful that it wasn't Mr. Montgomery's class. His class was just after lunch, which gave me some time to try and conceal my bruise.
Charlotte passed me a note. "Are you okay?" it read.
I sighed and scribbled back, "Just a rough morning."
She looked at me with sympathy, but I didn't want to talk about it. I just wanted to get through the day.
Oliver turned around during a brief moment when the teacher wasn't looking and mouthed, "You good?"
I nodded quickly, giving him a small smile, but he didn't seem convinced. I could see the worry in his eyes.
As the class continued, I buried myself in the math problems, trying to distract myself from the pain and frustration. I kept my head down, my hair falling over my face to hide the marks on my cheek. Every time I moved, the bruises on my stomach reminded me of the morning's events.
Another note landed on my desk from Charlotte. "Talk to me at Lunch?"
I hesitated before writing back, "Maybe. We'll see."
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. I gathered my things quickly, avoiding eye contact with everyone. I needed to find a way to get through the day without breaking down. I just had to make it to lunch, then I could figure out what to do next.
As I walked to my next class, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead. I had to keep going, no matter what.
________________________________________________________________________________
Oliver and Charlotte cornered me as soon as we got to a quieter corner of the schoolyard. I could see the concern in their eyes, and it made me feel even guiltier for keeping so much from them.
"Spill it, Rebecca," Charlotte demanded, her arms crossed and her foot tapping impatiently.
I glanced at Oliver, who gave me a reassuring nod. "Yeah, we're here for you," he added, his voice softer.
YOU ARE READING
Between The Lines
RomanceI took my usual seat in the back corner, far away from the line of fire that always seemed to follow Mr. Montgomery's gaze. I tried to disappear into the safety of my textbook, but his piercing blue eyes seemed to find me anyway, as if daring me to...
