Broken Pieces

CHAPTER {22}

AKARI

My heart thumped against my chest. It was all I could hear in this darkness. Occasional whispers from the shadows, 'you're worthless' 'nobody wants you' they'd whisper ever so softly as if they're telling me 'I love you.'

I sit surrounded by darkness, tears running down my face. Why am I crying? I remove my head from my knees and look up to see...my mother. She smiled, she had a beautiful smile. For a second I was fooled and thought she was a true angel as she wore white.

But slowly, black filled her eyes and ran down her face. Her white gown filled with blood. She held an expression of pain and agony. She screamed in my face, I couldn't move. What was happening?

'Akari, I'm so sorry. Please you have to forgive me or else I'll be in pain.' She cried and she fell to her kness right in front of me. She was panting heavily. 'Please Akari'

Her voice slowly faded as I woke up. The sun was showing slightly behind the black curtains. What was that? I stared up at the ceiling and sighed. I turned to look at the time, 7:34am. I didn't even sleep for that long, I got out of my blankets and hopped to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror.

I looked horrible. The circles under my eyes were darker than usual, my lips were chapped, my skin pale and my hair was a nest. It was as if I had been in that bed for years, I looked malnourished. I splashed some water on my face and brushed my teeth. I undressed and got ready.

I was getting my cast off today, finally. I showered thoroughly trying to fix myself, I even washed my hair. I got out of the shower feeling a little bit refreshed. A little bit. I got into the closet and picked out my outfit. A black turtleneck and black pants.

I sighed as I sat down by the dressing table. I blinked, for a moment longer than a blink should last. I was so exhausted. I combed my hair and when I finished, I grabbed my crutches and left the room. I slowly made my way to the kitchen where I assumed Alexandros would be.

As I entered the kitchen, I was relieved to see that only Armano and Alexandros were the only ones in the kitchen. They both looked at me with eyes full of pity. I muttered a 'good morning' but only got one back in return.

Things have been awkward ever since they found out about my self harming. I should've locked the door, now I have to deal with awkward silences and the occasional 'are you okay?' From Domenico.

"Let's go." I heard Alexandros say as he walked past me. I followed behind him and did the same routine since I got here and sat in the back seat. I heard him let out a sigh and he started the car and we were on our way.

The awkward silence was suffocating. I tried to distract myself with the tress that we passed and I peeled the dry skin from my cuts causing to bleed slightly again. Even though the ride was short it felt like hours.

These past few days have been boring. I've been repeating the same thing. I wake up, shower, eat, vomit, shower, eat, vomit, cut myself, cry, "sleep." It has even gotten to the point that I feel drained. There is no progression or excitement to my life and it's exhausting.

My brothers barely want to speak to me. Neiva has been in her own world for a while and genuinely, the days are just passing by. The car stops and Alexandros gets out of the car, surprisingly he opens the door for me. I didn't think too much of it, I took my crutches and exited the car.

"Thank you." I muttered and he nodded in return. We walked together to the entrance and again, Alexandros opens the door for me and gives me way to enter. I thanked him and I sat in my usual spot as he conversed with the receptionist.

I continued to peel the dry skin from my cuts until I heard continuous sniffles. I look up and made eye contact with a man who sat across the lobby. I quickly looked back down but after a few moments, I looked up again and noticed he was on his phone.

He was battered and bruised all over his face. A small white bandage laid across his nose and one on his upper lip as well. He had a broken arm as well. As I analyzed his injuries, I thought about what might have happened to him.

I'm sure this hospital belongs to my brothers and their Mafia so maybe he was hurt during the job. Is there a possibility of my brothers being that hurt as well? My thoughts were interrupted by Alexandros calling my name. "It's time to go" he said and walked ahead of me.

The cold air brushed against my now bare ankle. To say I felt free was an understatement. I wiggled my toes and rolled my ankle, which felt amazing. I followed Alexandros out of the room and again, sat at my spot as Alexandros signed some papers.

As he finished he called my name again and we made our way out the hospital. We were sat in the car again, but this time there was no silence. "Are you hungry?" Alexandros tried to make conversation. I only shook my head knowing he was looking.

He hummed, "What's your favorite color?" He spoke again after a moment. "Blue, yours?" I made an effort to make conversation as well, "Grey" he said and the silence creeped in again. It was silent for the rest of the trip until he pulled up into the garage, "It's movie night tonight, if you want to come. Starts at nine, wear pajamas." He said as he opened my door yet again.

I only hummed in response and got out of the car I was still getting used to using my leg so I wobbled a bit as my feet touched the ground. I thought about it and I think it's a good way to get closer to my brothers. I hoped to find happiness in them, maybe have some happiness in my life before I kill myself.

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A/N

I'm so sorry for the long wait, I was studying for exams and then when I tried to write this chapter I realized, I don't know where I'm going with this book but don't worry I'll figure it out.

I really apologize for not telling you guys and keeping you waiting.