Just Enemies (Original Story)

Anxiety.

Lena was feeling better and as she healed herself through Kats suggestions of little self care here and there. Lena began breathing and even though she felt all the anxiety in her stomach at the thought of going back to school. Knowing her parents and sister,Brandon and most importantly her baby Nacho who stayed in bed with her whenever she needed him. Lena's mom knew some really nice therapists and told her if she wanted to meet them she would make the appointment.

Lena just wanted to try to see how the first day back would be. Kat got her up and she didn't sleep again so her mind was hazy,frazzled which made Lena a bit incoherent. Kat already made Lena's favourite breakfast which was sushi rolls more specifically firehouse sushi. Lena went to brush her teeth and noticed how Kat cleaned the bathroom for her and even left out some skincare she bought her. Lena wanted to show her older sister how she appreciates her but how?. Once done she went back into the dinning room where Kat was digging into the sushi and told her to take a seat.

"How are you feeling about today?."

"I want to throw up,feels like there's sand in my stomach.."

"I think we can try homeschooling for a bit..."

"Thanks Kat but I want to try going back..."

"Okay Squirt, I just am freaking out...text me if they do anything."

"I will."

When they finished up and put there plates to wash in the dishwasher. Lena watched the water swirl and swirl. She felt dizzy but she wanted to be brave and not let them win. Kat was already dressed for school so Lena went to get ready and told Kat she would lock up. Lena put her navy blue polo shirt on and her navy blue pants but as soon as she put her lunch in and her homework. Lena felt herself freeze but she forced open her front door to the loft. Looked down the hall toward the elevator but then glanced down the other hallway where there was a fire escape staircase.

Lena thought about how her mom doesn't come home maybe til the night or next morning. How Kats school doesn't get out til about three pm. Lena's school usually had her out by four pm and with the school bus she was home by four thirty. Lena's dad went to his house so she wouldn't have to worry about him seeing her and in that split second Lena made the choice to cut class. But she convinced herself it would be only today. Then she would face her fears tomorrow.

Lena changed out of her school uniform and put the clothing in her backpack. Lena put on a regular tshirt and jeans but now she needed to be somewhere. Lena knew she couldn't risk running into her mom or dad or older sister. So she chose the eaton mall and headed there with her music blasting in her ears.

Lena bought Chinese food and coffee while trying on clothing and checking out some new shops that opened. She did look a tad out of place because she knew she should be in school and some of the people did look at her but ignored it. She was not their business. This charade went on for three weeks with Lena lying about whatever she was supposed to learn at school. Pretending she had homework. Cutting and going to the mall and wasting time and money. She didn't know how to cope. How to go back. 

Lena was also deleting the schools messages on the family landline. Her mom had changed her cellphone number and forgot to tell the school for emergency contact. Kat was listed but with the landline number and Lena's dad had an older phone so she hoped he didn't have voicemail. Lena knew this would catch up to her and that she would be in massive trouble. She had skipped three weeks of school and made excuses to Brandon who called and texted asking her what was going on.

Lena was getting really good at this until one day while at the loft she heard the key click. But her mom was working and she had half an hour before Kat was supposed to be home. Lena took Nacho and made for her bedroom hoping that whoever it was did not see her. Lena heard the footsteps approach her room and made a beeline for the closet but the door slammed open and her dad Viktor stood infront of her. He was angry and confused.

"I ran into your school's principal today."

"Dad-."

"He came to my office. To alert me of your many absences. You've missed THREE WEEKS OF SCHOOL."

"I-I'm sorry...I thought I was ready to go back but I couldn't."

"LENA....they are threatening to call CPS over your absences."

"What...they can't do that..I didn't even know..I-."

"My GOD LENA!WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME. YOUR MOM OR KAT...WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING EVERYDAY FOR THREE WEEKS!."

"I-going to the mall..shopping...watching tv..."

"OH A VACATION..."

Lena started crying uncontrollably and she took her backpack and  ran past her dad toward the elevator. He followed her telling her how much trouble she is in. How irresponsible her mother is and how clearly Kat isn't paying attention to her. Lena turned around and looked at her dad.

"AT LEAST THEY CARE."

"EXCUSE ME YOUNG LADY!."

"YOU COULD GIVE A SINGLE SHIT."

"HOW DARE YOU."

"YOU SHOWED UP ONCE FOR THIS WHOLE MESS!MY LIFE IS FALLING APART."

"oh my god Lena you are what? Twelve years old...bullying is hard but-."

"IM GOING TO SCHOOL LIKE YOU WANT..I GET IT YOU DON'T CARE."

"LENA STOP! SCHOOL IS ALREADY OUT FOR THE DAY!."

"I DON'T CARE I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM YOU."

"LENA!STOP WHEN I AM TALKING TO YOU."

They were both out on a public side walk with strangers glancing at them. Lena kept walking with her father Viktor trying not to ruin his already ruined suit.

"Lena...I'm sorry."

Lena turned around and looked at her dad who looked so confused and sad. He told her that he wanted to hear about how her life is falling apart. That he wanted to be apart of it more. But that she is still in trouble. That what she did was the stupidest thing. But her dad grabbed her and gave her a hug. They walked back to the loft where Kat was already home and confused at seeing Lena and their dad.