Shadows Between Us

Chapter 1: A Mask of Shadows

Willow Black. Freak. Nobody. The girl no one notices unless they need a target...

It's another Monday morning in hell. I stare at my reflection in the cracked mirror above the sink, hoping today will somehow be different. My dark brown eyes look hollow, sunken from another sleepless night. The bruise on my wrist has faded to a yellow-green, but I can still feel its ghost—another mark courtesy of Cassidy Reed and her pack of hyenas.

I pull on my hoodie, one that's two sizes too big, and tug the sleeves over my hands. With a sigh, I grab my backpack and head downstairs. Mom is already on her second glass of wine, slouched at the kitchen table with a cigarette dangling from her lips.

"You're late," she mutters, not even looking at me.

"Good morning to you too," I mumble under my breath, but she doesn't hear.

The walk to school is as monotonous as ever. It's cold, the kind of chill that seeps into your bones, and the overcast sky mirrors my mood. I keep my head down, avoiding eye contact with the few students I pass. The second I step into the school, the anxiety claws at my chest like a feral animal.

By third period, I'm already counting the minutes until I can leave. But life has a way of kicking you when you're down.

"Hey, Black!"

Cassidy's voice cuts through the classroom like nails on a chalkboard. My stomach twists as I pretend not to hear her, but I know better.

"Did you not hear me?" she snaps, her tone icy.

I glance up reluctantly, and there she is—perfect as ever. Long blonde hair, blue eyes, and that smug smirk that makes me want to scream. She's flanked by her two best friends, Taylor and Maddie, who laugh on cue like trained parrots.

"Uh, yeah?" I mutter, gripping the edge of my desk.

Cassidy leans closer, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "I was just wondering if you could stop being so... you know, pathetic. It's kind of ruining the vibe in here."

The classroom erupts into laughter, and my cheeks burn. I want to say something, anything, but the words catch in my throat.

By lunch, I'm hiding in the library, my sanctuary. I sit in the farthest corner, headphones on, trying to drown out the world with music. It doesn't help. Cassidy's voice echoes in my head, and the walls feel like they're closing in.

That night, I log into the one place where I feel safe: my chatroom with "Shadow." She's the only person who gets me. We met six months ago in an LGBTQ+ forum, and since then, she's been my anchor. I don't know her real name, and she doesn't know mine, but it doesn't matter.

Shadow: Hey, how's my favorite girl?
Me: Same shit, different day.
Shadow: What happened?
Me: It's Cassidy. She won't leave me alone. I just... I can't deal with this anymore.
Shadow: She sounds like a bitch. If I were there, I'd handle her for you.

Her words bring a small smile to my face, but it's fleeting.

Me: I wish you were here.
Shadow: Someday.

I don't know why, but I believe her. Maybe it's stupid, but her words feel like a promise, and I cling to it like a lifeline.

The next day, Cassidy is in rare form. She corners me by the lockers before first period, leaning in so close I can smell her peppermint gum.

"You're really going to wear that again?" she sneers, flicking the hood of my sweatshirt.

I force myself to meet her gaze, my hands trembling. "What do you want, Cassidy?"

Her smile widens, but there's something darker in her eyes. "Just making sure you know your place."

As she walks away, I feel the familiar sting of tears threatening to spill. I text Shadow during lunch, desperate for comfort.

Me: I hate her so much. I wish she'd just disappear.
Shadow: You're stronger than her, you know that, right?
Me: I don't feel strong. I feel broken.
Shadow: You're not. You're perfect, Willow. Don't let her win.

Her words are like a balm to my raw nerves. For a moment, I let myself believe them.

That night, I stare at the ceiling, replaying every cruel word Cassidy has ever said to me. My thoughts spiral into the dark places I've tried so hard to avoid.

What's the point?

I grab my phone and type out a message to Shadow, but before I can hit send, another notification pops up. It's from her.

Shadow: You mean everything to me, Willow. Don't give up.

Tears blur my vision as I clutch my phone to my chest. For the first time in weeks, I let myself cry—not out of sadness, but because I'm not alone.