Free as Nothing

Chapter 1

Meredith's POV

I bite the end of my pencil. The test that sits in front of me is blank as I know absolutely none of it. I didn't study, I didn't have time to. I was with Jace last night and homework wasn't an option with the busy schedule.

I was one of the last people with their tests and class was minutes from ending.

All I can think about is the stinging around my jaw. I had to cover it pretty heavy in makeup so no one would see it. I must've looked like a Barbie doll with the thick layer of foundation that I had to put on.

"Finish up." Mrs. Brandt announced. I quickly filled in the bubbles and decided to hope for the best.

I handed her my paper and collect my things. I leave my desk and am the first to walk out the door.

I walk out into the busy hallways.

"Hi." A voice says behind my locker door. I close it and find the smiling faces of my two best friends. "What's going on?"

Michael walks over and examines himself in the pink mirror attached to the inside of my locker, he makes sure his hair is still looking good. Once he assures us he looks fine he closes my locker.

"Can you hang out tonight? Maybe we could go get pizza or something?" Ashton suggests.

I think about my plans with Jace. He has a basketball game I have to go and then he wants to hang out after that. The game doesn't start until eight thirty. I'm not sure though...

"I don't know. Maybe. Are you going to the game tonight? We could meet there." I say. I adjust my backpack and lean against the locker.

"Yeah that's fine. See you then!" Michael bids goodbye as the bell rings. I quickly lose the green haired boy and the short scruffy one as the crowd departs in front of them.

I walk to my bus when an arm wraps around my waist. It's Jace.

"Hey." He smirks down at me. His light scruff on his chin scratches the top of my head in an uncomfortable way.

"Hey! How was your day?" I say to be polite. I may not like him but my mom taught me manners and she made sure I damn right used them.

He sighs and drops his arm and grabs my hand instead. "It was okay." He squeezes my hand. "You're going tonight, right?"

I nod. He walks me to my bus because I'd rather not ride home in his car if he's in a mood like this. I climb onto the bus and take a seat by myself in the front. He walks away to his car and runs his hands through his hair.

He's an easy giveaway when he's mad, and he was. The worst time he was mad I earned myself a few cuts, they killed so badly but it was my fault. I resisted and I shouldn't have. I can't wear a crop top or bikini anymore thanks to him. I also can't remove my bracelets without anyone getting suspicious.

The bus roars to life and the bus driver grunts proudly. He pats the dashboard and pulls out of the parking lot.

I see Dylan, my brother, towards the back of the bus, he waves at me. He's a good brother. He doesn't ignore me or pretend like I don't exist. He teases me but I do the same to him. He's always been protective, I tell him he shouldn't be though. He won't. He gives any boy a glare and sometimes he mutters "that's my sister, don't you dare". I wish he saw through Jace. But they're best friends, so he never will. If Dylan knew the truth he might kill Jace. When my middle school boyfriend held my hand he beat the poor kid up and gave him a long talk. I don't even want to imagine what would happen to Jace.

"This seat taken?" A voice says behind me. I turn around to see the one and only (awful) Luke Hemmings and his sidekick Calum Hood. The two most popular boys on the social chain along with Jace. But Jace is more sports than social. But either way they were easily the three most popular boys in our school.