Masked love

Chapter three

Nikita woke up slowly, with her eyes flickering back to life. She stared at the white ceiling, wondering if she was still alive. "You're awake. That's always a good sign." Nikita's eyes searched for the source of the voice, and she saw Nurse Nell sitting beside her. She immediately sat up. Her body was shaking with fear. "It's okay Nikita. Normally I would have to send you home, but I want to talk." Nell said calmly. Nikita looked down at her hands, wanting to go back into the darkness. She wanted to run and hide. Nell smiled softly. "Joseph bought a lunch for you," Nell said, grabbing a brown bag with a piece of notebook paper tapped to it. She handed the bag to Nikita. A bell rang from the front counter, "I got to go see who that is, so take your time. You have already been excused from all your classes." Nurse Nell disappeared behind the front counter. Nikita gently pulled off the piece of paper and unfolded it, revealing a neatly written letter:
To Nikita
Hi, my name is Joseph. I have always been watching you from afar. In kindergarten through third grade you were untouchable always surrounded by people and sunshine. Then you disappeared, and I longed to see you again. And I did, but everything was different. You seemed so distant. I wished I had said something, but I just kept watching.

I'm done watching. I want us to be friends. If you want to be my friend then meet me at the third tree after school. If you ever want to contact me here is my number and email: 789-4253; joseph1997@KKmail.com

Don't disappear,
Joseph Terrin

Nikita read the letter carefully and intently, taking in each word. When finished, she placed the letter beside her. She had no idea how much truth it actually held. She opened the brown lunch bag, half expecting an april's fool joke to pop at her, however it was just a simple bag lunch with a grilled-cheese sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup, an apple, and a small carton of milk. She looked around the room, feeling anxious. The room reminded her of the days she spent in the hospital. She set the bag of food on the table beside her bed, and she slowly stood to her feet. Her body felt weak and faint. The sorrows had lingered in her heart, despite her efforts to hide them. She walked up to the front counter, only hiding behind a wall. She saw Nurse Nell talking to someone, but she couldn't see who. Her heart suddenly dropped, as she heard the voice.
"I needed a minute away from class. Could I sit in here and take a breather?" His voice was filled with sadness. Nikita looked around the corner. Did her eyes deceive her, she thought to herself. Zeak was sitting in a chair, with his head in his arms. The nurse handed him an ice pack. He looked up at her. His eye was bruising badly and swelling. He placed the ice pack over his eye.
"What happened?" The nurse asked. Zeak looked up at her and around the room. Nikita quickly hid behind the wall. She sat on the floor, holding her knees close to her chest. Her heart was beating so fast.
"I zoned out in the gym and got hit with a volleyball." He said, but he was thinking about something else. "I did something stupid, really stupid." He said under his breath.
"What did you do?" Nurse Nell was a very good listener. She was sometimes better than the guidance counselor.
"Something unforgivable, I hurt someone. I didn't want to, but..." He trailed off. Zeak couldn't say anymore. He was in something deep. Nikita listen to the conversation, thinking about all the lies surrounding her.
"I believe good deeds can go a long way. It may take a long time to be forgiven, you may never be forgiven, but at least you tried to make it right."
"I don't even know where to start."
"Saying I'm sorry is always a good place to begin." Nurse Nell said, "You should head back to class now, before the teacher suspects something." Zeak nodded and headed out of the nurses office. Nikita rose to her feet and sat on the bed. Her heart was still racing. She took deep breaths, trying to calm down. The nurse entered the room. "I swear the school should hire me as the guidance counselor. You okay?" Nurse Nell said sitting by Nikita.
"Yeah I'm fine, just tired I guess." She said shrugging it off.
Nurse Nell glanced at the opened lunch bag on the table and said, "You should eat. It'll wake you up." Nikita nodded and pulled the table closer. She pulled out the contents one by one, wondering what she was going to do with all the food. She opened the bowl of tomato soup and unwrapped the plastic from the cheese sandwich. The soup was still warm. She ate the sandwich and soup slowly, savoring all the flavors. Nell walked around the room taking inventory and working on the computer. It was good that Nell wasn't very talkative, since Nikita didn't feel like talking. She took a sip of the milk. The cold white liquid streamed down her throat. She bit into the apple, filling her mouth with juice and crunchy sweetness. The apple diminished with each bite. The milk dripped down her throat. She threw away the trash, feeling completely full. It was the first time in a long time. Seeing that Nikita was finished, Nell sat in a chair beside her bed. "Do you want to tell me what's going on?" She asked. Nikita pulled her knees up to her chest, and shook her head. "You know I can't help you if you don't tell me." Nell said, "I want to help you. You can tell me." Nell wanted to help her. Nikita stuffed her face into her knees, seeing only the darkness. "Joseph seems like a good friend, what do you think?"
Nikita lifted her face, "I don't really know him, so I can't say." He'll probably be as fake as the others, she thought. "He wants me to meet him at the bus loop, but I don't know if I should." She spoke softly, only leaking through her walls.
"I think you should. He's a good kid. I looked at his records, and according to his teachers he's very quiet, works well with others, and smart." Nell said with a small smile. "I know things have been hard since your mom.... but things can get better." She spoke hopefully. Nikita looked away. It was tempting, but she couldn't let the teardrops fall.
"Where's my book bag?" Nikita asked to quickly change the subject. Nurse Nell walked over to one of the shelves and pulled down a book bag, and she brought it over to Nikita.
"Here you go. I had a janitor bring it in." Nell said. Nikita looked through each pocket. She was searching for the soft fabric to hide her face. Nurse Nell watched closely. She knew what she was looking for, but she wanted to keep it hidden. Nikita zipped up all the pockets. She couldn't hide herself from her fears. "Are you looking for your mask?" Nell asked, knowing the answer. Nikita nodded, looking away. "I'll give It back to you if you promise not to use it again." Nikita didn't know if she could promise that. The darkness was so tempting.
+++
Hours had passed, a bell had rung, school was almost over. Nurse Nell gave Nikita a choice, to go ride the bus or to ride home with Nell. She thought hard about this, knowing the last bell would come soon. Did she want to take a chance with Joseph? Would he be like the others? She didn't know what to think. She didn't trust anyone. People kept disappearing and changing. Either choice she made would lead her home to her father. Did she even deserve a chance? She felt worthless and invisible. She grab her book bag and slid onto her back, making her choice. The bell rang. After saying goodbye to Nell, she walked out into the crowds of students.
The nurse's office was on the same hall as the little kids, since it was the first-second hall. Nikita stood out like a giant among the little children. She wanted so desperately to hide, but this was her choice. She tried to quicken her pace and conceal herself in the crowds of students. Her heart pounded through her chest, and panic faded away her surroundings. She escaped the halls, to the central commons. Everyone was there in the huge room. She ran into the crowds. She knew Stella would be looking for her, and Zeak would be with her. In the crowd, Nikita was treated like a pinball. She would move in one direction but then get pushed into another. Most of the students were heading for their buses. As she got closer to the outdoors, the students separated into rows to exit out the doors. She departed out the doors and walked under the trellis of leafy vines, counting each tree she passed. She saw the third tree but hesitated under the arch before it. The tree was right out in the open, but it had plenty of shade under it. She walked to the tree and looked up at the branches. She looked out at the students passing by. Who would come first, she thought to herself. She took off her book bag and laid it on the ground. She stood completely still, with her eyes closed.
The wind breathed against her cheeks. She faded deeper and deeper into her mind. The sounds of students and school faded away. Her heart was calm, and it seemed as if the world had come to an end. Happiness was dead, but this was close. Without warning, her body was wrapped in a tight blanket of warmth. She tensed at it's touch, awaiting the expected pain in vain. Her face was covered in rough fabric. She opened her eyes but still saw darkness. Unfamiliar feelings welled up inside of her. Warm air whispered into her ear, "I'm glad to see you." The voice sounded familiar but felt like a dream. Joseph gently let go of her, stepping back to see her face. She was speechless. He scratched the back of his head slightly embarrassed. "I probably shouldn't have done that. I uh just thought you needed a hug," he said. His eyes fell to the ground. She stepped backwards completely taken back. She looked up at his face, noticing its calmness. Then she heard the giggling girls. She looked passed Joseph and saw Stella and her gang laughing under the arch. She looked down at the ground in sadness. "Nikita, what's wrong?" Joseph asked, seeing her face. "Wait this is my fault, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you upset." He felt terrible. Nikita turned around and picked up her book bag.
"It's not you," she said softly. She stared at the girls sadly. "This was a bad idea. I should go." She began to walk away. Joseph stepped in front of her, giving an angry side glance toward Stella.
"No, it wasn't. I don't care what they think and neither should you. I'm not leaving you." He said strongly. Nikita looked up at him. His eyes were strong and kind. Was he for real or was this some type of joke? She wanted to believe him. She continued to walk past him, toward the buses. He walked beside her. Stella stepped in front of them, smiling evilly. The giggling girls surrounded them, stopping them in their tracks. Nikita looked down at the ground. She knew what would come next.
"What are you, a pity couple?" Stella asked them, almost laughing. The girls began to whisper sicki Niki over and over again. Stella stepped closer to Joseph and Nikita. Nikita stepped back in response, almost standing behind Joseph. "I might as well warn you, Joseph. No one else will. Nikita here is constantly sick, and well her sickness tends to kill those around her. You might want to watch out." Stella said. Nikita stepped farther away, but Joseph quickly grabbed her wrist.
"She doesn't seem sick to me. I think you step aside and leave us alone," he said. Stella tilted her head at Joseph. The girls tightened their circle. There were no teachers outside, and no one to stop them. Two of the girls grabbed and pulled Nikita away from Joseph. "Nikita!" Joseph shouted about to turn around.
Stella quickly grabbed his shirt collar, forcing him to look at her. "Perhaps you didn't hear me. hanging around this girl gets you killed. Besides she's a bore and a weakling. She can't even speak above a whisper, or fend for herself." She said even more forceful. Nikita tried to squirm away from the girls' grasps, without avail.
"I don't care. I decided to be Nikita's friend no matter what. I also decide that I'll keep her away from people like you." Joseph said angry. He pushed Stella away, and she fell to the ground. He turned around and looked at the girls holding Nikita menacingly. They instantly let go of Nikita. She simply looked at the ground in shock and frozen. Joseph watched her silently. He wanted to hug her again, but he wasn't sure it was a good idea. Nikita's gaze moved to his hand. Would it be a good idea; could she trust him, she questioned herself. She grabbed her arms holding herself. She wanted to run away, to close her eyes and disappear. She walked forward and stood beside Joseph. She stared at Stella from her downward gaze. Stella looked pitiful and weak.
"Zeak! Why don't you come teach these fools a lesson about who their dealing with." Stella shouted angry and frustrated. Nikita trembled and looked around, instantly spotting him leaning against the arch. She slightly fell backwards towards Joseph. He caught her and held her in his arms. She stared at Zeak in fear. He stared down at the ground unable to face her gaze.
"I'm staying out of this." He said. "I'm done being terrifying. Maybe you should stop being so mean." He glared at Stella. Nikita stopped shaking and held onto Joseph arms. Did her ears deceit her? She pulled Joseph's arms down but held onto his hand. She watched the ground, as she and Joseph walked toward the buses. Joseph walked with Nikita to the bus and sat across the aisle. The bus took off soon afterwards.
"I didn't know you rode the same bus as me." Nikita said softly.
"I get off two stops after yours and I tend to sit towards the back of the bus, that's probably why you haven't noticed me. You okay?" Joseph asked, watching her.
"I'm fine. Did you mean what said earlier to Stella?" Nikita had no idea if she could trust Joseph. He could easily be a lie like her past friends.
"Of course. I want to be friends with you, and protect you. You can trust me." He scratched the back of his head, with his face burning. "I want to be there for you always."
"I haven't trusted anyone for a long time, so don't expect me to open up easily. I'm used to being alone." Nikita stared at the ground, wondering what would await her at home.
"Well we can start small, and that's going to change. What's your favorite color?"
Nikita thought for a little bit. She hadn't been asked that question in a long time, nor had she even thought about it. "Purple I guess. What about you?" The color reminded her of her kitten's eyes.
"Hmm Aqua." He said staring at her eyes. "What's your favorite animal?"
"Cats." She answered easily. "Yours?"
"Tigers, I'm an Alsacan fan."
Nikita looked at him puzzled, "but you live in Chrysanthemums."
"Yeah, but our team stinks. They've lost like eight times in just this month alone."
"I didn't know that." She looked away thinking of the blank black screen in her living room.
"My father watches the games every weekend and keeps a tally board of the losses for each team. The Alsacan white tigers have the smallest amount of losses. It's the only reason I like them." Nikita nodded in response. Joseph could sense a tension rising. She looked out the window, watching the houses pass by. "Hey Nikita, You got my number right?" She looked at him while thinking of the letter in her book bag. Her eyes met his, "You can call it anytime. I'll always answer." Nikita smile slightly and nodded in acknowledge. The bus came to it's fifth stop, with Nikita's house right outside. She waved to Joseph as she got off the bus. She stood in front of her prison and took a last glance back, as her escape drove away. She walked up to the door and tried the knob. Would the warden be home? The door was locked. Her dad was at work, and Nikita was locked out of her house. She heard a small meow. She turned and looked up in the tree.
The small black kitten was sitting in the tree, staring down at Nikita. "What are you doing up there, Shadow?" She reached up, grabbing the nearest branches.
"You might want to be careful, Nikeet." A kind voice from the past said. She looked in the distance and saw him. Her heart went into a fit of terror. It was fight or flight. "You always did want to fly away." Zeak spoke softly, being careful with each word. Nikita wanted to run. She looked up and quickly pulled herself into the battle of branches. "Hey wait! I just want to talk." He said running to the tree. "Nikeet please, I'm so sorry for everything. I've been a horrible person." He leaned against the tree tears running down his face. "It was never supposed to go this far." Nikita sat in the tree beside her cat, listening to his two face words.
"You haven't called me Nikeet in a long time." She said almost whispering.
"Yeah, probably too long. I know you probably don't believe a word I say, but I want"
"Your right I don't, and there's no reason I should. You and Stella have changed and gone way too far." She said anger welling up in her voice. Zeak went silent. Every word Nikita spoke was the truth.
"I wish everything could just go back to how it use to be. I'm going to change but I can't speak for Stella. Watch out for the football team, she has them on her side. I no longer care what she has to say, I never wanted to do those things"
"Then why did you, Zeak! Just leave me alone and stop saying these lies!" Zeak went silent, looking up at her. He wanted his words to reach her, but she rightfully hated him. She couldn't even look at him. She grabbed her kitten and climbed higher into the tree, towards her bedroom window. She opened the window and disappeared into the walls. She nearly fell to floor, as she broke down inside. She laid on her bed, thinking of the past two weeks of painful torture. Their words had stranded her, but the physical inflictions tore her apart. Shadow laid against her head, rubbing against her hair. Tears fell from her eyes, as she escaped to sleep.
She awoke to the banging on her door. Her eyes opened slowly, knowing who it was. She walked to the door. Her father was going to be angry. Fear rampaged through her body. She locked the door and ran to her dresser. She wanted to wait out the inevitable. She opened last drawer and pulled out a small cardboard box, inside were some things her mother gave her. There was makeup, jewelry, and a phone. The phone was paid off on a lifetime plan of unlimited calling and texting. She grabbed the phone and placed it in her pocket. Her father jiggled the doorknob. "Nikita, could please open this door?" He said in a creepy kind voice. She grabbed her book bag from beside her dresser, opening it and pulling out Joseph's letter. She folded it neatly and placed it in her pocket with her phone. She thought of his words. "You've been a bad girl; it's time for your punishment." Her father voice shouted through the door. He opened the door using his key. His eyes stared down at Nikita. "You were supposed to wait at the front door for me." She looked at the floor, hearing his words. "Why were you hiding from me? You broke into this house like a criminal. I'm not raising a criminal." He walked to Nikita and stood over her. "If you want to act like a criminal, you'll be punished like one." He grabbed her hair, dragging her out of the room. He pulled her down the stairs to the door of the basement. She held her head, as he pushed her down the basement stairs. She rolled down to the bottom of the steps. Her father stomped down behind her. She crawled miserably to the center of the room. "Your shirt now!" Nikita pulled off her shirt and stuck it in her mouth. Her father teared off the bandages, pulling the skin with it. She winched at the stinging pain. "I think I'll try something different. A criminal deserves a rightful punishment." A sharp pain penetrated her back. She bit down hard on her shirt, with tears running down her face. The pain carved through her flesh. Blood streamed to the floor. Her father laughed loudly, "turn around. I want to see your face." Nikita shifted to face her father. He bent down grabbing her chin and pulling the shirt from her mouth. "You should take your punishment not hide from it." He said angrily. He brought a knife up to her face, touching the blade to her cheek. The silver pierced her skin. Blood dripped from the scratch. He pulled away the knife. "You know, I don't think pain will be enough. You're grounded Nikita. Therefore you are to stay down here until I return." He finished. He left her sitting by herself, and blood leaving her new wounds.
She looked around the room, finding a table. Her father's medical supplies laid scatter all over the wooden surface. She walked to the table. Every step sent surging pain through her body. She picked up the bandages and wrapped around her wounds. The room was quiet and cold. The floor was stained with her blood, and the stenches burned her nose. She found her shirt laying on the ground and pulled it over her head. It had stains of blood from the floor. Nikita touched her cheek, feeling warm wet drops of blood. Tears ran down her face. She found a box of band aids and placed one on her cheek. She found an empty table and laid down on it, placing pressure on her back. Pulling out her phone and Joseph's letter, she put his number into her contacts. His words echoed through the silent room, "you can call it anytime."

End of chapter 3