-two days before homecoming-
"Why do you have so many bruises?" I asked while doing biology homework with Paige. "Sports." She said plainly.
"They seem awfully harsh."
"What difference does it make?"
"Paige, is someone hurting you?"
She waited a bit before replying.
"No."
"You can tell me anything you know."
"Maddie..."
"Yes?"
"Let's just say my brother has some anger issues."
"Josh?"
"Yes Josh, but please don't tell anyone. It's getting better now that he's gone."
"Okay."
That's when it came to me, I thought for certain that Paige had to do with it.
"My mom wants me home early tonight." I said leaving. Nick was outside waiting to pick me up. Gino was in the back seat. "Anything interesting?" Nick asked. "Yes, I think Paige did it." I replied. "But that's her brother." Gino added.
"She said the bruises were there because "her brother has anger issues" and that things were better now that he was gone."
Nick and Gino looked surprised.
When we arrived at my house, my sister was at dance and my mom was still at work. I invited them inside. I walked into the bathroom and on the mirror was written "HC? -Josh" in red lipstick. I yelled for Nick and Gino. "Isn't this guy supposed to be missing?" asked Gino. I nodded.
"Too bad she already has a date." Nick said putting his arm around me. I tried to smile, but I couldn't. The lipstick stunt had to be Paige, maybe she had it out for me too.
