Freedom

Faces

{Chapter 9}

I sat up, still holding the washcloth to my forehead and looked at Jake. He should've told me Parker was with him!

"Jake! What are you doing? You didn't tell me you had someone with you!" I quickly pulled on a hoody and a pair of sweatpants and folded my arms across my chest while waiting for an explanation from my brother.

"Hey, Persephone, it's cool. Remember Travis? I know what scars look like and I know you're strong." Parker made me smile. This was one thing I'd been dying to hear for a long time and a thirteen year old boy who'd just moved in next door had said it.

How. Beautiful.

"Thank you Parker." I smiled at him and removed my sweatshirt.

"So, Persephone, I was wondering if Parker and I could go to the mall today? We wanted to pick up a game at GameStop." He smiled at me and gave me a slight puppy dog look.

"Fine. Just let me get ready first."

"Thanks Perry! Oh one more thing. Can Travis come too?" Jake held onto my door frame before exiting.

"Uh, sure. I guess so." Clara would be at home with our parents, so I guess it would all be okay.

"Awesome! We'll go tell him! Text me when you're done getting ready." With that he bolted out of the door and flew downstairs. Crazy kid.

***

After getting ready, I was deciding on my outfit. Really just my shirt. I couldn't decide between the T-shirt or the long sleeved sweater.

"Screw it," I said and pulled on the T-shirt. It was ruffled and bright yellow. No one expects these colors from a cutter. Why would they?

I hopped downstairs, but not before shooting a text to Jake. I grabbed my keys before exiting the house into the garage. I pulled up the door and backed my car out of the little building. I beeped my horn a little. It seemed like as soon as I did everyone came piling out of the Reynolds' place.

Jake EnBert, Parker Reynolds, and lastly Travis Reynolds. They each came bounding towards the vehicle. Redd looked especially good today. I couldn't help but feel my heart melt a little.

Wait... I was feeling something. A warmth in my center. I was feeling... Happy? It had been so long since I had felt anything besides emptiness due to my depression. It felt good though, so I just smiled. I smiled a true smile.

Jake and Parker climbed in the back while Redd climbed in next to me.

How. Perfect.

"To the mall!" Jake had said this with a 'ha-za!' tone. I giggled and pulled out of our driveway.

Today was going to be great.

***

The boys headed off to GameStop once we got inside the mall. We had made a plan in the car to meet up at three at the A&W located in the food court.

"So, I see you're wearing a tee today. What's the occasion?" Redd had said this with a smile, making me realize that he was being playful.

"No occasion, I just wanted to give everything long sleeved a rest." I smiled back at him. That's when I noticed what he was wearing.

"Well you're one to talk." He was wearing a simple gray v neck shirt. It fit his chest well.

"I decided to give my arms a little air." He grinned and flapped his arms around like a bird.

I giggled at him. Again with the giggling. I felt stupid at first and shied away.

"You know, I like your laugh?" He bumped into me. This is the first time anyone has complimented my laugh.

"Oh, thanks. I like your, erm, face." I smiled and put my head towards the ground. I couldn't believe how ridiculous I was being.

"Hey." He stopped me. "I like your face too." He grinned down at me, flashing his dimples. He was holding my arms which were folded across my stomach.

"Well thanks." I smiled and scrunched up my nose at him. He smiled back at me and grabbed my hand.

"Come on." He said.

"Where are we going?" I asked as I was being pulled along.

"You'll see." He smiled at me, reassuring me that it would be okay.

I was pulled through a small crowd of people and into a small African themed shop. He took me over to the jewelry section. All the works before me were beaded and brightly colored.

"Pick one. I'll get one that matches yours." I smiled at him and picked out a thick width bracelet that would lay flat against my small wrist. Redd picked one that matched mine, but was in his size.

We walked up to the register together, but when I went to pay for it, Redd stopped me.

"It's fine. I got this. It's my gift to you. You did get me honey after all." Redd pulled out his wallet and paid for the bracelets.

We walked outside the shop and stopped. Travis pulled off the rage and tied my bracelet around my wrist. He gently traced a scar in the process.

"Will you put mine on?" I nodded and tied his bracelet around his wrist. He had so many streaks across his arm. I carefully observed them for a moment and rubbed one. It didn't go away like it would've in my dreams.

"We can totally hang after school on Friday Whittney!"

This all to familiar voice snapped me out of my dream like state. I knew who it was and I did not want to see them.

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This chapter is dedicated to a special follower! You know who you are!

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