The Vow [h.s.]

chapter eight

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9.28.10

"Where ya goin', EW?" I heard the girls chant from down the hall.

I'm done tutoring kids after school, I thought as I continued to pace down the hallway at a rapid pace.

My heart was pounding in my chest and the bottoms of my feet were beginning to hurt from slapping the ground so hard; but what other choice did I have? My options were fight or flight and fight had been cancelled out a long time ago.

I looked over my shoulder when I heard two of the girls cackle and begin to run after me but I knew I would be safe this time. The front entrance of the school was just around the corner. One hundred more meters and I was out of the school and free to hide wherever. Just as my weight began to lean into the turn that would lead me to safety, I hit something solid and I hit it hard. Stumbling back, I looked up to see none other than Violet Lane towering over me.

"What's the rush?" She asked, cocking an eyebrow. My mouth opened but I couldn't speak. I heard the guys and other girls come up behind us.

One of the girls snickered and said, "Wow, you almost made it this time, Emily!"

I backed up slowly across the hall until my shoulder blades hit the lockers harshly and another roar of laughter rumbled through the empty halls.

"Almost," Violet emphasized, "EW!"

One of the girls stepped forward, my eyes already filled with tears so I couldn't see who it was and pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen in front of my face behind my ear while saying, "So, so close, sweetie."

They all laughed once more and I could again see out of my left eye as a tear slid down my cheek. While they laugh at me crying, I take it to my advantage and run.

"Oh you can run, but you can't hide!" I heard someone chant as fast footsteps followed.

I turned on my heel and ran down the hallway I just came.

"There she is," Violet said, wasting no time until she walked quickly toward me.

Panicked, I jumped into an oversized locker. I shut it as quietly as I could and tried to silence my breathing, listening intently.

"Emily," I heard Violet call soothingly. "Come on out, sweetie. You know we're just going to find you anyway! Why not make it easy on all of us?"

I said nothing and it soon got silent. Not like 'people are still present but are remaining quiet' silent, but the stale silence that indicated I was alone. But I wasn't an idiot, I wasn't going to just give myself up. I decided I would wait ten minutes until it could be considered safe.

I squeezed my eyes shut and muffled a small whimper as I saw someone walk by me, their footsteps very quiet. They were just about to walk by me but they must have heard my childlike noise. The locker quickly opened and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"No, please-"

"Hey, it's just me, I'm not going to do anything to you," the voice whispered and I looked up to find Harry offering his hand.

He looked furious; I don't think I've ever seen him this mad. The heat was rising in his face as he pressed his lips together in a thin line.

"Harry," I sighed in relief as I reach out for his hand and he helps me up.

I stood up and he hugged me, "What are you doing at school at five thirty in the afternoon?" He asked, "You're mum was wondering about you."