The Vow [h.s.]

chapter fifteen

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1.14.10

I looked in the bathroom mirror at my reflection.

My pale skin was blotched with different red areas and spots. My lips almost a white color with barely any pink on them. The bags under my eyes hung low and dark. I had reached a breaking point

I didn't think I would get to this point. I thought I would never let them win. And suddenly, I barely recognize myself

Tears began to cascade down my cheek, and I felt even more pathetic. I knew I shouldn't let those words get to me, but sometimes it just becomes too much. It was hard to ignore something when you heard it everyday.

There was a sudden knock on the door, and I quickly tried to collect myself. I wiped my tears furiously, before speaking up.

"Just one second," I croaked rinsing my face with cool water.

I opened the door quickly revealing a confused Gemma.

"Hi," I said abruptly curious as to why she was here.

"Em, I saw you running home in tears." Gemma stated, "What happened?"

"Huh? Oh," I half-heartedly chuckled, "I'm fine."

"Don't play that 'I'm fine' card with me, because I know you're not."

Gemma had always been like the older sister I never had, but always wanted. She could read me like an open book, more than Harry ever could. But then again, Gemma and I had a different relationship than what Harry and I had. She was practically my sister; we've known each other long enough. We would talk about boys together and have sleepovers. Everything that was too "girly" for Harry and I, Gemma and I would do together.

I brushed past her, walking across the hall into my room. "I don't want to talk about it Gem."

"Emily, you can talk to me!" Gemma stated warmly following me into my room.

She was obviously wasn't taking no for an answer, but I wish she would.

"I said I didn't want to talk about it." I fell onto my bed ignoring her persistence.

"Em, you haven't been yourself in months what's going on?" Gemma asked more sympathetic this time.

I sat up looking at her, frowning slightly as my lip began to quiver. I knew that if I talked about it tears would prick in my eyes again and I didn't feel like crying. I was too tired to cry anymore.

"Please, just talk to me."

I sighed shakily, not sure of where to start. There was so much that's happened, and it all started back when secondary school began. The torment was endless and the stories were tragic; nothing that I wanted to remember.

"Are you being bullied?" Gemma guess after moments of silence have passed.

She sat beside me, softly touching the newly bruised layer of skin. I flinched at the touch for it was still sensitive.

I nodded my head, tears forming in my eyes.

"Oh Em..." Gemma sighed, "When did this start?"

"Three years ago," I whispered.

"What?" Gemma gasped, "And you haven't told anyone until now?"

I shook my head furiously, "And you can't either."

"Em-"

"No. You have to promise me." I argued raising my pinky finger.