Build It Better | Hunter Rowland

Chapter 20

|Ella's POV

After seeing Hunter's facial expression, I ran over to my house. I can't believe he heard what we were talking about. The last thing I want is to lose my best friend.

I opened the door and saw Collin sitting on the couch. He gave me a confused look and lifted an eyebrow. "You okay?"

"No." I replied and sat down next to him. I didn't want to cry in front of him, but I couldn't help it. Tears started streaming down my cheeks and wouldn't stop.

"He's just a boy. You'll get over it." He sighed and stood up.

"The thing is, he's not 'just a boy'. He's the only one who has been here for me when I really need someone. Ever since you got that damn scholarship, it's all anyone wants to talk about. No one cares about how I feel or what I have to say. And Mom is so far up Jason's ass to every recognize my existence. Hunter has been the only one I can trust these days, and I might've lost him too." I got up and pushed past Collin, walking to my room.

"Ell-" I cut off Collin by slamming my door loudly. I leaned against my door and slid down to the floor. I pulled my knees to my chest and broke down.

---

I walked into the bathroom and looked at myself. I wore one of my dad's old t-shirts and you could see my scars slightly. I looked over at the shelf above the toilet and saw it; the blade. The memories of what happened today flew through my mind and I closed my eyes.

The next thing I knew, there were 10 new, fresh cuts on my arm. I hid the blade and washed off my arm. My face stung from crying so much and my eyes hurt. And in that moment, I realize what I had done.

Ella, will you promise me something?" Hunter's low voice filled the room after about 5 minutes of silence. I looked up at him and nodded slightly. "Will you promise to not yourself anymore?"

I pulled my hand away from his slowly. I closed my eyes and tried to stop the tears that were begged to come out. God, why did I cry so much?

"Why do you care so much?" I whispered in between tears. I felt his hands cup my cheeks and lift my face.

"Because I can't let you do this do yourself, I'm here to make you better than what you think. That is if you let me." He whispered and leaned his faced closer to mine. "Will you let me? Do you promise to not hurt yourself?"

I thought about it. I just met him. But he's different than the others. Maybe he'll be able to do the impossible; make me get to a point in life where I actually believed in myself.

And with that, I nodded.

"Yes."

I broke my promise.