Inferior: Draft 2 [ON HOLD]

Five

Lexis
"No."
And with that, the subway slows to a stop, the doors opening. I slip into the crowd exiting, thankful of my small size, so that I don't get crushed in the ebb and flow of the crowd like the tides of the ocean. Pushed one way, pulled the other way, I make my way, slowly, to the stairs, bounding up them, rejoicing in the absence of people. I begin to go to my house, but quickly turn to go the other way when I remember the last time I came home after being carried away. Lance. No, I won't think about that. The beating was so harsh, I couldn't get to school. I weave through side streets, eventually making one last turn to come face to face with a red door, with peeling paint and a greening copper door knob. I twist my key in the hole, feeling the tumblers catch, and opening the door.
It was a nice place, I bought it a few months ago, cheaply, and before I furnished it, there was a newer microwave, fridge and freezer set, light coloured wood cabinets, cieling fan with a light, stove, bed, and small wood table with a chair. I brought in the oak dresser, cream coloured sofa, and food to fill the cabinets. Thank god it was all so cheap. And there was dark wood and blue tile flooring. No carpet in sight. Although, to have blue tiles is sorta weird, I can't complain. The cream walls and lagoon turquoise trim fit my style perfectly, and I painted it all myself.
A small sigh escapes my lips. I flop down on the bed, mussing up the covers. It's been such a long day. Glancing at the open door, I quickly shut it, but not before I see something turn the corner. Oh shit! Please tell me no one followed me, please! I deadbolt the door and lock it with the chain. I know I'm just paranoid, but fear keeps you alive. I hear a knock on the wood door. Dammit. Please not my parents, please not my parents, I silently plea as I walk over to the door, looking through the peephole. I see Jayden standing slightly back from the door, his head barely in view. I slide the bolt away and unlock the door, but keep the chain on. Opening the door a fraction, I glance through the gap. Yep, definitely Jayden. I'd only known him a day, and I was good with faces and names, but after spending most of the day with him, I think that I'd recognize him anywhere. You're getting too attached, the voice in the back of my head nags. If you go any further, it'll be Lance again. Dear god, don't remind me. I've spent my free time trying to forget him. It won't, I argue. I won't let it happen again. I'll make him go away. No one else will ever get hurt because of me.