The Scars Within

The Beginning

Everyone thinks they know me. They think my life is perfect. My family is rich, so my life must be pretty great, right? Wrong. Nothing in this life is alright. My name, is Carmin Harley. I'm 16 years old, and am considered to be what most would call a 'snotty rich girl.' I'm average height, about 5' 5", long, black hair, ocean blue eyes, and lightly tanned skin. Being a sophomore almost junior in high school, I have a lot of tough decisions coming up. Now, I know what you're probably thinking. "Oh great. Another story about some teen who thinks their life sucks.", but that isn't what this is about. This is about how sometimes, even the happiest of people, aren't actually happy at all.

Time for a long flashback I guess. Everything started when I began my sophomore year. Now, I know that probably sounds like every other story you've read as well, but bear with me. Sophomore year started the same as every other. Find your locker, grab your stuff for first hour, then go to the class. After listening to the teacher talk for an hour about how much 'fun' you're going to have this year, the bell rings and the process starts all over.

After five hours of that, it was finally lunch time. That was when my day took a turn for the worse. I had just gotten my food when I received a text from my Mother. After I sat down at a lunch table, I read the text.

Mom: Hey sweetie, I have some news for you. I should probably wait until you get home, but I won't be there. Your father and I have decided to get a divorce. Things just aren't working anymore. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, I really am. Love, Mom.

For a few minutes, all I could do was stare at the text. Did it surprise me? No. My parents had been drifting apart for years so it was only a matter of time. What got me was that it was actually happening. I mean, I figured it would happen, but now that it has... I don't know what to do. I snap out of it when my 'friend' Stacy McDaniels sits across from me. I quickly put my phone back in my pocket, and looked at her. She's slightly shorter than me, with medium length blond hair and dark brown eyes.

"Hey Stac, how's it going?" I asked.

"Ugh. I hate school. I know it's, like, only the first day, but, like, seriously? All this walking is ruining my pedicure." She says. I always hated her voice. So nasally and high pitched. Ew. I don't even like her yet everywhere I go she follows like a puppy. Pathetic. It's probably because my Dad is a big time lawyer and my Mom is a real estate agent so she thinks if she gets in nice with me she can be the one who's friends with a rich person. I hate it. That's my parents. Not me. Plus, all she ever talks about is what boy she hooked up with last night and her nails.

"It's not that bad." I reply.

"That's easy for you to say! You get good grades and the teachers don't have a vendetta against you." She whines out. Maybe if she actually paid attention she could get somewhere in her life without her Daddy's help. I forgot to mention that Stacy's Dad is a lawyer as well and works with my Dad. He isn't as good as my Dad is though. I'm pretty sure Stacy almost got her Dad to sue the school because a bubbler broke and got her favorite shirt wet. Again, pathetic. I only give her a small smile in reply, and continued eating the pizza that was served for lunch.

"Omg, this food is soooo gross! I mean, why can't we get some actual food here?" 'Omg, do you ever shut up? I mean, like, ya know, like, you're making my like, fabulous head hurt.' Chuckling at my thoughts, I only ignore Stacy and continue eating. Just as I finished my food, Stacy started tapping on my arm.

"Omg, Omg, Omg, look look look! It's Leon Severn! He's sooo hot! If I could get him alone for five minutes... " Okay, definitely did not need to hear that. Rolling my eyes, I stood from my seat and moved to dump my tray. "Carmin! Where are you going? Aren't you going to say 'hi' to him?" Stacy yells after me. Glancing back, I noticed Leon was staring at me from across the cafeteria. Rolling my eyes again, I left the cafeteria. I never saw the fascination with Leon. He's your typical jock. Daddy was star of the football team at this same high school so now he is too. Around 6' 2" with short brown hair and dark blue eyes, he's what about 99% of the female population of the world would consider attractive. I personally don't see it. He may have the looks, but his personality is horrid. Rude, loud, arrogant, and frankly, pretty stupid. And I mean stupid. He's supposed to be a Junior but he completely failed sophomore year last year with like 50% in every class so he got held back. All the qualities I hate mixed into one person. The worst part is he's been trying to get me to date him since middle school. I just wish he would leave me alone. Maybe if I talk to Dad I could get a restraining order... Nah, he wouldn't let me. In fact, my Dad encourages the relationship! He says that since the Severn family is well known and fairly wealthy as well it would be great if we could get connections with that family. No thanks.

Sighing, I continue to my fortress of solitude, the library. Not exactly a place most 'populars' hang out, right? That's exactly why I go there. None of my 'friends' ever think to look there for me. Plus, it's really quiet and almost no one goes there during the day, making it perfect for writing. That's right. I write stories of my own. My parents are always trying to get me to do something grand that makes boatloads of money, but I want to be an author. I even illustrate my own pictures into the books! Of course, I write under an alias. If my parents or 'friends' found out it would be a lot of unneeded questioning. I've put a few of them up online, and I've gotten a lot of positive feedback. People seem to like them because they're fiction, but they talk about real world problems and people being able to deal with them, such as bullying or coming from a poor family. My most recent book was about a child whose parents got divorced. Hah, who knew it would become a story about my life? Sighing, I go to the second floor of the library. You see, the school I go to, Richardson High, is located in a very high income neighborhood as you could probably tell from the people at school with me. Anyway, the library has two floors. The first floor has all the books and some computers, but the second floor has a great view of the town along with tons of super comfy couches and chairs. This is my favorite place in the whole school. I always come here whenever I have time.

Sitting on one of the couches, my couch in particular, I layed down and got lost in my thoughts. 'Who am I going to live with once my parents are divorced? Mom or Dad? Neither seems to be better than the other to be honest. They're both gone all the time for work and hardly ever have time for me.' Sighing, I think 'Why couldn't I have just had a normal family?' Glancing at the clock, I see it's almost time for my next class. 'Great. That means I have chemistry. Better get going.' Sighing for what felt like the millionth time that day, I stood up and walked out of the library towards the science room.