You Don't Know Me

Biology Exam

CHAPTER 8

 I wake up to a sharp pain in my stomach. Instantly, memories of the night before come rushing back. I can't get out of bed so I decide to stay in and not even go to school. I get under the duvets and try to get comfortable. Just as I get comfortable, I realise what day it is. Exam day! I quickly rush out of bed forgetting the state I am in but I do not forget for long as the pain becomes worse. I moan in anger and pain and my mum comes into my room. 'Kiera, what are you doing up, you can't go to school today.'

'What do you care?'

'Don't you dare say that, you're my daughter, of course I care.' I roll my eyes and try to leave the room, taking small steps and holding my stomach but she blocks my way. 'You are definitely not going to school this morning.'

'Why not? After all, stupid people need to make the effort as you always say.' She sighs as if making this whole situation difficult.

'You can't go to school looking like that.'

'Why not? Because people will know what kind of home I'm living in?' She doesn't say anything; instead, she just looks down shamefully so I just carry on. 'I wouldn't worry if I was you because Lucy already knows, did he tell you what he tried to do then?'

'Kiera, he explained everything calmly to me, yes.'

'Did he tell you that he wouldn't let her leave and she was so afraid and he was so close to-'

'KIERA!' I look at her listening to what she has to say, she doesn't say anything so I say 'whatever he told you, it's a lie, he told you some lie but you weren't there and you didn't see it!'

'I'm sorry Kiera, really I am. You should stay off school today.'

'You disgust me, you don't know anything about love because the relationship you and dad have is clearly not love, and anyone can see that. Oh and by the way, I couldn't stay even if I wanted to because today is the day I have my biology exam.' I walk off limping on my way to the bathroom.

I look at my reflection and stare in horror. For the first time in my life, I don't even recognise the person staring back at me. This isn't me. It can't be! How can I take the exam looking like this? I take a quick shower, brush my teeth and style my hair into a messy bun.

I go to my room and my mum isn't there. I don't know why I wanted her to be when I knew she wouldn't be. I guess I just wanted some comfort as well as someone telling me that things will be okay. But I guess not. I put some light foundation on that'll cover my bruises and scars. I can't be bothered to put foundation on my stomach where my dad kicked me so I just wear a t shirt followed by a hoodie and jeans. 

I check the time and it says 08:27. My exam starts at 10.00 and as I’ll be taking to longer to walk, I have to leave now. I grab my bag and try to walk normally, holding the pain in. 'Kiera, everything is going to be okay.' There is a time and place for comforting your daughter and now and here is not it!

'Whatever mum, I’m going to be late.'

'But you need your breakfast and you have an exam.'

'When the hell do you care what I do?'

'I always care Kiera, always.'

'If you cared then where the hell were you when I needed you last night? You just left me!'

'I didn't think anything like this would've happened.'

'So? That makes it all right. You knew what was going on and you always just stand by and watch. That's not what a mother is supposed to do, I thought mothers were supposed to love and protect their children but obviously not.'