Borderline

Chapter 11

"Josh?!" I called, starting to panic. "Joshua!"

Nothing.

I heard something move in the trees behind me, and I spun around.

No one was there.

I felt my heartbeat speed up.

I jumped when I heard a bird calling somewhere in the distance.

"Joshua!" I screamed his name again, hoping I would get a response this time.

However, somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew he wouldn't say anything.

I broke out into a run, not really knowing which direction I was heading. I didn't care. I had to get out of wherever I was.

I heard laughter behind me, and I stopped and turned to look.

It was Olivia Bransen.

I almost hadn't recognized her. Her face was mangled, the skin coming off in ribbons. She was missing an eye, and there were burn marks covering her arms and legs. She wore a tattered pink dress with white, frilly socks and black shoes, but one of her shoes was missing.

I felt myself start to sweat from fear. Then I heard her voice, and I about pissed myself.

"Orphan girl...I found you." Her voice sounded like a cheese grater. She smiled, and I about puked.

The skin around her mouth was missing in some places, showing off her blood covered teeth.

I didn't have time to comprehend exactly what I was looking at before she came at me. I screamed as she ran straight though me, ripping me apart as she went.

***

I woke up screaming.

This wasn't new, but it hadn't happened for a while.

I bolted upright, panting and clutching the front of my shirt like it was a life preserver.

I looked over to see Joshua awake, staring up at me with a questioning look.

"You okay?" He whispered. I shook my head. How as I supposed to be okay after that?

Joshua pulled me back down and held me close to his chest. I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly.

I knew I wouldn't be sleeping for the rest of the night.

***

Something was shaking me.

And it was annoying.

With my eyes closed, I tried batting whatever it was away, but it continued anyway.

I groaned, opening my eyes to see Eli standing over me. "Wake up, sunshine!" He was smiling like an idiot.

Damn it. He's a morning person.

"No," I mumbled, throwing my arm over my head and tried to ignore him. I was exhausted from last night, and I wanted nothing more than to sleep.

"Yes, or else you're going to be late for school!"

I froze as a memory seeped it's way into my mind. I shook my head, willing it away.

That wasn't something I needed right now.

I finally sat up and rubbed my eyes before looking at Eli and frowning.

"What's got you all chipper, Skippy?" I growled.

Eli ignored me, grabbing my wrist and pulling me up.

Me, being uncoordinated in the mornings, fell right into his chest.

I immediately pushed him away, ripping my hand from his grasp. "Don't touch me," I said, words dripping with venom.

I heard Joshua laughing and I looked over to see him standing in the entrance to the alley.

"Ryder isn't much of a 'get up and go' kind of girl," he explained, talking to Eli. "She needs about a week to wake up in the morning."

I glared at him, but he didn't seem affected by it.

"Well, she had better get used to it quick, because school starts at 8 am sharp Monday through Friday." Eli didn't seem to be aware of the fact that I wanted to strangle him, which I suppose was a good thing.

"Whatever," I muttered, folding my blanket and putting it back in my bag. "Let's just go." I swung my duffel bag over my shoulder and marched out of the alley, Eli and Joshua following close behind me.

By the time we reached the gates to the school, Eli was jumping with excitement.

"Remind me to show you guys the garden in the back! It's really pretty when all the flowers are blooming! Oh! And I want to show you guys all the best spots to ditch class, and all of the..." I tuned him out, not really caring what he had to say.

I noticed a few other kids going through the gates, which reassured me that we wouldn't be completely alone here. If nothing else, I can push these kids in the way of a bullet.

I hadn't even noticed the person walking toward us until I slammed into them.

"Watch where you're going!" Screamed a high pitched voice. I blinked as the girl I had run into turned around to glare at me.

"Sorry," I mumbled, not really meaning it.

She flipped her bleach blond hair annoyingly. I ground my teeth. "Whatever," she said cattily. I rolled my eyes. I knew I wouldn't like this place.

Joshua came over to me and squeezed my shoulder. I shrugged him off, stomping toward the front doors. "Come on, you two. Let's just get this over with."