Noticed

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

             The few days at school, Damen was distant. He didn’t avoid me, but he wasn’t as open as before. I sighed. At lunch, he usually sat as close to me as he could, but he sat on the other side of the table with Alexis. I huffed. “Damen, did I do something to you?’ I asked finally. He shook his head, faking a smile. “No way, Isabella,” he said. “Why would you think that?” I shook my head. “Oh, no reason,” I said vaguely. He turned back to his food. 

             Later one day in English, he moved his seat. He sat next to his friends I found him with in the park that one fateful day. I turned to Kataline. “Trouble in paradise?” she asked, smirking. I sighed, putting my face in my hands. “He hates me,” I said sadly. Kataline patted my arm. “Wanna talk about it?” she asked. I shook my head, not picking it up from my arms. “I’m here for you, if you want to talk,” she said. I looked up. “Thanks,” I said. “As much as it must’ve pained you to say that, thanks.” She grimaced.

             “I’m no good with these feeling talks,” she said. “I can give you advice, but I can’t really help you. I’m a good listener though.” I nodded. “Thanks, Kat,” I said. “Means so much. I haven’t had a girl friend in a while. Not since.. well.. I was Priscilla’s best friend once, did you know that?” Her eyes bugged out. “Are you shittin’ me?” she said. “Know any secrets?” I nodded, a sinister smile coming on my face. “One’s so bad that she didn’t even tell her boyfriend. I’m the only one who knows.” Kataline smirked. “Use it against her,” she said simply. An evil smile came onto my face. “You know, if I was cruel, I would’ve thought that myself. Not that your cruel, you little devil.” She smirked, fanning herself, as if saying, Thank you, thank you. “I think I will,” I said finally.

~

               After school, as I waited by Alexis’s car, Kellen walked up to me. “Hey, Kel,” I said confidently. He smirked. “Finally giving in to my sexy ways?” he asked. “Gonna let me have my way with no resistence?” What an idiot. But just what I wanted to hear  I shook my head. “Nope,” I said loudly. “Hey, Lex, you get that?” He came out from behind his car. “Buh, bye, Kellen,” I said. “Have fun in jail, big boy.” I waved cockily at him as he scampered off.

                I high-fived Alexis. “Great job, Isabella,” he congratulated. “I knew you wouldn’t back down.” I smiled. “Now we have evidence,” I said. “I can tell Mom and the police. And.. Damen.” Alexis gave me a gentle smile, putting his arm around my shoulders. “You probably want to talk to your family first, so I’ll take you home,” he said quietly. I glanced across the parking lot to Damen’s direction. He was staring back at me. 

             I was like everything else disappeared. It was just Damen and I. His beautiful blue-green eyes. His curly-tousled brown hair that I love so much. His soft cheekbones. His soft light red lips I almost touched with my own. His hands that caressed me so gently. 

                I was brought back to Earth by Alexis taking my elbow and making me stumble a bit. I looked back over to Damen, but he was already in his car driving away. I sighed. I guess it’s time to face my parents about how I’ve been being abused.

~

              I opened the door cautiously. “Mom? Dad?” I called. “Calie? Mikey? I have to tell you guys something.” Mom and Carlie came out of the laundry room, laughing about something as I threw my bag on the floor. Dad and Michael came out of the kitchen, eating pizza. “Yes, hun?’ Mom said. I took a deep breath. “I think you should sit down for this,” I said shakily. They followed me to the family room and sat down on the couch, while I sat on the coffee table.