Everything Ripples

09

Chapter 09
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{music for the chapter:// Honey Jars by Bryan John Appleby}
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I wake up the same way as yesterday, with the sun shining in. I wince as I try to move my wrist, the bandages already slipping off. I need to tighten them. Standing up, I dress in a loose dress, avoiding my hand as much as possible.
This isn't the worst he's done to me, but it sure hurts as hell. The throbbing pain starts to ebb away as I down two painkillers.

Birds chirp outside, and I make my way onto the balcony, leaning my hip on the railing. A huge maple tree sits right in front of me, its leafy colours brightening the surroundings. I breathe in the fresh air, closing my eyes. There is no breeze, the crisp morning air already beginning to fade.

Below on the patio, I can see my mother painting again, this time one of the lake. Her brushstrokes are light and faint, trying to get the full effect of the beautiful morning. I ponder on getting my camera and snapping some photos, but then I remember my wrist and my face falls. Until this gets better, I won't be able to take any photos. Grumbling under my breath, I close the balcony doors behind me and follow the smell of pancakes downstairs.

Again, my grandmother is standing in front of the stove, frying up pancakes by the minute.

"Morning." I stroll over to where she is, peering over her shoulder. "Need any help?"

"Nope," she replies cheerily. "There are some on the table. You can take them."

"Thanks."

I pick up a plate with my good hand and pile a few pancakes on, topping it off with honey. Grabbing a fork and knife, I head up to the balcony to eat in peace. A small metal table and chair sit in the middle of the terrace, and I place my plate in the middle, sitting down afterwards and digging in. Eating seems to be an issue for me considering I can only use one hand, so I stop halfway through the stack, too irritated to eat anymore. Leaning back, I take in the scenery and the clear blue sky above me.

"Snowflake? You up there?" I hear Hunter call from under me, and I spring up. Stalking over to the edge, I peer over and see him grinning up at me, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Hi," I squeak, giving him a wave.

"Can I come up?" he asks, looking at me eagerly.

"Why don't I come down? We can go swimming," I suggest, cocking my head. His smile widens and he nods enthusiastically.

"Sure. Yeah, awesome! I'll meet you at the dock in five." He sprints off to his house, and I chuckle to myself. I chew my lip as I move to where my suitcase is, still packed up.

"Now," I whisper. "What the hell am I gonna wear?"

Finding the two bathing suits I brought with me, I place them on the bed. One is a halter top bikini and the other is an extremely complicated one piece that I know for sure I won't be able to get into. Sighing, I chuck it back in my bag and grab the halter one. Slipping off my clothes, I step into the bottoms, shimmying them up my legs. With the top, I hoop the halter over my neck and twist my hand around to clasp it when I realise I can't. My wrist doesn't move without it screaming in pain. My eyes widening, I struggle with the back for ages. Tears start rolling down my face as I fail to tie it up. Why am I so useless? Why can't I do anything right?

Sitting down on the floor, tears drop onto the carpet, soaking the area around me.

"Snowflake? Are you coming?" Hunter shouts from the patio, and I whimper.

Plastering a fake smile on my face, I stand up and make my way out.

"Yep. I'm coming down now," I gulp, keeping the smile on. If Hunter suspected anything, he didn't show it, his face calm and collected. Turning my back to him, I stumble back into my room and rest on my bed, swallowing more painkillers. I peel off the bandage, and gasp in horror as I look at my wrist. All purple and blotchy, it looks mangled. I can see part of my bone sticking out below my skin, and I cover my mouth. Wrapping it back up without screaming, I grind my teeth as tears fall down.

A creaking sound averts my attention to see Hunter cautiously walking in. Wiping my face, I give him a smile and stand up. His eyes soften when he sees my red face, and I cringe.

"Here, I'll help you," he says softly, and I nod. Turning around, he clasps my top, his fingers brushing my skin gently. Unbeknownst to him, Hunter grabs my wrist, and I let out a whimper in pain. Glancing down, he sees my bandaged wrist and lets go immediately, confusion and guilt clouding his features.

"What happened?" he whispers. I start crying again, not wanting to relive that moment.

"Shh, shh, it's okay. You're okay."
He takes my wrist in his hands and carefully feels around, stopping when I cry out.

"When did this happen?"

I compose myself. "Last night."

"What happened?" he asks, his blue eyes bearing into mine. I shake my head. He sighs and runs a hand through his hair.

"You've broken it. We've got to get you to a hospital. I'll go tell your parents."

My eyes widen in fear, and I tug on his shirt with my good hand.

"Please," I whisper. "Don't. Don't tell them."

His gaze softens and he nods, looking down at the floor. I shuffle my feet, my tears easing up.

"I'll drive you, okay?" he says after a while. I nod and follow him out. I trail him closely as we walk out of the house, praying to god that my parents or grandmother don't find me.