Beaten

Chapter 15

I woke up with tears streaming down my face. My body was in so much pain but I knew I would have to go to school anyway so I got up. I jumped in the shower, letting the warm water cascade over my injured body. I didn’t stay in long; I didn’t have the time. I got dressed, replaced my bandages, and started to brush my hair. The one thing I loved about myself was my long hair. As I brushed it out I thought about yesterday. I couldn’t get my father’s broken face out of my head. I felt so bad for him, even if he does beat me…the look of sorrow and pain was too much. It broke my heart in two. It’s hard to see him that way.

I left my room still contemplating yesterday’s events. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, locking it behind me. I turned around and stopped in my tracks. Nathan was leaning against his car by the curb with his hands in his pockets. There was a slight smile on his face.

“What are you doing here?” I raised my eyebrow.

“I’m here to give you a ride to school.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Thanks but no thanks. I’ll stick to the bus.”

“C’mon please.” He gave me the puppy dog look and I tried to resist because normally it doesn’t work on me, but his eyes were just so doe like and so blue. I sighed before walking over to him.

“Just this once, this is not a regular thing.” He smirked at me, opening for me.

“I knew you couldn’t resist me.” I rolled my eyes at him but couldn’t help the smile that formed on my face. I guess Nathan wasn’t all bad. He shut my door and walked around to the driver side and got in himself. I couldn’t help but stare at him, even when we pulled away from my house I was still staring. There was something about this boy and it was getting to me. “Like what you see?” He looked at me from the corner of his eye, smirking at me.

“No.” I huffed and looked out the window. I could see in my reflection that a light blush was coloring my cheeks. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I leaned my head against the window. I like him but I can’t. I thought to myself. I interlocked my fingers in my lap and peeked at Nathan through my hair. I sighed and looked at my hands. Someone like him and someone like me don’t belong together. That thought caused a lump to form in my throat. I swallowed hard.

“Doll,” I felt him touch my shoulder, it gave me a warm feeling in my chest, “we’re at school.” I nodded my head, grabbed my stuff, and got out. I walked way not wanting to endure this any longer. He grabbed my arm. “What’s wrong?” I shook my head, taking his hand off my arm and continued walking. When I got to the doors of the school I looked back at him finally. He was just standing there looking confused. I can’t let these feelings grow. I have to stay away. It hurt to look to know he could never possibly feel the same way. I walked into the school holding back tears.

I made it to my locker, still down about the Nathan situation. As soon as I opened it I felt arms wrap around me but not tightly. I knew it was Zach because no one’s arms were more comfortable. I turned in his arms, burying my face in his chest and returned the hug.

“Hey Jewels, how are you?”

“I’ve been better.” I smiled at him the best I could.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just tired is all.” I couldn’t tell Zach the truth. He would be angry with me. He didn’t want me around Nathan. I turned and grabbed my things from my locker before shutting it. I hooked arms with Zach and we both headed off to class. Zach was talking and I was just listening, smiling and nodding. Zach could always make me feel better. He was my best friend and I loved him for it. We were almost to class when someone bumped into me making me drop my books. I sighed and bent over to pick them up. I hissed and grabbed my stomach. I fell to my knees from the excruciating pain. Zach knelt in front of me asking what was wrong. I just shook my head, about to gather my books but hands grabbed them for me. I looked over to see it was Nathan. He looked worried but I focused on getting up. Zach grabbed my arms helping me, but it was still a struggle.

“Are you ok?” I nodded my head at Nathan, who sounded concerned, and reached for my books. Our fingers brushed and that warm feeling came back. I couldn’t help the blush that spread across my cheeks.

“What do you want Johnson?” Zach was glaring at Nathan.

“I was helping her. Got a problem with it?” Nathan shot back with a glare just as fierce.

“She doesn’t need your help.” Zach stepped partly in front of me. I rolled my eyes at these boys. I pushed at Zach’s back.

“Zach he was just helping, he just-”

“He was just what?” It was my turn to receive his glare, “Why are you defending him?!” He clenched his hands into fists. I stepped away from Zach. His face went from anger to hurt to horror filled realization as he looked at his hands. “Jewels…” he stepped towards me and I couldn’t help taking another step back. His hands fell limply to his side. “I-I’m sorry….I’m just gonna….yeah.” He walked away before I could even call him back.  Nathan embraced me. I was too upset to fight back so I let him.

“Let’s go.” He pulled away and pulled me in the opposite direction of class.

“Go where?” I questioned.

“Somewhere else, you’re not in any state to be at school.” I started to protest but he just kept going. “Before you say it you’re not fine.” I knew I wasn’t going to win this one so I let him pull me out of the school and towards his car. I wonder where we’re going. I thought to myself but at this moment I didn’t really care.

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I know it's short but it's more of a filler. Next chapter we'll get to learn a little more about Nathan :) Comment, Rate, Vote. Always appreciate feedback.