Worlds Collide

Chapter Three

23rd of August
Dear Diary,

Miss Swan had been looking at me questioningly, and watching me very carefully during Creative Writing. So, obviously, she'd spoken to Dr Hopper. I put my hand up, and she raised an eyebrow at me. "Yes, Miss Mills?" she asked. "May I please go to the toilet?" I asked her and she shook her head. "Why not? Bitch, I will shit on this floor!" I yelled at her and stormed out of class. I went back to the bathroom, did my business and a little cutting, then returned to class. She looked at me questioningly once more, then watched me sit down.

Then in detention this afternoon, she pulled my sleeves up forcefully, and I winced. She read all the bad words on my arms, and started to tear up. I got too comfortable. "There's more on my legs and stomach..." I trailed off. She knelt down and pulled up my pants and my shirt. She read the words and put her hand to her mouth as she started sobbing. "These look fresh," she said. "Was this in Creative Writing today when you went to the toilet?" "You know,  for a new teacher, you're not too daft," I said sarcastically.

"Regina, this is serious!" she exclaimed. "You... You cut! Why?!" "Because... I don't know," I replied, suddenly sad. "Give me the blade," she demanded, placing her hand in front of me. "You're not telling Dr Hopper are you?" I asked cautiously. "No, I'm throwing it away," she replied. "I don't want you cutting anymore." "Oh, is that right?" I challenged her. "And how will you stop me?" "I can't stop you Regina," she said, sitting exhausted. "That's what sucks. You're hurting yourself, and I can't help you. I care about you, Regina. I can't say why, but I just do."

She was crying, and I went over to her and awkwardly hugged her. She leaned into me and cried. "It's okay," I soothed her. "I know you can't stop me, but please don't cry for me." She looked up at me, and nodded. "I like you Miss Swan. You're a great teacher. I like you too." I scribbled my number on a piece of paper. "If you ever want to talk to me, for any reason, just gimme a call." She stood there, gaping, so I just tucked the number into her jeans pocket and left.

Then I got a call just after dinner tonight, which sucked, because I was just about to vomit my food back up. Anyway, here's that the phone call was:

Hello?

Regina. It's Emma.

Hi, Emma. How are you?

I'm good. The question is how are YOU?

I'm okay. Can you just give me a minute, I need to use the bathroom.

A minute after facing the throw up.

I'm back.

Did hear vomiting?

No... Yes... I'm sick, okay?

Okay... So what's your relationship with Ruby?

Ruby?! Oh! You think... *laughing* No, she's just a friend.

Oh. I thought that you ran away that day because you two were dating.

No, it's because... Ugh... Did you read the note properly? I'm not going to put you at risk. I care about you. I get called the Evil Queen because of those relationships. It was my fault that Mr Booth got fired, and they all knew about... Daniel. When he died, everyone made it worse, and I started cutting and self-harming. It got better, but now it's getting worse again. *sobs*

Oh, Regina, please don't cry. What's your address, I'm coming over.

No, how... How about I meet you at the playground?

Done.