The World is Ugly, but You are Beautiful to Me

Chapter 16

I rouse from my bed and hobble towards the mirror, my body still stiff from an uncomfortable sleep. My hair is a knotted mess, my arm aches, and my check is a light purple and red shade. I lightly brush my fingers over the wound, but wince in pain at even the slightest touch.

I grab foundation, eye shadow, and blush and lightly dab it on my cheek. I do my best to cover up the bruise, but I still look injured.

I sigh and head downstairs anyways. I see my mother sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee. This can't be good; my mum never wakes up this early.

"Katharine! Honey, are you okay?" she asks. I refuse to look at her. I keep my mouth clamped together, too. "Look at me," my mum orders.

I have no choice. I am too weak to stand against her. I turn slowly to face my mother, my arms stretched out so she can see the damage.

She rushes to my side and touches my cheek with her thumb. I pull back with a cry. "

W-what happened?" my mum asks innocently. All I have to do is shoot her a threatening glare for her to know the answer. "No! I didn't mean it! You know I love you!" she exclaims.

But it's too late. The harm has been done.

I rush out the door and towards the bus. Like usual, Logan is standing there already.

"How was last night?" he asks while I'm still quite a distant way away.

I wait until I'm close to him to tilt my face to the side and show off my cheek.

He gasps.