Rise

Chapter 29

I can't get a glimpse of what unlocked the door.

In instinct I cover my face and slowly move into the seat, not making a single movement.

"Ella,"

The voice I long for sends relief through out my entire body.

The back door closest to me unlocks and opens, a wave of cool air stings my moist face.

I turn my head, I don't want him to see me like this.

"Are you crying? Ella come inside it's late."

My hands are still shaking, and if they are, I assume my voice would be too.

I shake my head and tug on my sleeves to keep my mind on something other than crying.

"Ella please, cmon we'll talk about it inside." Harry says softly.

I sigh and sit up, wiping the moisture from my face with my sleeves.

Harry helps me out of the car. I keep my eyes on the ground.

I don't bother getting my bag or anything I brought to campus.

I'm too tired, too weak.

Harry slides his arm around my waist after shutting the car doors, and of course locking them, and leads me inside.

I stumble into the apartment and throw myself onto the couch.

I hear the door click and footsteps that get louder and louder.

Harry places his arms under me and carries me into the bedroom.

I'd usually insist on walking myself and fight with him until he lets me down but this time I do nothing.

Harry lightly places me onto my bed and lays beside me.

"What the hell is this?" Harry's finger brushes my neck, it stings.

I ignore him, refusing to answer.

"Ella," He says, trying to comfort me.

"What's wrong tell me."

I sit up and shake my head. "N-Nothing."

"I found you in your car crying at seven at night and theres bruises on your neck, it wasn't nothing."

I sigh. I'll have to tell him.

"I hate seeing you like this." I'm not looking at him but I know what his eyes look like. Sympathy. Empathy.

"You'll get mad."

"Did you sleep with someone?!"

I glare at him. "No damnit!"

He puts his hands through his hair.

"Just tell me, I told you about Jessica."

"That was through a text message." I snap.

"We're done with that shit," Harry sighs. "Sorry I- babe just tell me I wont get mad."

"Charlie told me sh-she is dating Riley, so I went to Jessica's apartment to talk to her about it-"

"Doesn't look like you did much talking."

"Anyways, she started saying inaccurate crap and I punched her then-"

I stop myself. I can't mention Riley.

"Then what?"

"I'd tell you but you'll react and get hurt." I admit.