Broken

Chapter 5: Silent Truth

I sigh at my reflection in the mirror. No amount of makeup could hide the fullness of the purple that is my cheek. I give up with disappointment and throw my bag over my shoulder. As I carefully step outside into my burning enemy that is the sun, I pull out my phone and check my ten messages starting from the most recent.

Corey -
The silence is deafening x

Corey -
Cadence, what's wrong? Text me. x

Corey -
C, please pick up. x

Corey -
Answer your phone. x

Corey -
I'm fucking worried about you. x

Corey -
Talk to me sweetheart x

Corey -
Was it the kiss? Because it was no accident. x

Corey -
Why did you call? x

Corey -
I'm here if you need me. I said anything. I meant it x

Corey -
What the fuck is wrong Cadey? x

As per usual Charlotte and Elaine are waiting for me and for a change I kind of wish they weren't. I really want to be alone today. Awkwardly I step towards Elaine and give her a shaky half hug.
"Hey, what's this?" She questions, sounding happily surprised. I ignore her and squeeze her again.
"Well isn't this a beautiful change? The Trig tutoring went well then, I assume?" Prods Charlotte, raising her eyebrow suspiciously
"Yes," I utter, eventually bringing my eyes to meet hers, showing the reason for any changes within my regular habits. Please don't say anything Charlotte. Not a word.
"Oh, Cadence, no."
I stare back at her to let her, the look of worry in her teary eyes. I give a small smile and say nothing and with Elaine and Charlotte we walk. It is silent and long. But no one is in any mood to talk thanks to me. It's my own stupid fault for being so ugly and useless. I deserved this. I always deserve this.

~xoxoxoxo~

I sit quietly in the empty English classroom, waiting for the students to push through the door when the bell rings at any minute now, while I think back to the moments that transpired only a short time before. Walking through the gates I was approached by a very upset sounding Corey.
"C, what's wrong? Please talk to me. I'm here for you," he tried helplessly.
"Now isn't a good time Corey," Charlotte interjected kindly. "Maybe another time." I could hear the smile in her voice, her true sincerity shining through. I watched his sneakers step out of view and mumbled my thanks to her. I felt terrible but she was right. Another time maybe.

I'm soon dragged from my thought as the other students start filing in and oddly enough and to my discomfort someone takes the spare set next to me.  A boy, judging by the familiar yet sweet scent.
"Hi," I hear a concerned voice say. I turn and look. Great! It's fucking Corey. I can't do this. He's trying to be nice I know. But for fuck sake. I can't handle this.
"Nice bruise! Did you fall flat on your fucking face, whore?" Lori blurts out, bringing all unwanted attention my way as the many confused teens all look.
"Shut the fuck up for once, Lori," Corey spits in return.
"I don't have to.  You can't tell me what to do,"
"Seriously, shut the fuck up. Leave her alone!"
"Make me Corey," she giggles. I listen to the chair slide against the floor as Corey stands to confront her. I keep my head down.
"She hasn't done a single thing to you. Cadence hasn't done anything to anyone. Just be like everybody else and leave her alone,"
"Why should I do what you tell me to? You're not my father," she fires back.
I physically shudder at the word 'father.'  This action caught by Corey.
"Being a bitch to people Lori, doesn't get you friends,"
"You're supposed to be my friend anyway,"
"Just back off, okay? Fuck off," Corey says exasperated returning to his seat.
"I'm sorry her and her friends are such birches to you. You don't deserve it."
"Yes I do," I mutter in response.
"You honestly don't though. You don't realise how amazing you really are, C."
"Thanks," I say, my voice barely audible,a quiet whisper.

The last stragglers stumble in, once again followed by Mr Sales as a substitute.
"Hey guys, she's away still so I'm thinking...free period sound good? " he announces, flipping down behind the desk. Naturally the class agree because even I have to admit that free lessons are awesome. I grab The Great Gatsby from my bag and continue reading from my last mark as Mr Sales calls through the class list.
"Cadence?" He gasps, taking notice of my face. Flustered and embarrassed I look away.
"So I guess he just noticed too, hey? Cadence what happened?" Corey asks.
"Nothing. I'm fine,"
"Corey," Mr Sales interrupts. "Can I have a minute outside please?"
"Sure."
I watch Corey and Mr Sales leave the room in silence, closing the door behind them.
"Lori says you fell over," Sabrina says.
"Sure is one hell of an improvement to your face. Don't you think, Brooke?" Adds Lori. I hear Brooke mumble an agreement but I don't respond to either of their remarks.
"She's so fucking ugly," Sabrina laughs as Corey enters the room again.
"Girls, that's enough. Sabrina, Lori, Brooke, Principal Matthews' office. Now!"
"Brooke didn't do anything," I whisper.
"Okay. Lori and Sabrina, now! Cadence can I also see you for a moment please."
Slowly I move from my seat and leave the room, waiting for the two delightful girls to make the walk if shame to the office.
"Cadence," Mr Sales continues. "How is everything?"
"Fine," I blatantly lie, letting my hair hang down and obscure my face.
"Cadence, please. I am your teacher, you can trust me, you know?" Gently he touches my shoulder, causing me to tremble.
"I know," I respond.
"I spoke to Corey. He doesn't seem to know much."
No one does. Of course they don't. Why the fuck would I burden people with my petty fucking problems.
"No, no he doesn't," I mumble.
"So what's with this bruise on your face? Will you tell me about it?"
"I can't."
"Cadence, I won't tell anyone. Let me help you,"
"My father," I whisper.
"What?"
"Oh Cadence, is there someone you can stay with?"
"No,"
"What about Corey? Can you stay with him?"
I'd love to stay with him but he has enough shit to deal with already because of me.
I say nothing and shrug my shoulders.
"We can go back in now. My door is always open, okay? Always."
"May I go to the bathroom sir?"
"Take your time."

I smile and head to the bathroom at the other end of the corridor. I hear voices as I near and ignore my thoughts, walking in anyway.
"Look what the cat dragged in,"
I brush off Sabrina's taunt and take my usual cubicle, sitting on the closed seat. I take my razor from my pocket and push my sleeve up to my elbow. That is so much fucking better. Someone please kill me. I can't help but drag it over my skin countless times, watching the beads of blood form before trickling down my arm. I dab it with tissues and pull down my sleeve and head back to class.

It's on my mind to tell Mr Sales about Lori and Sabrina but I can't be fucked causing more problems for myself. Victim or not. I take my seat next to Corey and attempt to read again, tears still sliding down my face.
"You saw them again, didn't you?" He asks.
"Bathroom,"
Angry, Corey approaches the front desk and exchanged quiet words with Mr Sales.
'You shouldn't have done that.' I write on paper aimed at Corey. 'They're your friends.'
"You're my friend too," he says aloud, leaning in to kiss the side of my head.

~xoxoxoxo-
Chemical Halo ☺️

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