I race to my room, I feel a cold wind whip against my body as I slip through the door way. I slam my door with a thud, not wanting to have any part in the situation that was occurring. Almost forgetting, I lock my door and slide my back against it. I feel that sting on my butt that travels through my spine as it hits the floor; this causes me to look up to see my reflection staring back at me. Red around the eyes, mascara dripping down the cheeks, hair scuffled up in knots, just a complete mess. This reflection was me, but then again not, not the true me. I used to be happy, but not now, not here.
“Julia, get outta there. NOW.” Niall’s angry tone ringing at my ear drum.
I couldn’t help but sob once more. Ever since Niall started drinking again he’s been acting..strange. The things that Niall and I had were now lost somewhere, and I can’t stand it. I finally quiet down and begin to hear things I couldn’t hear before. I hear the footsteps approaching the door.
“..Julia, this is your last warnin’..or this door is comin’ down.”
“..Please..” I whisper. “D-Don’t.”
This answer wasn’t good enough for him, his fists banging the door. I yell through my tears and run towards my mirror. My hand over my mouth in astonishment and fear. Every pound I hear makes me squint as if he’s actually going to break down the door and rage in here.
“NIALL!” I yell through my sobs. “STOP!”
In an instant the pounding comes to a halt. Without noise coming from outside my room I swiftly unlock the door. I stand a couple steps away from the door, staring at it like it’s a gateway to recovery. I watch as the doorknob slowly turns. The door cracked open, a sliver of light escaping into the outside. More and more light escapes as the door is now fully opened to a teary eyed Niall. Without even saying one word Niall pulls me into his arms as I sob into his chest. Niall caresses my back with his soft hand.
“..shh darlin’..shh..” Niall speaks in a low and calming tone.
My sobbing just turns to a couple tears. My breathing slowed down. My heart rate calmed. My eyes begin to close. I hug Niall as if it was the first time we’ve hugged in a long time. The catch is, is that this is nothing new. The arguing, the violence, the tears, the making up, and other days are worse, much, much worse. I don’t think Niall sees what’s behind my eyes, the true pain. Today was one of the better days. I’ve been thinking about breaking off with him but, I just can’t. If Niall doesn’t give me a reason why I shouldn’t break up with him soon than I’m scared for what our future holds. It can’t get any worse than this.
****
“Julia! Get your ass out here!”
My friend, Carmen was calling me from her silver convertible.
“Looks like someone is being a bitch today.”
I mumble to myself. I hear the words bounce off the walls, I begin to realize how alone this house is. Shortly after, I let out a laugh, letting the giggles consume the house. I was just finishing putting on my mascara when suddenly from outside I hear two loud beeps. I look in the mirror and roll my eyes.
“Well, I better not keep her waiting any longer.”
I mumble to myself again, but this time it’s almost as if someone could hear me, even though I know no one is in this house. I brush off the thought, as if it was dust on book even though the small particles still swing in the air to soon come back and haunt me again, but not now. I rush outside as I hear another beep, now revealing my curled red hair; my sleeveless, short-cut, midnight-blue dress that Carmen bought me; and not to mention my black, high-heel wedges. I look up as the moonlight and the car lights shine at me. I wave at Carmen and notice she brought Dean, who is sitting in the back. I walk up to the car and grab onto the passengers’ door, seeing no one is sitting there.
