Bad and Broken (H.S)

Chapter 5

It was well and truly dark when Leila dropped me home, we all lost track of time gazing at the cloudless sky, stars glinting like one trillion flashlights. I recalled an interesting fact my father once told me when we were on our last camping trip together, 'the twinkling stars in the sky are really several stars revolving around each other, millions of light years away.' The thought of him snapped me back to reality.

Although Mum hadn't set me a curfew I wasn't in the mood to face another one of her "every choice you make changes your destiny" lectures, and I had heard one too many times how staying up late will affect my schooling. Pft, like my schooling hasn't already been affected by the amount of times we had moved around the country.

For the past few years I had tried my hardest to stay disciplined - only going to the occasional party, and never getting too reckless - which was completely unlike how I used to be. I think she may have feared every second I stayed up late bought me closer to returning to old Elli.

With a quick and utterly awkward dive through my window I landed on my face, resurfacing the bruise from that morning. I gasped in surprise when I noticed my Mum sobbing on my bed. Her eyes were red and puffy - an unfortunate crying trait that I inherited - and her cheeks were shiny with tear trails.

"Mum? What is it?" She saw me and looked seemingly unsurprised, although it was hard to tell through her swollen facial features, (Again, a trait that I possess. My crying face is along the lines of Kim Kardashian's, possibly worse.)

"Mum I'm here, I'm back." I was by her side in an instant with my arms around her, despite anything I would never want to make her cry.

"It's not you darling, it- it's something else, I'm so sorry." She sobbed hysterically into my shoulder, I had only once before seen her like this, and no situation could be worse than that time.

"It's okay, I'll get you a cup of tea." I hugged her comfortingly then stood up.

"We- have lots- to talk- about." She wailed in-between sobs, her voice was nasally, like her nose was clogged. As if to prove my point she blew her nose on the sheets of my bed, of course. I inwardly grimaced.

"Okay Mum, I'll be right back."

+++++

Upon returning to my room I found Mum asleep on my bed, I wanted to wake her, but she looked exhausted and I couldn't be so selfish as to disturb her.

I tucked her under the covers like she had done for me so many times and went to sleep in her pristine bedroom.

+++++

The next morning I woke up at 7:00 to the smell of pancakes. I got ready for school as quickly as I could and rushed downstairs - careful not to trip on my feet - so I would have enough time to talk to mum about the night before.

"Good morning sweetie." She said without her usual smile, she looked grim.

"Mum, would you like me to stay home and we could talk?"

"No darling, You can't miss the second day, and school will start getting serious from now on, big grade eleven." She said with a forced smile, I could tell it was fake by the way the corners of her eyes did not crinkle like they usually did. "How was the beach yesterday, El?"

"Beautiful as always, it was so warm! I met some new people, some of Liam's friends... Two girls." I blurted awkwardly. For no reason I decided to leave out the fact that I met Harry. Usually I would tell my mum everything, but something stopped me from mentioning him.

"Sounds wonderful! Was there any new students at school yesterday?" She asked with a knowing look, yet I still continued to lie.

"No- Um. Not that I know of..." I tried my best but failed to keep my voice smooth and steady. If there were lessons for lying I would so have to attend them.

"No particularly good looking boy named Harry?" Her voice lost its teasing tone and she looked at me expectantly. I was caught out.

"Maybe... But I mean, he's not that important." I laughed and shrugged, digging myself a hypothetical hole that I would not be able to get out of.

"I've got to get to work El, you should start walking to Leila's if you don't want to be late." She gave me a quick hug and walked out of the house without looking back. 

Strange, I thought. She doesn't start work until 9.30. I brushed it off and decided to ask her after school that day.  After I shovelled down some pancakes and rinsed off the dishes it was time to start the trek to Leila's.

+++++

The day had been particularly boring, right up until after lunch. I was slightly late to class because upon returning to the locker area to get my books I discovered some couple passionately making out in front of my locker, blocking me from accessing it. I was shocked to see that the couple was Leila and Niall. I was happy for them, but the sight made me feel a little sick.

I gave then some space and went to the bathroom to fix my hair, hoping they would be gone by the time I went back. They weren't. I had to build up an immense amount of courage to stop them from eating each other's faces, I didn't want Leila to be mad that I interrupted her moment.

"The bell has gone for class, you guys..." I squeaked, nowhere near loud enough. So I cleared my throat with as much force as I could. They sprung apart, looking sheepish.

"Uhm, sorry Elli. I'll see you later Leila." Niall murmured, and awkwardly stood there for a few seconds like he was contemplating what to do. He turned around and walked off. Oops, I thought.

Leila turned to me with a scowl, "Wow, thanks." She said sarcastically.

"Leila you were blocking my locker, I have to get to class."

"Ugh, fuck you Elli." She said storming off. I sighed, she'd get over it by the afternoon, I hoped.

I got my books and quickly hurried to psychology class, about ten minutes late. Upon arriving I apologised to an ever-calm Mr. Gibson, and took the only empty desk. I noticed it could seat two people, so luckily I'd have a lot of room to spread my stuff out, or so I thought.

About two minutes after I sat down, Harry Styles appeared at the door. What is he doing here?

"Can I help you, young man?" Said the teacher calmly.

"Yes, I'm in this class." Harry strode right in, thumping his stuff down right next to me. He only had a laptop, no notebooks or textbooks or a pencil case. Being that unprepared would make me anxious.

"An apology for being so late would be nice, what is your name?" Said Mr. Gibson, still as calm as ever.

"I am deeply sorry sir, I'm Harry Styles." He said with a mocking tone. I think I almost saw about 10 girls in the room faint on the spot. All I could do was roll my eyes. 'Great, just great.'

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