How To Save a Life [ON HOLD]

[four]

WARNING: The end of this chapter involves physical abuse and may trigger some people and cause distress. Please keep this in mind and feel free to skip the ending. If you do intend to skip the ending, please do so from the break of the chapter.

"Oh, here she is." Tristan says, looking over my shoulder and waving at someone near the entrance of the shop. I don't dare to turn around. In fact, I'd rather slide under the table and make a run for it.

"Hey, Rose." Tristan greets. Wait, I've heard that name somewhere.

"Hey, Tris." An approaching voice chirps. And I've definitely heard that voice before.

Oh God.

Please don't let it be her. Please let me be mistaken. Please, please, please.

I hesitantly lift my head to look at the girl now sliding in next to Tristan. Our eyes meet and my stomach twists in a knot.

No, no, no, no, no. This can't be happening. God, please don't let this be happening.

"Cece?" Rose asks, a mixture of fear and guilt taking over her features. I quickly look away, feeling like I might puke.

"Ah she has a name." Tristan says light heartedly, before processing what she said. "Wait, you guys know each other?" I look up to meet Tristan's eyes as he looks between the two of us, confusion written all over his face. Rose is still staring at me in disbelief.

"Um yeah, we've uh, crossed paths a few times at school." Rose says so quietly I could only just make out her words. My stomach twists again and I could feel a lump form in my throat. I can't stay here. Not with her.

I abruptly stand up from the booth, tears welling in my eyes. I run through the cafe and into the bathroom, locking myself in the last cubicle. That's when the water works started.

I collapse onto the ground in a sobbing mess, not really caring about how unsanitary this floor would be right now. I bury my face in my hands, letting it all out.

I can't believe this. Why does she have to be his sister? Why couldn't it be anyone else but her?

I hear the bathroom door creak open and I snap my head up, forcing my sobs to stop. Footsteps hesitantly walk up to my cubicle. I shoot to my feet and back away as far as possible.

"Cece?" A voice quietly pleads. Rose.

I cup my hand over my mouth, trying desperately to stop myself from breaking down again. I don't make a noise. Please go away.

"Cece, please come out." Rose tries again, taking a step closer to the door. I stare down at her shoes, hardly daring to take a breath. I squeeze my eyes closed, letting tears silently roll down. Please go away.

It's not until I open my eyes again that I realise Rose has finally left. I let out a sigh of relief, wiping the remaining tears from my cheeks. I take a few deep breaths before cautiously opening the cubicle door. Looking at myself in the mirror, all I see is a worthless mess of tears and insecurities put inside of a disgusting human body with no real purpose in life.

A single tear slides down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away, turning the tap on. I splash some water on my face and dab it dry with a paper towel. I chuck the paper in the trashcan, looking at myself in the mirror once again.

Suddenly the bathroom door opens and I let in a sharp intake of breath. A head sticks in, hesitantly looking around. His eyes brighten once they land on me standing at the basins.