Never Shout Never!

Perfect Timing

When I woke up, my mind was everywhere. Not just the problems I've had recently, but the fact that my college interview was today. Today. Despite talking to my father last night without crying, I was on edge. I quickly got up out bed and took a shower and brushed my teeth. I was feeling pretty good about today so I tried to smile in the mirror to boost up my confidence. Who's gonna want a sad and angry girl walking on their campus?

I rummaged through my closet and searched for something to wear. I picked out a black and white off the shoulder top and a black high waisted skirt. I looked in the mirror and put on my makeup and curled my hair, adding a white bow in the back. I normally don't dress this girly, but I really wanna make a good impression today. Plus, I don't really have time to change tonight, so I'm forced to wear this to the basement. I put on my black combat boots and grabbed my bag and ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. I of course, was all by myself again. I took out an apple from the fridge and grabbed my keys, running out to my car.

When I walked through the halls to my locker, I felt tired already. Class didn't even start yet and I'm already on edge. Maybe I do need to go back on the medication. But a part of me refuses. Vinny walked up to me, his eyes on my bandaged arm.

"What happened to your arm?"

"I burned it." He gave me a suspicious look and I suddenly felt nervous. Vinny could see right through my lies. He leaned close to me so that our faces were just centimeters away. His breath smelled like peanut butter, which was odd. He hates peanuts.

"Are you cutting yourself again? What's going on?" He whispered to me. I bit my bottom lip and hesitated. When I still didn't say anything, he sighed. "Does this happen to have anything to do with your parents?" My heart started to race and I looked up at him.

"Why would you say that?"

"Your mom got a job and she works with my mom. Nicholas, I have something to tell you." His eyes looked desperate and worried. I slammed my locker shut when I spotted Chris and Nolan at the end of the hall. He had to make it quick.

"What? Tell me." He looked around at the people that passed by.

"Alone."

"But first period i-"

"Are you coming or not?" He was already halfway down the hall and I took one last look at Chris and Nolan before following him.

He stopped in front of the Coach's office. He opened the door to find it empty, and I took a seat in the chair next to the door.

"What was it?"

"Nick.. I know about your dad. I just.. I.. fuck." He sighed and ran his hands through his hair. I stood up quickly and walked over to him, my heart racing even faster than it was before.

"Tell me what you know!"

"I seen your dad hit your mom. A few days before we broke up." Everything around me was spinning, and pretty soon, I started seeing red.

"What the hell did you just say? Do you know how long ago that was! And you never told me until now? When I fucking had to find out for myself!" I slapped him hard across the face and started to hit him randomly, not being able to stop. He tried to block me as I thrashed around in his arms and sobbed. I was breaking down in front of Vinny.

"Stop! I didn't tell you because Claire told me not to. She black mailed me. That's why she made me date her! She said that if I told you, she was gonna try to break your parents up for sure. And I know how much you love them. I just didn't want to see you sad." I was still sobbing, and I pulled away from him. I get it now. When they were telling to be careful and keep my eyes open, it all makes sense.