The Masks We Wear

Chapter 11| Her Life Was Worse

"I'd like to think that the best of me was still hiding up in my sleeve."

~John Mayer

{ S C A R L E T T ' S      P O V }

Once she finished her story, she simply left. She didn't stay there to look at my dumbfounded expression, or what I was going to say afterwards.

To say I was shocked was an understatement.

I was jolted, stupefied and upset.

Not at her, but myself.

After all these years while pitying myself, Elena has been through much worse than I ever have. After all these years cursing her.

I groaned. So that was why.

Before it happened, actually no, a long time before it happened, I introduced Elena to my mother.

At the time, she wasn't always going on business trips. I knew I saw something flash in Elena's eyes every time I called out to my mom.

It was the jealousy that caused her to act this way. I should have known.

I snapped back to reality as I heard the bell go. Shoot, I missed  fifteen minutes of my class time. I hurriedly went back to my class to get my stuff, whilst still thinking about the situation.

As I got my stuff and ignored the stink eye that my teacher was giving me, I halted.

Perhaps I was being too kind. I was after all, forgiving her, due to the fact of what she has been through. Even if it was because of the jealousy, that's still not fair to me. It wasn't like I was pushing the fact that I had my real parents beside me instead of her in her face willingly at the time. I simply didn't know about her secret.

Then another thing came to my mind. I have all rights to expose her now. Everyone knows that this high school is desperate for whatever gossip there is.

She knew that as well. It's almost as if she's telling me to expose her.

I will admit that the thought came to my head. She exposed me a long time ago, why can't I do the same?

But I wasn't that type of person. I know that I'll regret it afterwards. When Elena exposed me long ago, I saw the regret and guilt in her eyes afterwards.

What am Elena and I anyways? I wouldn't exactly call it friends, since I was still wary of her. But she's done far more for me in the days before than anyone else has in a period of one and a half year, other than Freya.

As I got my backpack out of my locker, a sickeningly feeling arose in my stomach again. I knew this feeling. I've felt it every time it happened.

Slowly looking at my locker mirror, I froze as I saw three figures approaching me. Turning around, I met their gaze.

It was a different group of people. Two tough looking guys and a girl. The girl I recognized. She was one of those people who hanged around Elena the way flies did to honey.

I couldn't help the sense of betrayal after recognizing her.

Calm down... I told myself. There are little chances that Elena knew about this. Plus, they're not even friends, barely acquaintances.

"W-who are you?" I murmured.

Foolish question. It's almost a habit now, to ask who they are.

I knew damn well who they were.

They smirked in unison and approached me. I looked at them hopelessly as I awaited for what would happen next.
***

I limped to the front door and pondered about what I'll do next. I already changed to my physical education leggings, to cover up the bruises and cuts. Thankfully, I had no black eyes, and just had a small purple bruise over my jawline. That one would have an simple lie. I was mainly worried about the bruise around my collarbone. There are no logical reasons to why I would have one there. I carefully tugged my shirt a bit more up. I was hoping that i could get past my stepmother, then change into a turtleneck. My limp was barely noticeable, but going up the stairs to my room would be a slight trouble.

I heaved a sigh, and opened the door.

"Elena?" My stepmother asked.

I inwardly groaned. I swore she has the ears of a bat.

"Hi Mrs. Ro— I mean Carol." I said meekly.

She opened her mouth to say something, but I interrupted her before she could.

"Um actually, I have a lot of homework today... I think I'll go upstairs now..."I muttered. Glimpsing at the hurt look in her eye, I couldn't help but feel guilty.

"Well...Okay then!" She exclaimed, but I noted the hurt in her voice.

I was already halfway up the stairs when she spoke up once again.

"Oh! Wait, hold on! I almost forgot! Your father sent in something today for you!" She said.

Darn it! I almost got away. I cautiously got down the stairs, and looked at her expectantly.

"Well, come here. I don't bite," She teased. She let me sit down on of the stools.

"Close your eyes!" She instructed. I did what she told me to, expecting for her to get my so called present out.

And then I heard a gasp. And a small movement on my neck.

This day couldn't have gotten possibly any worse.

"S-Scarlett... What is this?" She asked, as her voice trembled. As I tried to think of some type of excuse, ANY type of excuse, something inside me broke.

The small rope that held my sanity broke. The small rope that held everything all together.

I threw myself on her shoulder as I sobbed. I heard myself telling her everything, everything I suppressed.

She smoothed my hair back as she listened to my explanation.

"Oh darling..." She sniffled. "Everything will be fine..."

Suddenly, I jolted back. "P-please don't tell my mother!" I muttered. She nodded understandingly, and we stayed in that place for a long time.
***
Oh god that chapter was cringy sorry. Sorry for the delay, I procrastinated so much you guys don't even know lmao.
~Viv