Her Favourite Angel

Chapter Three

It was only a piece of glass laid over a layer of silver paint but right now it was the most annoying thing in the universe – or rather what it was showing me.

A none-too-small bruise took pride of place on my cheek-bone, it was a nasty purple colour mixed with a sickening yellow on the edges. And there was absolutely no way I could hide it from the world, my fringe didn’t even come close to covering it, and even with my hat on it would be noticeable. I slammed my palm against the mirror’s surface in frustration; why did he go for my face? Does he want to end up in prison?

Should I call in sick today? And when I got to school on Tuesday claim I fell over while I was Ill? I couldn’t say I’d been beaten up, my pride would never let me, and falling over is embarrassing enough... But people were bound to ask; or just laugh. I knew it would create even more rumours about me, and despite the act I really did care what people were saying about me. I sighed, all anger gone and slumped down onto my bed. I had to be at school today; it was Lillian’s first day and I needed to be there for her, unless I wanted her angry brother to punch me in the face as well. I glanced over at the clock; in 5 minutes I was meant to be meeting Lillian at the fountain and I still didn’t know what to do about the bruise, or what to tell everyone. I stood and looked once more at myself in the mirror, brown hair, grey eyes and skin that looked white compared to the massive purple bruise blossoming on my cheek-bone.

4 minutes. I was just going to have to leave it and ignore anyone who asked; and live with the rumours that would spread through the school like wild-fire. I grabbed my crème spitfire hat and shoved it over my head before grabbing my side-bag and making for the bedroom door. I descended the stair-case as quietly as possible; completely aware I was the only one awake in the house, and for my own health I’d like it too stay that way.

The door creaked as I opened it and as I closed it, I winced at how loud the noise was compared to everything else; luckily drunken sleeps aren’t easily disturbed. I drew an apple from my bag and took a bite, walking down the pathways to the mini courtyard where the fountain was; hoping Lillian didn’t get lost on the way, being late and having the bruise the size of Wales on your face was just asking for detention. The courtyard was a large area in the centre of town; it was surrounded by a few local shops and cafes and had a fountain in the middle. The buildings around it were all made of faded red brick and the floor was a mix of cement and cobble stones. As soon as I entered the courtyard I spotted the shy red-head, seemingly engaged in conversation with an all too familiar blonde male. I started towards them across the cobblestones and she instantly spotted me, she smiled at me then frowned in quick succession and the blonde turned round too look what had grabbed her attention, I groaned inside.

“ASHER! Just the guy I wanted- Bloody hell what the fuck happened to your face?!” Called Jake, yelling the whole sentence out-loud for the whole courtyard to hear, I bowed my head-down and kept walking towards them, completely aware I now had the eyes of several people watching me, thanks Jake. I reached them and looked up, Lillian looked a little shocked and Jake was out-right incredulous. 

“That looks worse than the one on your back!” He exclaimed, seeming impressed. My eyes instantly snapped towards his; since when had he seen my back? Jake spotted my expression and grinned sheepishly “I do change right next to you in PE you know – you look like you’ve been in the army- wait have you?” I ignored Jake’s question and made a mental note to find somewhere less obvious to change in PE.

“What happened?” asked Lillian, her eyes were big and worry was plastered all over her face, she didn’t even know me well and she was worried; it must look worse than I thought it did. “Nothing, what did you want me for Jake?” I muttered, wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible, I wasn’t proud of the fact I lied to cover up the truth. Jake gave me a sceptical look before answering.