Paper Butterflies

Chapter Five

(Back to Ashton's POV. Hope you guys like it.)

               With a deep breath I plopped on my creaking bed, tired from my night of cleaning. I had done everything I needed to do regarding my mental checklist, except of course cook. Just thinking about food made my stomach growl in hunger. Looking at the alarm clock I saw that it was now one in the morning.

School was tomorrow but I doubt I’ll go. I was tired and I knew I wouldn’t be able to ignore Scott. Why he was so intent on being my friend, I have no idea.

But my plan was simple, avoid for as long as possible. That and not look directly at his face, because that alone will have me defeated.

               Not bothering to change I pulled the thin blanket over my body, letting sleep consume me.

               I woke up around 2 pm; my head ached from sleeping for so long. I sat up, huffing as I felt a coldness rush over me. Sliding off my bed and taking a seat on the floor I crossed my legs. I looked across my room and saw my reflection in the mirror. Bringing my knees to my chest I rested my chin on them.

With my hair in a loose bun on top of my head my bruises were clear to see. They weren’t as dark as before but they were still a gross purple and blue color. The edges of the bruise over my chin had turned slightly green.

               An hour had passed before I stood up, giving myself a head rush. My legs wobbled as I made my way to the door. Today it was like the broken ribs and constant concussions were finally getting the best of me.

Walking to the bathroom I started the bath, stripping my clothes. With my arm over my breasts I walked over to the mirror. I could see from my hips up my frail body. I wasn’t completely emaciated, but my ribs were visible, countable. A dark bruise covered the majority of my stomach, light patches of previous bruises everywhere else. I trailed my free arm over my stomach, clawing at it.

               Tears came to my eyes as I realized how much I hated my body, and how much I hated myself.

Looking away from the mirror I shut off the water and climbed into the hot liquid. The heat relaxed my muscles as I sunk into the bath.

Squeezing my eyes shut I willed myself to stop crying.

               Just as I was beginning to get a hold of myself someone knocked on the front door making me jump and gasp.

               Pulling myself out of the bath I opened the drain and wrapped a towel around my body. In a rush I slipped on underwear, sweats and a loose shirt. Hurrying downstairs, stopping at the bottom when I felt dizzy, I walked to the door and looked through the peep hole.

My breath hitched as I saw a worried Scott, his hand leaning against the door frame. He knocked again and I turned around. Sliding down the door I knew I couldn’t open it.

               For one I’m supposed to be avoiding him, and two, my face is way too visible. Even if I were to take my hair out of the bun it’d be too easy to see the bruises.

I swear he spent ten minutes knocking on the door like he knew I was here. “Please, just go away.” I whispered under my breath.

There was silence before I stood up and looked through the peep hole to see Scott was gone.

With a sigh I leaned my head on the door. Pressing my hands against the door I let out a hiss, grabbing my left wrist. Looking down I saw that it was purple and slightly swollen.