He Cared

4

I jolted awake, and immediately winced in pain. I looked at my alarm clock across the room. I was awake about 30 minutes before I actually had to get up to get ready. I decided to just get up because there was no use trying to get back to sleep. Slowly, I lifted myself up, and went to my closet clutching my stomach.

I picked out a black crop top, some blue ripped jeans and some white converse. I also grabbed a sweater just in case it got cold. And to hopefully hide the self harm scars. I made sure to turn off my alarm so it wouldn't go off, and I grabbed my phone that was laying on the floor. 

I started down the stairs, and slowly made my way down in the least painful way possible. Steadily, I tip-toed into the bathroom, and put my clothes on. I chose to not take a shower because it would be a recipe for disaster. I also did my natural makeup look with a cat eye and tried my best to conceal the bruises, but they were still a bit noticeable. It will just have to do.

Quickly, I brushed my teeth and straightened my hair. Before I knew it, I was starting my journey to school 10 minutes before I usually do. Every step I took hurt so much, but I just held my stomach and kept going.

When I reached the school, there was nobody there. Except Brendon. He was looking down at his phone and didn't really notice me. I kept walking, trying to stay silent, but he saw me before I had any time to hide, and ran toward me. I smiled, but died a little on the inside, knowing what was coming.

When he reached me, he wrapped me into a warm embrace, which caused me to yelp and back away.

"What's wrong? Are you.. Hurt?" Brendon looked concerned.

"Ha. No! See?" I tried spinning around, but ended up screaming in pain once again, and fell.

Thank god Brendon caught me a second before I hit the ground.

"Are those bruises?" He examined my face.

"U-uh, n-no." I stuttered.

"Amelia. Please tell me. You can trust me, I promise"

"Just.. meet me here after school. I might tell you, I don't really know." I said quickly. Tears welled in my eyes and I started walking away, trying to not show my pain.

"No, no! I didn't- I didn't mean to make you cry. Please. I'm so sorry." He wrapped me in a much lighter hug, and I hugged back, letting a few tears spill over onto his shoulder.

I pulled away and wiped my tears with the sleeve of my sweater. I heard the bell ring, signaling we had 10 minutes to get to class.

"See you in English" He sadly smiled.

I sniffled, nodded, and went to my first few classes.

~~~~~~

English went by kinda fast. I handed in my paper from the last assignment, and got another one in return. Brendon kept giving me sad smiles. I hate pity so much. I don't want it. I never asked for it. But i'm way too shy to confront him about it, so I just let it go.

Lunch was the same way except Brendon actually made conversation that wasn't about me and my problems. Choir was really good too. I absolutely love it. I've been singing since I can remember! I would always sing to myself when I would be in my room the whole day as a child to get things off of my mind.

The school day ended way too soon. I don't want to tell Brendon, but I know he won't leave me alone if I don't. He just won't care. Nobody cares. No one has ever given a shit about me. 

I finally reached the doors in front of the school, which was really hard when everybody is bumping into you and making everything ten times worse. out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brendon leaning against the school outside. I could barely see him, but I knew he was there. I opened the door, causing him to quickly turn his attention to me and smile. Quickly, I limped my way over to him and gave him a slight hug.

"Hey, um-" I cut him off.

"I decided that I am going to tell you, but don't tell anyone. Please." 

"I won't, I promise."

I took his hand and dragged him to the back of the school where nobody could see or hear us. We sat down by a tree, facing each other. I winced, catching Brendon's unwanted attention.

"Are you sure you're okay?" 

"N-no." I choked out. "Look, I don't want pity. I hate it. My parents are abusive. Mentally and physically. My parents hate me. I can't leave my room after 6, which is what I did last night. My dad found me, and-" I cut myself off.

"I'm late!" I yelled and jumped up, causing me to cry in pain."My parents a-are going to l-literally kill me." Tears started streaming down my face. I collapsed on the ground, and put my head in my hands.

Brendon winced, still taking in what I had just said. A few tears fell down his cheeks, but he quickly wiped them away with the sleeve of his jacket. I looked up.

"Look. I can take you home if you want. I just- I want to do something to help. Help me, help you." His eyes looked up to meet mine.

"I could use a ride. But either way i'm getting punished.." Brendon leaned over for a hug. I flinched but realized what he was doing, so I hugged him back.

"I want to uh, tell you s-something." 

"What is it?" I asked, pulling away.

"Oh, uh..." He started.

"Nothing, never mind." He looked down.

Why was he being so weird? He could just tell me. I mean, I just told him something that was really important. But I decided to not push it.

"Well, I better give you a ride home." He stood up.

I nodded and tried to get up, but I couldn't.

"Here." He gave me his hand. I took it, and he pulled me up which hurt so much, but I just bit my lip and tried to not scream.

He helped me all the way to his car, and opened the door for me. I gave him directions, and he put them in his phone.

When we were both in his car, he started it up and started driving.

"I know you don't want pity, but I am so, so sorry. You don't deserve this." He looked at me for a split second before he turned back to the road. I nodded.

Way too soon, we reached my house, and I regretted everything I had ever done. 

"Look, please, please text me sometime tonight. I just want to make sure you're alright."

I turned to him and gave him a tight hug, ignoring the throbbing pain.

"I will, I promise."

I'm not sure I will be alive long enough to be able to fulfill that promise.

How'd you like this chapter? What do you think will happen next? Please comment and vote! Love y'all, thanks for reading! <3 -Sammi