Just a Scratch

Chapter Six

The most important thing is that I make Abi feel safe, I said to myself over and over. Abi trailed next to me as we made our way to fourth period. Before school started the principal and my guidance counselor talked to Abi and me about how the day would go down. All of my teachers were emailed about the situation and it seemed like everyone was trying to pave the way for a smooth transition. It was honestly touching! The school didn't have a special needs advisor after laying the old one off and I was pretty sure the school could be in big trouble for that, which was probably why they were trying to keep my family happy, but it was touching nonetheless.

Abi seemed to be dealing well with the change of scene and because it was only her first day we decided it would be best to leave the classes earlier to avoid the rush of people in the halls. Everything needed to be gradual.

The one thing I was worried about was lunch. Abi's autism made her sensitive to things like loud noises and lots of movement, which basically defined the cafeteria during lunch. I figured maybe we could eat in the library.

We reached my British literature class and I pulled up a chair next to my desk for Abi to sit in. Mr. Howard gave us a big smile and walked over to us.

"Hi girls!" He said with enthusiasm before addressing Abi, "I hope you have a good day today! We'll be reading some short stories from the textbook so here's an extra one if you want to follow along." He handed my sister our textbook but she didn't reach out to grab it. I quickly took it from Mr. H and slipped it under Abi's sketchbook that had been glued to her hands all morning.

"Thanks, Mr. Howard," I said in place of Abi. His smile didn't leave his face or look any less genuine as he nodded and moved back over to his desk. He really was a wonderful human. It made me wonder about Will. Why was he being so secretive? What's so horrible about getting a little extra help? It didn't make sense to me, but to be honest, very little in this world did.

"ABI!" A voice from behind us called. I spun around, ready to pounce on the person yelling my sister's name, but it was only Alexa. "What's up girl?"

For some odd reason Alexa and Abi always seemed to get along. One wouldn't talk and one wouldn't stop talking. Such a strange pair, those two, but it was nice to know that my friend was so close to my baby sister.

Abi began rocking back and forth and gave Alexa a small smile from the corner of her mouth. They chatted (I say 'they' but it was really only Alexa) while the rest of the class filed into their seats. I shot Will an annoyed glance as he entered the room, which he promptly sent right back, and wished he would just disappear.

Oh angels in heaven. Please remove this man from my life.

In the name of my sanity, amen.

I figured my prayer wouldn't bring any change so I just focused on Abi and the lecture.

But seriously, if an angel heard that then please help me.

-

"Let's just skip lunch and hit up the art room. I'm sure Madame Vouk would let Abi check out the art stuff," Alexa suggested after the librarian wouldn't let us eat in the library. Old hag.

"She might let us eat in her office," Emilee added, "because there's no way I'm skipping lunch."

"I'm gonna drop off my books and meet you guys there," I moved away from my friends and towards my locker with Abi. Everyone was at lunch so the halls were basically empty, which was good for us.

I shoved my books in my locker, side note: I really need to clean my locker, and started walking towards the art room when someone came up from behind me.

"Hey you. Do you have my money yet?"

It was that motherfucker Will Taylor.

"Sorry," I said without turning around, "not yet." It had only been two days since our third (fourth?) confrontation and I didn't have any time to think about paying him back EVEN THOUGH he most certainly didn't need the money.

"Get it to me by Monday," He said, and bumped my shoulder, "oh. And tell your friend that there's no way she's gonna become class pres."

I would have let him off the hook, but the whole bumping me and dissing Emilee wasn't going to go without consequence.

"You can just fuck right off," I spit out. That got his attention.

He slowly turned around to face me. "What?"

"You heard me! I'll get you your money or whatever but stay away from Emilee. She's going to become president no matter what so I suggest you keep your snide comments to yourself." I poked his chest with my finger and didn't really realize how loud I was being until he stepped it up a notch.

"Bitch, I'll say whatever the fuck I-"

His rant was cut off by a strange screech. My mind spun out as I witnessed Abi meltdown.

"Fuck shit fuck," I swore under my breath. Our yelling, the new setting, her hunger, all of it became too much. She kicked her legs in panic mode and her eyes were squeezed tightly shut. I took a deep breath and tried to remember what to do.

I needed to calm myself down first, so I took a few deep breaths. Then I moved over to her and tried to give her positive verbal feedback.

"Hey Abi, are you okay? Do you want to draw something?" I spoke coolly.

"What the hell?!"

I snapped my head and gave Will the sign to shut up. He definitely appeared shocked, but for someone who's never experienced an autistic child have a meltdown, it's understandably unnerving.

I hummed to Abi and gave her the notebook she dropped and she progressively began to relax. The screaming subsided and eventually she returned to her normal Abi state. I let out a sigh and turned to Will.

"I'll get you your money."

-

A/N

Hi!

Don't forget to vote or comment! It'd be nice to know who's reading and what you like or dislike about the book (but remember to be nice about it).

Happy reading!