The Chase | Gruvia Fanfiction

Eight

Chapter 8

Mad

I cried all night, replaying her words in my mind. I stayed in their guest room, feeling like a guest in my own emotions.

Thoughts of Gray, my aunt, and my mom swirled in my head.

I wanted to call Dad, but all I did was stare at my phone for what felt like an eternity. I couldn't risk tarnishing my relatives' reputation.

The ceiling above was a blank canvas for my restless thoughts.

Maybe darkness is my companion, but I will never fall in love with it. No matter how tough life gets, I will always strive to see the beauty in it.

I admit, I am naive, weak, and perhaps a bit foolish—but I am only thirteen.

Maybe all anyone needs is attention, love, and care.

Perhaps those suffering from depression need these things the most.

Maybe those are the only things that make life seem truly beautiful.

I sighed and looked out the window. I shouldn't worry so much. There are people with far greater problems—those with nothing to eat, no family, no home, those who are abused. I should be thankful.

I opened my eyes to the sunlight streaming in, blinking against its brightness. I sat up in bed and yawned. I glanced at the wall clock. For a while, I stared out the window, biting my lip. I sighed again.

I'm all alone, again.

I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. It was still five o'clock in the morning, but I planned to leave this house before anyone woke up.

Still wearing yesterday's dress, I combed my hair and washed my face. I hadn't brought any clothes. I tiptoed down the stairs, slipping out of the huge mansion without making a sound. I told the guards I was leaving, and they let me out.

I walked to the highway, searching for a cab.

I must have looked miserable—my dress rumpled, my eyes bloodshot from crying. Even though I'm only thirteen, I know how to get home by myself, despite Dad's worries about it being dangerous.

I found a cab and decided to pay when I got home.

By five-thirty, I was home. Everyone was still asleep. I was supposed to spend the day with my relatives, but I refused. School didn't start until eight, so I had plenty of time.

I picked up The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and continued reading.

I heard footsteps coming down the stairs and saw my brother. He looked stunned.

"I thought you were spending the day with Aunt?" he asked. Hair disheveled.

"Nah, I'd rather go to school." I shrugged. He nodded, curiosity in his eyes. I raised my eyebrows.

"I'll use the bathroom first," he said.

"Okay." I nodded and continued reading.

Now I'm at school, sitting in my place, waiting for Gray.

Why do I still care about him, anyway?

Maybe I just want to see him.

And there he is, acting like we never knew each other. His gaze meets mine, expressionless, before he looks away and makes his way to his seat.

At lunch, I decide to talk to him and clear the air.

"Gray, can we talk, please?" I ask. He just looks at me and nods.

We walk to the school garden and sit on a bench. The skies were clear and it wasn't gloomy at all. The birds were chirping and everywhere it's peaceful and calm.

"Are you mad at me?" I ask, stating.

"I am not," he replies.

"But what's the problem? We were friends, right? You even took me to the mountain full of cherry blossoms." I explain. He just shrugs.

"I think you are really mad at me," I say.

"Can you please shut up, Juvia! We're just thirteen, for Pete's sake! Stop acting like you're a grown-up. I only befriended you because I was bored! Stop putting meaning to things that shouldn't have any!" he says furiously. "And plus! I don't like clingy." He storms off, leaving me behind.

His words are like knives, stabbing me from all directions.

I never knew words could cut deeper than knives, blades, and scissors. I never expected him to turn into someone so different from the person I thought I knew.

Maybe this is who he truly is, and I just created an image of him as kind when he's actually a jerk.

But as I've said, I won't fall in love with darkness. I will endure the storms life throws at me.

When I get home, I cry in my bedroom, realizing I am alone.

Again.