Broken then Healed (REWRITTEN)

CHAPTER 6

A Messy Day

I unlocked the front door and stepped into the house, calling out, "Mom?"

Silence. Just what I needed—another empty house to match how I was feeling inside.

I sighed, shrugged off my backpack, and headed to my room. The familiar sounds of Bring Me The Horizon filled the room as soon as I hit play on my Spotify. I flopped onto my bed, letting the music drown out the noise in my head.

I've always loved listening to BMTH. It's like their music pulls me out of whatever hole I've fallen into. My parents never understood it—said it wasn't "girly" enough. Like I care. I'm grateful, though, that they never stopped me from loving what I love. They even let me decorate my room with posters, hoodies, and whatever else I wanted.

I sighed, the weight of the day pressing down harder on me. My fight with Trisha, the rumors... everything was too much. I forced myself up and dragged my feet toward the bathroom.

When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I winced. I looked awful—red, puffy eyes from crying, cheeks swollen from wiping away too many tears, and my hair was a mess, tied up in its usual messy bun. I barely recognized myself.

I couldn't believe Trisha would do something like this. Even after getting Chris, she wasn't satisfied. Was it not enough to destroy our friendship? Now she's trying to ruin my life too.

I let out another heavy sigh and stripped down for a shower, hoping the water would wash away the exhaustion clinging to me. Once I was done, I pulled on my favorite purple BMTH hoodie and a pair of black sweatpants—my usual go-to outfit. Comfortable and low effort. I never understood why people got dressed up for school anyway. It's just school.

Lying back down on my bed, I replayed the things Trisha had said earlier. She was right about one thing—I never really fit in. But honestly? I didn't care. I was never part of the popular crowd, and I didn't need to be. I never even tried to understand that whole scene, and I doubt I ever will.

But what she did today? That crossed a line. She showed me just how far she'd go to get what she wanted, and that scared me. The idea that someone I once called my best friend could be so cruel made me feel small and alone. Sometimes, I wish I had a sibling—someone I could talk to when everything falls apart. Being an only child means sitting in the silence, wishing someone would tell me it's all going to be okay.

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The sound of my alarm dragged me from sleep the next morning. I groaned, blinking against the sunlight streaming through my window. Friday. Just one more day to get through, and then the weekend.

I lay in bed for a while, considering skipping school. I felt drained, empty, and the thought of facing everyone after yesterday made my stomach twist with anxiety.

But I'd promised myself I'd graduate, no matter what. That's what kept me going. So, with a sigh, I forced myself out of bed and got dressed. A black sweater and skinny jeans would do the trick. As I stood in front of the window, I admired the beautiful Seattle sunrise—7 a.m. was one of the few times the city felt peaceful.

I pulled on my black Converse, grabbed my backpack, and headed downstairs to make breakfast. Pancakes, my go-to comfort food. At least they'd start my day on a good note.

Being alone at home meant I had to take care of myself. It wasn't so bad, really. I was used to cooking when my parents weren't around, and pancakes always reminded me of better mornings.

Once I'd eaten, I washed up and headed out the door, trying to ignore the flutter of nervousness building in my chest.

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As I walked through the school hallway, butterflies swirled in my stomach. I could feel the stares, hear the whispers. My name on everyone's lips. I hated the way it made me feel—small, exposed.

I kept my head down, pretending not to notice as I made my way to my locker. But my heart raced as I reached it, an irrational fear creeping in. What if someone had messed with my stuff?

Shaking my head, I tried to push the thoughts away and unlocked the door. I blinked in surprise as water suddenly poured out from the top of my locker, soaking me from head to toe.

A bucket. Someone had set up a bucket of water, waiting for me to open my locker. Laughter erupted around me. I could hear the sneers, the mockery, as if they'd all been waiting for this moment.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to stop the tears that were threatening to spill. I couldn't go to class like this. I had to get out of here.

I shoved through the crowd, running for the exit. But just as I turned a corner, I collided with someone, sending me sprawling to the floor. The laughter only got louder.

"Great. Just great," I muttered, my voice trembling with frustration and embarrassment.

"Watch where you're going, Miss... whatever your name is," a sharp voice cut through the noise.

I looked up and found myself face-to-face with a tall guy, his eyes narrowed in irritation.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, trying to hold back the tears that were ready to break free. "I didn't see you."

He rubbed the back of his neck, his glare softening slightly. "You okay?"

I nodded, though I could feel my face burning with humiliation. "Yeah. I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

He glanced at the crowd still snickering behind me, then back at me. "You sure?"

I took a deep breath, forcing a small smile. "I'm sure. Sorry again."

He gave a small chuckle. "It's fine. I wasn't paying attention either. Name's Eric, by the way."

I tried to return the smile, but my heart was racing too fast. "Nice to meet you, Eric. I really have to go."

He hesitated but nodded. "Alright. See you around, I guess."

As he disappeared into the office, I hurried toward the exit, shivering in my wet clothes. I couldn't wait to get home, wrap myself in a warm blanket, and make a hot cup of cocoa.

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