Removed

03

       

Today, Kaylee sits in the salon, her group on the receiving end of stares and whispers. You know, just like usual. Jealousy rises within me. Settled into my bright blue beanbag in the corner, alone, I watch them all. I watch the way they interact with my aunt, my parents, and their one hired employee, Rick. I notice how Harper pretends to be sweet, and how they're constantly showered with compliments on everything from their hair to their complexion.

    Finally, I close the book I'm been peering over the top of. Placing it in my former seat, I prepare to walk out. I was helping out my parents with costumers, but now I'm on my break, and I refuse to spend it in the shadow of the girl who should be getting her hair cut with me, not a bunch of rude popular girls.

    "Hey, Autumn!"

    I turn to look at Kaylee, not even bothering to hide the withering look on my face. She seems slightly taken back by this, but she retains her perfected smile.

    "Why don't you join us? Ricky here wouldn't mind fixing you up, right?'

    Rick, a young adult who clearly has a crush on the red-head, nods his head. If it were just me asking him, he would have turned me down faster than a bullet can fire. But, since it's Kaylee, her every wish is his command.

    "No thanks. I was just going for a walk, actually."

    Kaylee starts to rise from her chair, but Harper grips her arm and pulls her back into her original position.

    I just roll my eyes, turning away from her. I notice Eva eyeing me. Is that pity? I don't need pity, especially from someone like her. Pity doesn't mean people care; it simply means they see you as someone vulnerable and in distress.

    Walking into the humid air, I breath a sigh of relief. Something about the outdoors relieves my stress and removes the boulder from my chest. My eyes begin to water and I sniff, trying to remind myself that I'm strong, that I don't need anyone. Truth is, being lonely is difficult, and it stabs you right in the heart until finally, you're left bruised and battered.

    I can feel my bandage peeling off, so I slip my fingers into the sleeve of my sweater and try to readjust it. This would probably look odd to any onlookers. Then again, they shouldn't be looking at me, they should be minding their own business. Well, it's not like someone would bother to glance in my direction either way.

    Not paying attention to where I'm walking, I bump into someone. A gasp escapes my lips as my grip on the bandage slips, allowing my Chip to crash onto the concrete. Fear creeps up my spine, and, finally, I force myself to look into the eyes of the person, who still hasn't moved fro their position in front of me.

    Neither of us moves for a while, but I feel like I should recognize this person. Yet, my fear filled brain refuses to work. I jump, snapped out of my thoughts when the person, the boy crouches onto the concrete. To my surprise, he gingerly takes my Chip in the palm of his hand. Then, he stands, takes my hand, and places the Chip in it while I still stand frozen like a statue.

    Finally, looking from his hazel eyes to his messy blonde hair, I recognize him from school. It's Cody Simon. Popular people aren't to be trusted, and this one has a huge secret of mine they can ultimately use against me. I feel like my chest is squeezing in on itself, slowly suffocating me until I feel the need to choke for air.

    "Are you just going to stand their observing me and wait for someone to notice what's in your hand, or.." He trails off.

    I roll my eyes, bringing my sleeve up to my elbow and peeling back my bandage.