Harrington

The Girl

I tell Dustin and Lucas that I'll meet them later, because I know I have to go home first with Steve. They give me directions, and tell me to meet them at eight fifteen. So when the bell rings, I trudge over to his car, again keeping my head facing down. I glance up to see Steve leaning against the vehicle, watching me walk over. Once I arrive, my brother turns and gets in the driver side, starting the engine. I sit in the passenger seat, and he backs out of his spot, driving from the crowded lot.

"I'm leaving tonight." I say, not making eye contact with him, "I'm hanging out with some friends, so you get the house to yourself."

Steve laughs, "You don't have any friends, nice try."

He's right. I haven't had friends before these boys. I used to be friends with a few girls, but they left me quickly when I came to school with bruises on my face.

I roll my eyes, "Yes I do, and I'm doing you a favour, okay? Whatever slut you're bringing home tonight can-"

I'm cut off by a backhand slap to the face, making me yelp.

"She's not a slut, watch your language." I hold my face and tears come to my eyes as I stare out the window. The patch of already damaged skin burns and I resist from touching it, closing my eyes.

The rest of the ride is silent, Steve looking angry as he speeds onto our street. I get out quickly, walking into the house and placing my bag by the door.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

By seven forty five, music blasts through the house, Carol and Tommy sitting on the couch as Steve chugs another beer. I'm relieved I'm  leaving, because I can see how drunk my brother is getting, and know he will lose control if he sees me. So when I hear the doorbell ring, I use it as a cue to leave, and stumble down the stairs just when Steve opens the door.

"Hello, ladies." I roll my eyes at my brother, seeing two girls stand in the doorway. One is a brunette that Steve stares at with google eyes. And the other is a ginger with big glasses, looking reluctant to step into our house. I quickly walk past them, into the garage. I don't bother to say goodbye to my brother, taking my pastel green bike out and riding off into the street. I'm careful to ride with one hand, because clenching my left one sends a sharp pain up to my elbow. My hair whips behind me as I ride, and I smile at the sensation of freedom I feel. I follow the directions written on my hand, turning off onto a quiet street and riding my bike up the driveway.

I ring the doorbell with my good hand and wait patiently, hearing heavy footsteps run down the stairs.

"Liz!" Dustin swings open the door and grabs my arm, pulling me inside. I'm then pulled down the stairs, and stopped halfway down.

"Dustin, what's your deal, man? I can walk you know." I say as he lets go, standing between me and the basement.

"Okay, what your about to see, you can't tell anyone about." Dustin says, looking fairly serious. I raise an eyebrow.

"You're being ridiculous. Wh--"

"Promise?" He interrupts me and I frown.

"Uh, sure. I promise." I say, eager to know what the commotion is about.

"Cross your heart an--"

"Dustin!"

"Okay okay," He smiles, "Come on."

He then grabs my hand and tugs me down the stairs, where Mike and Lucas stand, backs facing me. They turn when they hear footsteps, and I frown.

"What's the big deal?"

Mike and Lucas look at each other and step away. I come face to face with a girl, her head shaven of hair and her wide brown eyes staring at me. I frown, confused.