Dead Jealous

Bruise

Sky had been to Britany's house before, but she didn't recognize it now. The few small glass sculptures and candles had been hidden away safely, the coffee table was cluttered with various alcoholic beverages and around twenty people were squeezed into the room. The walls made a stark contrast against the variety of outfits and hair colours. More teenagers were hanging out in the corridor, kitchen and even the backyard and pool.
This night could get interesting.

She poured herself a glass of orange juice - the doctors had made it clear alcohol would be detrimental to her recovery, not that she'd ever have it anyway - and wandered around looking for people she recognized.

She slipped out of the cramped house and into the backyard. On the grass to her left lay a very drunk Sophie, who had been in Sky's photography elective last year. Her chocolate brown hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail and she was clutching a bottle of peach schnapps, only a few swallows left and swilling around.

"Heeey, Sky!" Sophie slurred, grinning.

"Hi. Do you know where Tiarna is?" asked Sky cautiously.

Sophie's face lit up. "She's upstairs or something," she drunkenly giggled. "Getting a tour of the home theatre. Yeah..." and then she gagged and vomited onto the grass. Sky went and grabbed a drink of water for Sophie before retreating and going upstairs inside the house. She had no clue how to care for a drunk person, no less, and hoped she'd be alright.

Upstairs, it was somewhat quieter and more cozy. She made her way to what she established was the home theatre - fancy - and was about to turn the doorknob when she heard angry voices inside and stopped, her breath caught in her throat.

"I don't give a fuck what they think!" shouted a muffled male voice.

"Dan, I love you, but you need to stop," Tiarna's voice broke. Stop what? Was that her boyfriend she was talking to?

Through the door Sky heard a sharp, slapping sound and a soft whimper of pain.

"I'll do what the fuck I want," Daniel growled. "And if you try to stop them, I'll tell everyone what an easy whore you are, and how you lied to everyone to save your ass."

"I lied to save YOUR ass!" Tiarna said. What were the going on about? Sky felt extremely uncomfortable and torn on what to do. Should she walk away and try to forget what just happened? Or try to help Tiarna?

"You won't say that though, will you?" he said. "Babe? I trust you." She heard the sound of them kissing.

What the hell? Daniel was abusive? Sky softly and slowly made her way to the bathroom and locked the door.

Daniel definitely didn't deserve Tiarna. And she shouldn't have to deal with him hurting her. Should she step in and help her?

As Tiarna crept out to see if everything had toned down, she almost ran into Tiarna walking out. "Hey, Sky," Tiarna smiled. "How's it going?"

"Great. Wanna go...back into the theatre to chat?" she asked. "Privately?" She glanced at Daniel, who was tall, had dark brown eyes and light brown hair. He was certainly a looker but her image of him was tainted now.

"Sure. See you later, Dan," she said to him. They made their way to inside the room and sat on seats near the front.

"Tiarna, I really don't want you to take this the wrong way. And I didn't mean to over hear you. But...has Daniel hurt you?"

Tiarna stood up suddenly. "Why would you even think that?" she demanded angrily. "Are you jealous of me or something?"

"No! Tiarna, you can tell me. I'm sorry if you didn't want me to know."

Tiarna shook her head stubbornly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Sky looked at her sadly. "I think you do."

She watched as Tiarna's angrily guarded expression crumbled to something far rawer- desperation, guilt and pain.

"Sky, he doesn't mean to, he just has bad temper sometimes! He'd never consciously or purposely hurt me or anything. And you can't tell anyone!"

"I won't. How long as he hurt you?"

"He doesn't!" she said. "I mean, it's not something that constantly happens. But...it started two months ago."

"Oh, Tiarna," Sky shook her head. "You can't let him do this to you."

Tiarna looked angry again. "He's barely done anything. We're in love! He wouldn't do something to harm me! He's only grabbed me on the arm before a bit too tightly and things like that!"

"He hasn't hit you or anything? Wait...what did you just say?"

"We're in love, ok?"

"No, after that. What has he done to you?"

"He's like, held my wrist tightly and stuff, but it's nothing."

Sky watched her carefully to gauge her reaction. "Did it leave...bruise marks?"

"Obvious- I mean, obviously not. No. Yeah, no."

"Are you sure?"

"Are you suggesting that I'm lying to you?"

"Not right now. Christian never hurt you, did he?"

Tiarna raised her eyebrow. "What are you talking about? Of course he did."

"No...Daniel did. You just tried to cover for Daniel by blaming someone else. Why would you do that?"

There was silence for a moment.

Then, Tiarna softly said, "I had to do it."

Sky shook her head. "Did you really?"

"Yes! I loved him! I love him! We protect each other."

"Hurting you doesn't seem like protecting to me," Sky observed softly.

Tiarna's bottom lip shook. "I'm sorry...'