Scarred For Life

Chapter 6

😬Brad: 3:25pm
Scarla, can we plz just talk? I can explain my actions… 😓

Me: 3:30pm
I’d rather not thx. ❌👎

😬Brad: 3:30pm
Plz??????? 🙏

Me: 3:32pm
Fine. Just don’t expect me 2 act happy. 😡

Me: 3:33pm
Meet me at mall entrance.

Ugh. I’m soooo going to regret this.

I covered up my scar with makeup and pulled on a sweater with
“I’m Beautiful Just The Way I Am” printed on it. Yeah right. I’m not beautiful with this scar am I?
I sneaked out of the house and walked to the mall. It was just a couple of streets away, so it didn’t take very long.

When I got there, Brad was waiting for me. He waved, but I just ignored him and leant against a pole. There was an awkward silence as I stared at my ugg boots while Brad stared at my face and my sweater. After what seemed like forever, I spoke up.
“Was I not good enough?” I asked softly.

Brad shook his head. “It’s just that… you were in a coma, and I thought you were dead, then Jessica asked me to go with her to the movies!”

My nostrils flared. “What, you think I’m dead, so apparently it’s ok to go out with who I thought was my best friend since preschool? No! That's not cool, ok?”
“It wasn’t like that! She was trying to be nice because she knew I was upset, and I knew she’d be upset if I said no, so I said yes! I was trying to be kind!”

“So being ‘kind’ is snogging people and holding hands with them while walking past the hospital that I was in?”
“She kissed me! Not the other way around!” He insisted.
I threw my hands up in the air. “Yeah RIGHT! You’re a terrible liar. You know that right?” I glanced at my watch. “Look, my parents are going to be home from work soon, so let’s just settle this, ok?”

Brad smiled and tried to hug me. I pushed him away and turned to go.
I had only taken a couple of steps when 2 hands grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. And suddenly, I was being smuggled into a big bear hug. I struggled to get away, but the arms had a strong grip. Finally, I was released.

“Look Brad, we’re not dating anymore. Get it through your head! Geez!” I exclaimed. I looked up and saw Ethan. As in normal Ethan, not goth Ethan.
He half-smiled and ran his fingers through his hair.
“Scarla, when I saw you the other day, I realised…” He paused and took a deep breath. “I still want you...”

I raised my eyebrows and backed away in case he tried to kiss me again.
“Well… Um, that’s a bit… soppy isn’t it?”

He shrugged and gestured to Brad, who was standing at the mall entrance checking out Ethan coldly.
“Is he your boyfriend?” Ethan quizzed.
I rolled my eyes.
“He thinks he is, but I dumped him the day I came out of my coma.” I answered.
Ethan’s eyebrows shot up.

“You were in a COMA?!” He cried. Some passers-by looked at us quizzically and shook their heads. I giggled and shushed him.
“Yeah, our oven blew up in my face.” I said.
He took a step towards me and I took a step away from him. I sighed. Boys just don’t get it sometimes, do they?

“Ethan…” I started. He held up a hand to silence me.
“Scarla, will you go out with me?” He asked.

I looked down at the ground and tried to figure out how to decline him. I looked up, avoiding his eyes. I noticed Brad giving Ethan the death stare and it gave me an idea.
I gazed at Ethan, pretending to actually be interested in him.

“Sure Ethan, I would looove to go out with you!” I gushed loudly, and gave him another big bear hug.

His face broke into a confused but joyful grin and he gave me a big hug back. I cringed and patted his back gingerly. I saw Brad look at us for a moment then turn away, disappointed.
*DING!*  I pulled away and got out my phone.

😬Brad: 3:55pm
😭

Me: 3:56pm
❓😕

😬Brad: 3:57pm
U were hugging a goth. He kissed u 2.

Me: 3:57pm
We r not dating anymore, remember? Besides, he didn't kiss me. Get over me. Go make out W/ Jessica. U obviously prefer her over me.

I realised Ethan was watching over my shoulder and turned off my phone. I looked up at him and smiled awkwardly then began to walk back home. Ethan grabbed my arm and I prayed that he wouldn’t hug me. Instead, he held my hand and walked home with me.
And honestly, it felt kind of nice.