~Nick's P.O.V.~
That fucking bitch really got me yesterday, I thought as I pulled off my shirt. My right ribcage area was purple and red. My back was black and blue. Both bruises made it hard to move about. I looked at myself in the mirror.
What the hell is wrong with me?
Bloodshot eyes, bruised ribcage and back, and cuts on my wrists. Time to make myself look presentable for school. I tugged on a grey sweater and black skinnies. I guess I'll just have to deal with the bloodshot eyes today. I quickly combed my hair and rushed out of the house with my backpack over one shoulder.
I didn't want to start off my day with yelling.
I whimpered in pain as a small person tightly hugged me from behind. "Morning, Nick!" Holly smiled.
"Oh, morning, Holly," I half smiled.
"You look so nice with your snakebites!"
"Thanks, I guess they don't look that bad, huh?"
She nodded. "Do you have a crush on anyone?"
"Yes, actually."
"Really! Who?!"
"It's a secret."
She pouted. The last remaining minutes of the walk to school consisted of her begging for an answer. This girl will be the death of me. How can such a small person have so much energy in the morning? "Draaaaake!" she sang, skipping over to her best friend. He threw up two peace signs. I awkwardly sat besides them as they chatted and laughed up a hurricane.
This makes me seem so lame. Well, because I am lame. The bell rang. Finally.
I walked away from the two. Gosh dang it that was so embarrassing, Drake is sitting there being all cute while I'm there being all stupid. I think I just need to be alone today.
I picked up my speed as Holly began yelling my name.
I just had my head down and my eyes closed all through art, not like I had any assignments anyways. I noticed two people take the seats next to me.
"Drake!" Holly whispered.
"What?" Drake whispered back.
"In the morning when I hugged Nick, he made a sound like he was in pain."
"Did you ask about it?"
"I acted like I didn't notice. Maybe you can ask him?"
"Alright... He looks so cute when he's asleep." Did he seriously just say that?
Holly awed. No don't stop the conversation, I need to know what he thinks of me!! "You should ask him out already!"
"I'll wait a little longer to get to know him better." A third person joined them, and the subject changed.
Probably fourty minutes later the bell for second period rang and I opened my eyes, feeling a bit drowsy. Holly yelled,"Good to see you awake!!" I softly laughed and made my way to the back of the school. From there I just went to the library.
One hundred and three pages of the Outsiders later, my phone vibrated.
Drake: Where are you? I bought you pizza
Me: I'm on my way
I wrote my page number on my palm, sat the book down, and returned to school. Drake and Holly were sitting at our usual table outside.
"Nick!" Drake smiled, speed walking in my direction. A smile found it's way to my face, and to be honest I couldn't help it. That dopey smile of his was just too cute.
But then again, all good things must come to an end.
He opened his arms, and me not thinking, allowed his arms to hold me. He hugged me too tightly. The pain shot down to my back again. A yell escaped my lips. Drake backed away, completely confused. Falling to the floor, I struggled to catch a breath large enough to satisfy my lungs. "A-Are you ok?! Nick, you're shaking!" he stuttered, fear in his eyes.
"I'll be ok," I managed to let out. He pat my back. The thought of my father beating me came to mind. "Please!" My voice cracked, showing how weak I am. "S-Stop!"
"I'm sorry!"
"Nick!" Holly gasped. "What's going on!?"
"I have to go," I grunted. I gathered enough strength to stand up and walk out of school.
Father was asleep, luckily.
Slipping off my torn up converse, I crawled under my blankets and relaxed at the comfort of my mattress. No one can hurt me in my bed. I didn't even care that I could only rest on one side without feeling pain, I just enjoyed the fact that I was away from most of my problems. No school. No father. No people. No pain. I mean, my thoughts were still making me feel terrible, but at least I was comfortable.
Sure life isn't easy, but I still enjoy small moments like this.
Before I knew it, I had slipped into the soft darkness of sleep.
My eyes fluttered open. The last sunshine had shined on my eyes. My bed sheets were a comfortable mess. I checked my phone.
10 missed text messages. 5 missed calls.
Woah. I suddenly got popular while in a slumber.
Drake: Nick I am so sorry
Drake: What happened?
Drake: Please reply
Drake: Nick
Drake: I'm worried
Drake: How come you skipped class?
Drake: Why are you hurt?
Drake: I'm sorry
Drake: Will you at least come to school tomorrow?
Drake: I hope you're ok
The calls were from Holly. I didn't respond, though. Sometimes I just need a break from communication. And to be honest, I just didn't feel like talking to anyone. Or do anything at all, actually.
As my suicidal thoughts began flowing through my mind and veins, I sat up. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. I'll be ok.
