Eleven years ago the bullying started and I was their main target. I was their prey. I would injure myself to get relief. I would make cuts along my side. The pain from that would block everything else out. I hope this year it all stops. Last year my brother just gave up on me. He is still around but doesn't try to help.
"Rose hurry up. You'll be late for school."
"I am coming."
Why doesn't he just shut me out? I went down the stairs and passed him on my way out.
"Hey, are you okay? You need to eat something."
"I'm not hungry."
"You know I'm here for you if you need it."
"Yes I do but haven't been. I don't rely on you anymore. I deal with it myself."
"Come here."
"I'm going to be late."
"Rose. Come over here now."
"Why."
He walked over to me and pulled the hem of my shirt up, showing the fresh cuts and scars of old ones.
"Rose. When did this start? The cutting. Why?"
"I have to go," I said pulling away and running out the door. I made it to the bus and sat down in an empty seat. I put my headphones on and turned on my music to drown out the rumors and other shit people say about me. About halfway to school I felt a tap on my knee and when I looked up I saw a good looking guy. I took my headphones off and he asked if he could sit next to me. I nodded and moved my bag off the seat. I put my headphones back on and occasionally I would catch him staring at me.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Because you're beautiful."
"I'm anything but beautiful."
"I'm Matt Honeycutt."
"Rose Salvatore."
