The Bystander

Chapter Twelve

Alyssa

"How would I know I've been working for a majority of the time, besides Calder's old enough to live without it!"

My mom had been arguing with Stephen for almost an hour, something that never irked me as much as it used to when my weight was thrown in the equation. But seeing as Calder has moved away, I've wanted to spend some time with him on the phone. A babble and a gurgle is good enough, but since this argument is reaching new lengths I don't think I'll get the time too.

"Are you seriously dense? How many times have I told you to stop smoking around my son? I swear to god if he gets sick I will kill you!" She slammed the phone down on the counter, running a hand through her hair roughly. The action made me cringe as I began to think about her tearing her hair out in the process.

Her face had changed to a darker shade of red as she slammed the door behind her, forgetting me in the end.

Looks like I'm walking to school, I thought.

Tossing my bag over my back roughly, the sound of Mom's car scraping down the driveway - the harsh sound made me flinch slightly. I faltered in my steps as I caught sight of a small piece of paper just sitting on top of the end table, the handwriting definitely didn't belong to my mother. In fact it looked far to messy to be written by her, in her line of work she would have to have neat writing - or considerably close to it.

My hand reached out hesitantly, I unfolded the slip of paper.

To the most beautiful woman I've ever met.

-H. Tyell

I almost scoffed at the note, feeling a small pinch in my heart at the thought of Mom remarrying to husband number three. All the heartache and sadness she's endured is enough, though I wish I could protect her from everyone. But I too am weak, how can I take care of her if I can't even take care of myself?

I groaned quietly, making my way out of the house. The long walk to school was only a small portion of what I would have to face today.

******

By the time the morning bell rang, I was already panting and sweating like a pig - a few of the popular kids had seen me and immediately burst into laughter. Not forgetting to toss in a harsh word also, the tears that would usually brim my eyes but they didn't this time. The only thing on my mind at the moment, was Noah.

As I walked along the narrow corridor, my path had been blocked by two large bodies. I recognised the letters H.Lawrence and B.Wilkinson stitched on their jackets, my heart raced knowing that if these two were here - then Kelly wasn't far behind.

"Well well well, if it isn't tubby." Speak of the devil, she stood behind me as I spun around. My eyes almost flinched at the excessive amount of gold and pink on her top, she was always one for wearing the brightest and sparkliest things.

She cocked her head to this side, her arms crossed against her chest. I could see the familiar look of vexation in her bright blue eyes - though underneath there was something more malicious. I had a feeling that this encounter was going to be far worse than the previous ones, I hoped I would be wrong.

The two mountain men behind me had stepped closer, I could almost feel their breath on the back of my neck. "What's w-with t-the bodygu-uards?" I couldn't keep the tremor out of my voice, by now my hands had began to get sweaty and fidgety.