Hidden Tears

Chapter Four - Secrets

ALEX

Friends. That's what he said. Friends. I smile at the thought. I haven't had a friend in a while; I've always pushed everyone not letting anyone get close since the bullying started.

I walk into my house and find my dad laying on the couch knocked out drunk. I sigh as I pull a blanket out of the closet and drape it over him.

My parents don't get along very well and are always have arguments. Sometimes I wonder why they're still here, still together, still with me.

I walk into my room and start treating my wounds. I tried to help John with his before he left but he wouldn't let me.

Friends. It's dangerous though. Me having friends.

JOHN

My parents freak out seeing the bruises on my face. I didn't say anything knowing that it is dangerous and said that I had a small fight. At least I didn't try to come up with a dumb lie like falling down or bumping into something. They wouldn't have believed me and that would make things complicated.

My sister, Paula, helped me with my wounds and asked about them. I respond saying the same thing not giving detail. She gave me a glance then went back to work on my wounds.

The next morning I woke up late and I rush out of the house. I meet up with my friends at our usual place and start walking towards school. I made friends with them when I first moved in. We live in the same neighborhood.

"Hey John. Sleepy head listen to me." Jake playfully pushes me and I slam into Blake.

"I'm listening! " I push him back and he starts chasing me.

Blake follows behind us and we all run into school.

ALEX

I see John run pass me with a few of his friends. One had long brown hair and was chasing him. The other had short black hair who was just walking behind them. Not sure how he can keep up with them if they are running.

I didn't have the guts to walk towards him and say hi. Even though he said we are friends.

"Alex." I hear my name being said by someone I never wanted to see.

I turn and find my twenty five year old sister and her boyfriend. She has long red hair that matched her lips and light green eyes that went good with her light tan skin.

Her boyfriend had his arm around her waist. He has long black hair that was past his shoulder and dark brown eyes.

"Grace." I growled.

"Don't need to be mean. I just stopped by to say hi." She giggles and walks closer.

"Want to grab a bite after school?" She smelled like alcohol and cigarettes.

I push her back and shake my head. "I don't want to be anywhere near you."

I turn and run towards the school, up the stairs, and down the hall. I turn the corner and see Cross Gang bullying another small kid. I know I'm not the only one they bully but I'm afraid to talk to any of the other victims.

I turn and run another way and into the bathroom only to find John leaning against the sink with his arms crossed.

He looks up when he hears me. "I thought that I would find you here." He says smiling.

I look at him and turn to run out but his hand grabs me.

"What's wrong?" He asks a worry look on his face.

"Nothing." I say and try to break free.

"Hey remember what you promised. You wouldn't hold on to anything by yourself. What's wrong?"