Echoes

Chapter 3- Unexplainable Feelings

04/02/18

   5:30am
  
   I stayed in bed with a horrible headache just from thinking about last night. The same feelings all over and over again.

   I took a cold shower and prepared breakfast for my siblings. I had no idea where my Dad was. He used to drive for us, but since Mom isn't here, he has to work harder. My grandma woke my siblings up for breakfast. I eat a little in the morning so that my siblings have something to eat, while Reese tries to find a job as a working student to provide our needs and to help Dad. All three of us commute going to school. We packed our lunch and we go into the trike.

   7:00am
  
   I finally arrived in school just in time to see if we had any plans in school today. My seat was filled with writings of words I keep seeing all the time. "Cunt", "Fuck you", "Bitch", "KYS" etc. Almost all of my stuff are vandalized with the same words. But only certain words echo in my head at night. Words that affect me each second, though I ignore it.

   Sometimes I'd think of what my Mom would do in these situations. She used to tell me about how she was bullied because of her being such a shy person with no friends at all. She knew Ashley and invited her over a lot. But now, things have changed. Dad wants me home, away from the road I'll be crossing. Actually, any road I'll be crossing. I don't even think he's aware that we're all commuting.

   It was lunch time and Ashley and I were in our favorite spot, the Gym. It was always empty unless there were any occasions. We ate there and as usual, we fan girl about anything or anyone cute. She'd introduce me to new trends while I introduce her to world winning movies and books. Ashley brought out a small box with a ribbon tied to it, gave it to me and told me to open it. And she said...
"You forgot your own birthday. Happy Birthday dumbass, I love you."
For a second I was shocked, I forgot my own birthday because of all the stress that's been happening lately. Couldn't help but think Mom was gonna miss my 14th birthday. And for the first time missing it as well.

   I opened the small box, and I was surprised to see a small picture of us back when we were in 4th grade. A picture of her licking my birthday cake with no hesitation. My Mom laughing so hard while I was pissed because I wanted to lick it first. Back to my immature days, *sigh*. I gave Ashley a hug and she gave me a kiss on the forehead. (No homo lol)

   The lunch bell rang twice, indicating that we gotta go back to class. I walked Ashley to her classroom and walked the crowded hallways to English class. It was a whole boring lesson about Reflexive Pronouns. We had a pop quiz, and I got an A-. My classmates were always talking shit behind my back, so they'd always think I'm cheating. Later in the hallway, a bunch of girls banged my head against the lockers, "Cheater!" causing me to have a very bad bruise on my face. I had to cover it up because it was embarrassing.

   It was dismissal, and I texted Ashley to meet me in front of her house when she gets home. I fetched Avenir from his classroom, hoping he wouldn't notice the bruise. And luckily, he didn't. He was talking to me about what happened in school today, and everything he tells me just brightens up my day. Grandma's car was there and we hopped in. "Are you okay? You look pale, dear." She said, "I'm fine." LIE NUMBER 2. I lied again. I used to be open to them but now, it seems after what everyone in that house is going through, I didn't want to be a burden.

   We got home and I told my grandma I had to meet up with Ashley to finish a project. LIE NUMBER 3. I did it again. And didn't even bother to think twice. I knocked on Ashley's door and her Mom answered it. She let me in and I went into Ashley's room... crying. "It keeps on h-happening. These echoes are t-taking over my happiness." Ashley's reaction was calm, and she comforted me. That's what I love about her. And the next thing I did, was probably the most stupid thing I've ever done.