Phone in hand, I walked up to Hudson Park, looking down at my outfit and smiling. I never wore things like this often, all because I had to hide my scars and bruises. I loved when I got an opportunity to look my best. Looking back up, I scanned my surroundings out of habit, and saw an empty bench near the pond that was in the middle of the park. I went up to it and sat down, just when my phone buzzed in my hand.
Unknown: You loon really nice. You should wear stuff like that more often. I'll be over in a second.
Me: Oh, thank you I guess, and alright.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to look a round for who called me out to meet them, but all I saw was couples flirting and children playing. The park was beautiful, but I hardly left my house because I was afraid of getting beat by my father when I got back to the house. Again, I couldn't see anyone. Giving up, I looked out to the pond, watching the clear water (that was nowhere near as clear as the pond in the woods) ripple and watching people splashing their feet. Watching the scenery really calmed my anxiety, but before I knew it, someone was sitting next to me. I turned over to see who they were, and I was terrified to see Kevin, Idioperv, sitting next to me.
I jumped back, moving to the other side of the bench, and he looked at me, not like he wanted to hurt me, but like he was almost worried about something.
"Everly, I'm glad you decided to meet me. First of all, I wanted to apologize."
"Why should I believe a thing that you say?"
"Hey, I'm trying to look out for you here, okay?"
"Look our for me? Yeah, says the jerk that beats me up in school!"
"That was months ago, and I'm sorry! I regret it okay? Ever since I saw that bruise on your arm I've been worried about you. Haven't you noticed how no one has been fighting you? All my friends used too, but I've told them not too. I'be been trying to figure out whose been hurting you, but it's no one at school, so I just have to ask..." he started," are you being abused?" His voice got quieter as he finished his sentance.
"What makes you think I'm being abused?" I asked, my voice clearly wavering in fear.
"You have a bloody lip and a bruise on your arm. You covered it up though. Everly, sure, I've been a jerk before, but I really do regret it. I'm sorry."
I was in shock. The Idioperv was apologizing for the way he treated me. I didn't know how to feel or what to say.
"Well... thank you for apologizing. I'll be on my way now." I said, but as I got up to try to leave, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back. He positioned us so that I was in his arms so I couldn't escape.
"Everly, are you being abused?" He looked directly in my eyes, and I could see sincere worry and regret staring in to my sad, pained eyes.
"I..." I started, but couldn't finish my sentence.
"You are. I can see it in your eyes. Everly, why haven't you reached out to anyone? Ran away, gotten your parents arrested?"
"I have a younger sister to take care of, it's not that simple."
"You've got a job and money, you could get out of there!"
"But I-" I paused, thinking. He mentioned running away, and I did have money in my bank account. He was right. "Kevin..." I said.
"Yeah?"
"You're a genius."
"I am?"
"Yes. I've got to go make sure Catelynn is okay, but thank you for being here and worrying about me. I'll see you around."
"See you around." He said, sighing in defeat of keeping my around longer. "Wait, Everly!"
"Yeah?" I called back, turning around only to see him running up to me.
"Take this." He handed me a small, folded sheer of paper. "Read it when you get home."
"Alright. I'll see you around."
"Bye!" He said, and with that, I started walking home.
After creeping into the door, I went upstairs and knocked on Catelynn's door with our secret knock, letting her know I was home and I'd be in my room if she needed me. After heading into my room, I sat on the edge of my bed and unfolded the slip of paper, only to see a hand-written poem.
Bruised - By Kevin Jones
Blackish-Blue, Purple and swollen
My eye and my body hit and cut
Walking into the building,
I say I got in a fight.
Untrue, for these cuts hold a deeper story.
I stood there, beaten and bruised
By the two people in this world
Meant to love you
Unconditionally.
Anger issues
Taking out my inner turmoil
On the innocent people around me
One named Everly.
Beating and punching, I see something familiar,
on her,
Something I've grown much to familiar with.
A bruise, not from me.
The Purplish-Blue taints her pale skin
Her eyes full of pain and sadness
Maybe all of us are more alike than we all know.
YOU ARE READING
Every Rose Has Thorns
Roman pour AdolescentsEverly has never lived like a normal girl. Her father is an abusive alcoholic, and her mom is a druggie and a smoker. Her younger sister, Catelynn had never been hurt by her father, because she always steps in and protects her. But what happens when...
