You're Not Alone

My Best Days are Right in Front of Me

(Jen's POV)

I woke up as soft rays of sunlight leaked through the windows. I felt Austin pull me closer to him. I must've fallen asleep on him. My head rested on his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around my thin shoulders, holding my close.

I looked around. All the other guys were asleep in their bunks.

I pried myself out of Austin's arms, and moved over onto the other couch. I heard a knock at the door.

"Good morning, sunshine!" Jaime's voice called as he pushed the door open.

"We come bearing gifts." Vic announced as Mike walked in holding a shopping bag.

Tony was slightly more serious. He walked over and sat down next to me on the couch, tracing the gauze on my cheek with his fingers.

"How are ya feeling?" He asked.

I shrugged, unsure of how to respond. "Better, I guess. It still aches sometimes, but otherwise it feels fine." I replied.

"And other than that?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows.

"I had a rough night last night, but I'll be okay." I answered truthfully.

He nodded, and tugged at my hair lightly. At least he cared.

"For the lovely lady, we brought Dr. Pepper and Hot Cheetos." Mike announced, handing me the food. I chuckled. There was nothing I wanted more than some junk food.

"Thanks guys." I said as I opened the Cheetos.

"We know how much you need it, kiddo." Jaime said in a sing-song voice, ruffling my hair.

"I should go shower or something." I suggested, getting up from the couch. I left my chips on the couch.

"We'll wake 'em up." Vic offered.

"Don't touch my food!" I shouted back at them.

"Too late!" Jaime yelled back, his mouth sounding full.

I climbed into the bathroom, and peeled off my clothes. Stray drops of blood covered my shirt and jeans. Oh well. I'm a woman, I know how to get blood out of my clothes.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Cuts and scars littered my body. My wrists were covered in the older scars. They were barely noticeable, just slight changes in my skin's pigment. My thighs, stomach and hips however, were another story. Though it had been weeks since my last cut, the evidence was still clear. I couldn't help but feel ashamed.

I gently took off the gauze on my neck, whimpering as the tape peeled off my skin.

A knock sounded at the door.

"You okay?" Austin's voice asked sleepily. He must've woken up.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Peeling medical tape off isn't very fun." I joked.

I heard him chuckle. "Just be careful."

The shower was painful, but I needed it. The skin around the slices was red and irritated when I stepped out. I didn't bother doing my makeup. I felt like a wreck, and hell, I was gonna look like one. I quickly redressed my injuries.

I stepped out of the bathroom and saw that almost everyone had left. The only people I saw in the room were Phil and Tino playing Slap Jack at the table. Tino slammed his hand down on the deck of cards, but Phil was faster than he was. However, Phil's hand was bright red when he pulled it away.

"Calm down, Tino. Its's not the damn Slap Jack Olympics." Phil muttered, shaking his hand.

Tino ignored him. He looked up, noticing me. He started laughing.