faded

chapter 2

i made my way down the hallway, my eyes remaining locked with my phone. i wasn't doing much on there, yet i was trying to avoid running into anyone i didn't wanna talk to. i took a left turn down the hall, and crashed into someone, my bag and phone falling right onto the ground.

"hey watch where you're g-"
a voice said with annoyance, an all too familiar voice. the voice that i hear when i lay awake at night, the voice that i've missed more than anything. my eyes locked with the eyes that matched the voice, and my jaw dropped slightly.

            harry.

i squatted down to grab my things, also as an attempt to get away from his intimidating stare. instead of helping me pick up my things, he slid past me and rolled his eyes, his possy of stuck up manwhores following him, aka niall horan, louis tomlinson, liam payne, and zayn malik. i closed my eyes for a second, to process what had just happened. that was me and harry's first interaction since 8th grade graduation, and it showed just how much he's changed, how much of an asshole he's become.

i scrambled all my things together, trying to stuff them in my bag without getting stepped on by all the other people walking down the hall. i felt a hand on my shoulder that bent down next to me, grabbing my phone and handing it to me.

"i'm sorry about him..."
the voice said, turning around quickly and joining the group who are located on the other side of the hallway. i turned around to see niall horan making his way to meet up with them. i stared for a few seconds as harry and his group slowly faded from my sight, almost as quickly as he faded from my life.

***

i sat in my car outside of the school, scrolling through my phone attempting to find parker's contact. i dialed her number and listened to the beeping noises that followed, waiting for her to pick up.
"hello?" her sweet voice said, sounding excited to hear me on the other line.

"hey are we still planning on going to get coffee today? i need a desperate break from everything," i sighed, staring out the window. i examined all the cars, all the people driving to their separate ways. the football team was to the left, practicing on the field. the cheerleaders practiced their stunts beside them, a fake, unrealistic cheer grin plastered on their faces.

"yeah i'm down. let me meet you there in 15, does that work? i'm supposed to meet liam in a few minutes," she squealed through the phone, causing me to let out a laugh.

"you're insane. see you then," i said, smiling as i hung up the phone.

i drove in silence down the road, which was covered with orange leaves. it was my favorite time of year, mid october. the air was crisp and refreshing, which is why i tried to stay out of the house as much as possible. along with that my alcohol addicted father did contribute to my staying out of the house constantly. it's not new, he's been the same abusive bastard that he always has been. thankfully staying away from home during the day prevented any physical abuse, it's been so long since the last time he acted on it.

i remember it absolutely vividly, down to every exact detail. it was a tuesday night, not too cold, but very windy. i sat at the counter finishing my bio homework, after an exhausting volleyball practice. my knee pads were sat at the bottom of my ankles, and my hair remained in a messy ponytail which was once high, yet sat low on the bottom of my head after practice. it seemed like any boring school night, until a loud thud was heard from the front door. i flipped my head around, and my eyes locked with my fathers bloodshot glare.

he stepped slowly toward me, one foot after another. the suspense from his slow movement caused my heart to pound, beating faster during each step he took. when he plopped his feet in front of me, he smirked lightly. before i could say anything, his clutched fist collided with my soft cheek, causing me fall to the floor in agonizing pain.

i screamed, louder than i ever have before. he began pounding me one hand after another until i could barely take it anymore, i felt completely and utterly broken. i attempted to let out a sob, yet my bruised ribcage and throbbing throat didn't let me.

those next few weeks harry didn't leave my side once. i spent countless nights sneaking him into my room, and falling asleep with his arms wrapped gently around my injured being. he stroked my hair lovingly and whispered that,

"it's gonna be okay em, i'm not gonna leave you. not now, not ever. you're safe with me."

as i pulled into my parking spot in the cafe, i mumbled to myself,

"not now, not ever."

complete and utter bullshit.