Heartbroken

Chapter 16: Allegra

My eyes followed my feet as I walked through the halls, avoiding the stares and the pointing fingers. I could hear people whispering behind their hands, gossiping about the hot new topic. Me.

For some reason I had to fight tears just as I fought my feelings, and I couldn't be feeling worse than I was then. I readjusted my backpack straps and kept walking, trying to distract myself. I felt humiliated and scared and I just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry myself to sleep, never to wake up again. While I was sulking, I was alerted of a presence near my elbow, and I looked to the side, finding Milo. He was looking ahead, his face blank. I lowered my head to my chest as the tears fell, and Milo took the chance to pull me inside a dark, empty classroom. He helped me sit in a desk, then began to pace across the floor. I wiped my nose on my jacket sleeve, trying to quiet my tears as they continued to flow.

"How did anyone find out?" his voice was rough, his footsteps heavy as he ran his hands through his hair repeatedly. I buried my face in my hands at the realization that everyone knew that I had been abused. My friends knew. They had seen me vulnerable and shaking, unable to move, and though they were still talking to me, I didn't consider that a success.

"It must have been Alice," he grumbled, looking like he wanted to punch something. He must have noticed my distress as he rattled on about the predicament, because he stopped talking suddenly and came to sit in the desk next to me.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, lowering his head and staring at the floor. I looked up with tear-filled eyes, confused. What did he have to be sorry for? I pushed myself to stand.

"No, Milo, I –"

He stood quickly, closing the space between us and wrapping his arms around me. Shocked, I hugged him back, burying my face in his shoulder, and it felt like we both needed that hug. And just when I felt like I was done crying, I burst into tears again.

Mrs. Fenwick watched me worriedly as I shuffled my way to a back desk, my face splotchy from crying, my shoulders sloped with exhaustion. She came over to my desk, sitting on the table opposite from me.

"What's wrong?"

"What isn't wrong?" I huffed, burying my head in my arms resting on the table. I felt a finger poke my head, and I moved a little so that she could see my eyes glaring up at her. Mrs. Fenwick just smiled.

"Life may seem like it's hell right now, but there's always a positive side."

"A positive side? Let me know when you find it."

"But I already have. You have me!"

I was still mad, but my mouth twitched into the whisper of a smile.

"Let me know if you need anything." Mrs. Fenwick said this seriously, and she pushed off the desk, ready to start class. I kept my head down as the students filed in, and class started. I had a long day ahead of me.

"Field trip today," Mr. Weiss yelled as we walked in. My heart slowed, at least until I saw Milo walk in. I caught his eyes and I gave him a whisper of a smile. He crossed straight to me and sat in closest desk, but he didn't say anything.