A Chapter Completed

Drake the Discoverer

"Are you sure you don't want the day off?"asked dad once I was seated in his car. "Finding you fainted in your room yesterday morning was one of the worst things I've ever experienced. I don't want a repeat of that."

"I'm fine dad. You don't have to worry. It was probably just school related stress," I replied, trying to sound sincere.

Apparently, dad found me fainted at nine yesterday. He says that he tried waking me up but I wouldn't, and just as he was about to call the doctor, I stirred awake.

Thank god he didn't, otherwise I'd probably be at some therapist right now. I can't go to one. I have one parent who's distant already. I don't need dad leaving me as well.

Dad started the car and drove out of the driveway, on the way to my school. Today was the first time I had actually allowed him to drop me off in his car. And not because I was feeling week or sick, but because I was terrified of seeing her on my own. Heck, I was terrified of just seeing her. But I'd rather be surrounded by a bunch of people than be completely alone, if that situation arises. And if the text was from who I think it was, then that situation was near. Very near.

You're probably wondering, as any sane person would, that why I didn't just stay at home, especially since my father actually allowed me to do so. Seven words: I have a stay-at-home mom. Unless stay-at-home is counted as one word, then in that case, five words.

I'm guessing that mother wouldn't be too pleased to have me around the house all day, even if I would be stuck in my room. I wouldn't know. The last time it was just me and her was during our vacation to a lake house when I was around 9 years old. Dad and Chase had gone fishing and mother and I were baking cookies. Mother had gotten a call sometime in the evening. After that phone call, she was never the same. Till date, I have no idea why. 

"Thanks dad. Bye." 

Slamming the door shut I proceeded towards the entrance, speed-walking, nervously looking all around the compound. I reached my locker, and began taking the stuff I needed.

"Boo!"

I dropped my stuff, as my hands rose automatically to cover my eyes as I let out a shrill cry.  

Shit, she found me!

"Of course she's found you. Have you forgotten how resourceful she is?"

I should have stayed at home.

"The place where your mother is? And feel even more unloved and unwanted? I'm surprised you actually, willingly stepped out of the house, the coward that you are."

Stupid. I'm so stupid.

"And you just realized? Ah well, you've always been rather slow. Of course,  Chase would agree with me on this one."

Suddenly, I felt someone holding both my shoulders and shaking me.

"Hey goth girl, you okay?"

Hang on, what? Goth girl?

I took heed of my surroundings and realized that Drake was the one invading my personal bubble. 

I stepped back and cleared my throat, composing myself.

"Don't call me 'Goth girl', and please mind your distance," I said.

"Whatever. I'm sorry for trying to tell you that classes have already started," he answered, his sarcasm very apparent.

That's when I realized that the hallways were empty.

"Shit! I have to go," I responded urgently.

Just as I began walking away, I felt a hand on my wrist, stopping me from moving.

"Let me go Drake," I ordered.

Instead, that git pulled me towards him.

I glared at him, and struggled to free my wrist.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

"Nothing. It's Davina who wants to talk to you."

Great. Just freaking great. Now I have two psychopaths after me.

Drake smirked, as I continued to struggle against his firm hold. He looked at the wrist he was holding. Suddenly his eyes widened. He slowly brought my wrist closer to his face.

"Wh...what are you doing?" I asked him.

That is when I noticed that my sleeve had come up just a bit. Not too much, but enough to show part of my wrist.

Before I could pull away, Drake pushed up my sleeve, and the empty corridors echoed with his horrified gasp.

I could only think of one word at that moment - shit!

"Are you f*cking crazy? What the hell, Zoe?" he exploded.

I winced at his tone, and finally managed to pull my wrist away.

"You can't tell anyone Drake, please," I begged.

I couldn't believe that someone actually found out. For years, I had kept my scars hidden. They were mine to bear, mine alone, just like my demons. They were a reminder, a punishment, an escape and an addiction, all at the same time. Those red lines were what kept me from growing insane these past few years, as hard as it is to believe. I don't have any talents, I can't dance, or sing, or write well. I have no other escape apart from the brief but often bursts of pain, accompanied by trickling blood. Beautiful, red blood. Blood that reminded me that I was alive, and not trapped in a nightmare, though my mind insisted otherwise. Blood and pain, as I said before, that were my only escape.

And now, Drake was going to expose me.

My eyes filled with tears, as I imagined being trapped in a hospital and forced to see shrinks, as both my parents eyed me in disgust.

"Tell me why," he demanded.

"I...it's complicated. You won't understand. No one will understand. Please Drake," I pleaded.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps, which were growing louder. Someone was approaching. 

I wiped my tears away, and looked at Drake. He looked conflicted. 

"Please," I added.

The footsteps grew closer, and seconds later, I could see Davina Sanders a few feet away from us.

"Seriously Drake. I sent you to call her, not start up a fifteen minute long conversation," she snapped, as she finally stopped walking, and faced us.

"Sorry D. Was just trying to get to know her better," Drake answered.

"Right," she said.

It was obvious that she didn't believe us, going by her calculating gaze that shifted from me to Drake and then back to me.

"Anyways, let's go. The twins are waiting," she continued, and began walking towards the exit, expecting us to follow.

"Wait. Go where?" I asked.

"For a drive. You've already missed most of the lesson. Plus, you're free in the afternoon. No sense wasting your whole day in this dump," Davina replied.

Bunking class? I had never bunked class before. Sure I dozed off most of the time, but leaving the premises was another matter entirely. 

Then again, this was Davina Sanders. I had already crossed her once. I'd be mad to pull that again. So, I shoved my books in my locker, and followed her and Drake.

As we were following Davina, my eyes met Drake's, and I muttered a thanks.

He shook his head, his expression stony, as he muttered one sentence : "This conversation is far from over."