The Story of Us (Editing in progress)

Chapter 7

I wake to Father yelling obscenities to the TV screen and I found it strange that he was up before I was. I quickly make breakfast and serve it to him. I get ready for school and get there before anyone else shows up and I sit in my class, waiting and thinking. Six years ago today, my mother abandoned me and left me with Father. It was hard to believe that six years ago, I was happy, I wasn't in constant pain like I am now. I pick at my hands and try to get the smaller pieces of glass out of my hands, but to no avail. Someone sits next to me and I see Gabriel. He doesn't look my way and as more students file in, I can't help but feel upset.

I realize that I do want his friendship even though it would be a terrible mistake. I wanted to turn my back on my promise to not put others in harm again just to be friends with Gabriel, but I knew I couldn't so I continue to pluck out pieces of glass still embedded in my hands. A pair of tweezers and some bandages are placed on my desk and I look up to see Gabriel digging into his backpack. I am able to clean up more quickly and I place the tweezers back on his desk. 

"Thank you, Gabriel. I really am sorry about everything. I-I just can't put you in any danger."

"Is that why you've been giving me the cold shoulder? Because you want to protect me?" He scoffs.

"Hardy har, laugh it up. It doesn't hurt me. I'm just trying to be sincere for once." 

"Ok, I'll stop. But seriously, what do you have to protect me from?"

"Someone who is out for me. Just leave it at that, ok?"

"No. I won't leave it at that." His voice drops to a whisper, "Why are you covered in bruises and glass? Is someone hurting you?"

"No! No one is hurting me Gabriel. Besides, I just fell and managed to land on some glass outside of my house."

"Alright, if you say so. So I wanted to invite you to eat with me and some friends after school today. You want in?" He asks me.

"Sorry, I'm working late tonight. Maybe another day." I'm disappointed that I'm not able to go with Gabriel. 

"Ah. Well I'll miss you then. By the way, I never did ask how you were after your dad kinda kicked me out of the infirmary."

"I feel much better. I'm practically good as new." I joke as I feel another pang of sadness.

This boy doesn't even know me all that well and he still cares for my well-being. I cannot believe that there are boys that act like gentlemen, the opposite of what Father is. I-I want to be friends with him, but for his safety, I can't. 

"Hellloooo? Earth to Isabella!" I snap out of my thoughts and see that Gabriel was trying to get my attention.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"I said, You don't look as good as new. You look like you've been sucker-punched. Multiple times. Then had a glass bottle broken on your face. Seriously, tell me what happened. And don't lie to me and say that you fell." He looks sincere.

"I-I can't tell you. I'm sorry. Just don't worry, ok?" I remember that I was supposed to be cold to him and add, "Besides, it's none of your business. You don't know me."

He replies sarcastically, "Well, who's fault is that?" I give him a look.

"I can't tell you, I don't want to worry you anyway."

"Aw, you care about me." He says with a cute smile on his face.

"No, I don't. I just don't want to end up in jail or something."

"Ah, I'm guessing you are either in a gang or a cult, or you are training to be a secret agent so it's top secret." He has a grin that says he really wants to lighten the mood.