Just another Day in High school

Ugly

Shelby

River stood behind me as he pushed me to class. "Mom said she wanted to see you tonight and talk about what to do with your dad," he said quietly.

I felt the anxiety bubble up in my throat. I only nodded not wanting him to hear the voice I didn't trust at the moment. My dad had been blowing up my phone. Calls, voicemails, nastygrams, texts. The constant need to get me back.

"Hey, how's your leg?" He asked me softly as we got to our second period.

"Hurts but, I'll be okay. I mean it usually hurts. Remind me never to step on a bear trap again," I said a small laugh leaving my lips.

"Morning you guys, how are you feeling?" The teacher asked us. He was a pack member. His salt and pepper hair clashed with his gray eyes.

"Hurting sir but, I'm okay," I said smiling up at him and taking my seat next to River.

"Is it okay if I give her the medication? Doc told me she has to take 4 times a day." River asked. No one was in the room yet.

"Of course Alpha," Mr. Griffer said locking the door.

River crouched down in front of me and handed me the meds and a thermos. "Here love," he said kissing my forehead as I took it. "I'm sorry it's so much."

"Its okay River, I know. Due to my low immune system they have to make sure I don't get an infection so, antibiotics and advil is expected," I said my hand on his cheek. He laid his forehead on mine.

"Still, I hate to see you so hurt Angel," he whispered. I leaned up and pressed my lips to his softly.

"I know but, I'm better now okay." He nodded his head and sat next to me. My wheelchair next to his desk so we could share a desk.

"Shelby!" A voice yelled. I looked up to see Tory and Johnny walking in. I smiled at them and waved.

"Hey guys," I said, River's arm around my waist, stroking it lightly.

"We're so glad you're okay, we've been really worried," Johnny said taking his seat in front of us and Tory taking hers in front next to his.

"Sorry to make y'all worry," I whispered, picking at the edge of my sweatshirt sleeves.

"No, we want to worry. You're our friend," Tory said smiling at me. River's thumb ran over my hip.

Timeskip

I slouched in the chair and let my head roll back. The day had drained me. "Hey Angel," River said helping me into the truck.

"Hey babe," I said smiling at him as he picked me up into the cab.

"When did you last eat?"

"Uh, last night," I whispered.

"Why didn't you eat breakfast sweetheart?"

"I wasn't hungry and Ethan had to leave early for work so I just kinda didn't," I said smiling.

A sigh left his lips, "And lunch?"

"I felt sick to my stomach."

"Well," he said feeling my pulse point on my wrist. "That medication has to be taken with food so, let's go get you something to eat," he said climbing into the driver seat.

"Okay. Hey, do you think we could go for a run later?" I asked as we pulled out onto the main road.

"With that leg?" He asked looking at me, a cheeky smile on his face.

"You can carry me." I said smiling as he got in the driver's seat. "Please I've been in that bed for days."

"You wanna ride on Tyler?" He asked as he started the truck.

"Please? After all that craziness please?" I asked.

"We just have to be careful okay and you have to stay on his back."

"Not like I have a choice," I said motioning to my leg.

His laughter drifted in the air, calming my nerves. The drive was filled with small talk after that. Soon we made it to River's house. Anxiety bubbled under my skin.

He helped me into my chair and then into the house. "Hey mom!" River yelled out.

"How was y'all's day?" Momma said coming around the corner. Her hair clipped back.

"Good but, Shell forgot to eat," River piped up.

"Hey! I just wasn't hungry," I whispered.

Momma just gave me the look. I shrank into my chair and blushed. "Shelby, really?"

"I-I I honestly don't remember the last time I felt hungry. I'm so use to n-not eating I just don't. I'm sorry," I looked away and felt a small hand on my cheek making me flinch.

"We aren't mad Shell. But you have to eat hun," momma said softly. Her eyes sad that I flinched from her touch.

"Momma," I said softly feeling my body shiver. The icy feeling crawling up my body. "C-can I h-have some hot c-c-chocolate?"

"Of course, are you okay?" She asked beginning to make some from the kettle that sat on the stove.

I only nodded. I pulled my uninjured leg up and wrapped my arms around it. "No you aren't babe. Whats wrong?" Kyle asked.

"C-c-cold," I whispered.

"When was the last time you had an infusion?" He asked grabbing a blanket from the couch.

"A few months ago," I whispered softly. He wrapped the white fluffy blanket around me snug and pressed his lips to my forehead.

"You know you can't go that long. Babygirl, let me see," he said softly pulling up the fabric of the skirt I had on. Purple blotches riddled the inside of my thighs and legs. Great my ITP had to act up now. "Momma!"

"Yes," she said setting the purple mug of hot chocolate down on the counter. She came over and saw. "I'm gonna go make you an appointment. When was the last time?"

"The last time Ethan was in town. Dad can never take me and you know I can't walk home after them," I whispered.

"Why didn't you ask me or Jack?" Momma asked softly handing me the mug.

"I didn't wanna be a bother. You guys do so much already. When I was diagnosed with CVID and ITP you guys rushed in. Y'all did so much already. Taking me to appointments and infusions. When they spoke about how much more likely I was to get cancer y'all put doctors on speed dial. When I couldn't afford my medication y'all jumped in and paid for it. H-how can I ever repay you for that? H-how c-can I th-thank y'all enough?! Let alone a-ask for more?" I said tears pricking at my vision. "I-I don't wanna be a burden."

"Let's get one thing straight. You aren't and never have been a burden Shelby. We love you and just want you better. Nothing and I mean nothing will ever change that. Your mom and I use to be best friends in high school. She married that piece of shit and went off the walls. She had Ethan, you, then the twins. I love all of you. Well the twins less so, fucking brats. Now she's gone again. Left you with that narcissistic lump of trash and you expect me not to do something. Oh no sweetie cuz imma let you in on something. I was there when you were born. I was there when you took your first steps. I was there when the world turned upside down and you got sick. Wanna know why? Because I fucking love you. Shell bear you're my baby. Whither you were River's mate or not. You might not of come out of me but, you are my babygirl. And I will always, always be there. No matter how bad you fuck up. No matter if its cancer or a scratch imma find a way to make it better. I don't care if I have to chase you down. You will always have me sweetie. Always." Momma said my face now in her hands. Tears slid down her cheeks. My heart felt like it was gonna explode.

When I was four and got sick she was the one that took care of me. When I needed them they were always there. No questions asked. Always. Finally the dam broke. The tears began to flow and arms wrapped around me tight. I was home. Really home.