The Final Beginning

1-The Beginning of the End

My heart is boxed up and hidden away deep in my chest. The walls I've built around it will never quake. I will never be shattered again.

The water that cleanses my flesh washes away the misery and shame will never take away the memories. They are burned into my skin as if his hands were tattooed on my hips. Invisible but still stinging. The handprints on my body that never remove themselves. They are glued to the idea that I am no longer pure.

My fingers are numb but my brain is on fire.

My mother tells me good morning like she always does, but her voice is no longer gentle enough to comfort my broken soul. All it takes is one simple word and I'll fall apart.

I wasn't always so fragile. I used to be vibrant and full of life, but I lost my spark- my light- my innocence. All I can manage to do is reply with a nod. School is going to be hell.

The walk to school is never bad even on rainy days. At least I get thirty minutes alone. The house is overcrowded and the school is too loud, but when I get out on that quiet open road, I melt into the sounds of peaceful loneliness.

First period is quiet. My best friend is invisible. Math is inevitable. The numbers turn around in my head and the world around me becomes fuzzy. Although I hate it, I'm good at it. And it allows me to focus on something other than my misery.

I can't imagine a life beyond 18. By then, my three brothers will be starting their first year of high school and my little sister will be in sixth grade. My parents had five kids. Me, the triplets, and my little sister. I'm the oldest (aka the role model) but the only thing I'm teaching them is how to be depressed and alone. I hope they never end up like me.

The hands that forced their way onto my waist and the hot breath that creeps on the back of my neck makes my blood boil. The only one who has ever had the nerve to touch me is Aaron. He is one cocky son of a bitch. A self-serving, dedicated asswhipe.

The hallway is Grope Central Station. The worst place for a teenage girl and the best place for dumb ass perverts who were never taught the phrase, "KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF!"

"Calm down baby. I'm just trying to say hello." Every word from his mouth makes my head throb.

"Oh shove it asshole. All you want is a nice piece of ass to satisfy your selfish needs. Do us both a favor and leave me the hell alone." His persistent foolery drives me crazy. One more hand on me and his balls will cease to exist.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and a sweet southern bell accent calms my rage. "Excuse me, is this guy bothering you? Because I'm new here and I'd love to start out my day with a good ass kicking." With a roll of his eyes, Aaron's grip on my hips tighten.

"You can't keep me away forever baby. Remember that." After practically slobbering in my ear, Aaron turns on his heel and slouches away. I hate it when nasty rich kids try so hard to be cool when they are far from it. Grow up a little and take a shower. It makes me gag to think about it and wiping saliva from my ear doesn't help.

I spare a glance over at the new girl and allow myself to smirk. She was so cute. I'm not usually into girls, but I'd definitely add her to my bucket list. "Thanks. He can be a real asshole. I'm Lily by the way." Sticking out my hand for her to shake. She makes me smile. That's a first.

"I'm Andrea but you can call me Dre." After shaking my hand, she hooks her arm with mine and passes me a folded paper with a smile. "I do believe you just volunteered to take me to my next class."