Fighter

Paper Thin

I hate the fact that being unique makes you the outcast; the bullied one. You need to blend in in order to be ignored. Well, I'm sick of being ignored. Over the course of a summer I went from basic nerd to bad bitch. I'm sick of pretending to be someone else. I'm rebellious, I'm dark, I'm punk; I'm me. I love the feeling of skin tight black jeans on my legs, the crop tops showing a little of my stomach, the black hair matching my dark eyebrows, my blue eyes sparkling from my darker makeup. This look caused no one to question my long sleeves when it's like 80° weather. People just leave me alone- well, most of them anyways. A majority of high schools will have that high and mighty bitch- in my case, her name is Megan. She prefers Megan, but I always call her Meg to really set her off. Speak of the damn devil.
"Hello there, Harley. I see you're still looking like a whore," she says while slamming my locker shut. I laugh at her idiotic ness.
"And I see your still dressing like a Barbie doll." She just gives me a laugh, making a "humph" noise. I just roll my eyes, unbothered from her words. It's become more of a routine, I'm unbothered now. There's only 3 people who actually effect me. That would be: my dad, my brother, and my ex best friend. They all hate me now. My dad hates me for the death of my mum, while Jen hates me for my new change in style and life. She doesn't know my past, but knows about one of my darkest secrets. I trusted her with it, she's kept her promise still. I just don't know how long it will take for her to spill. I grab all my supplies and head home, greeted by a drunk dad. I'm slammed against the wall, thrown to the floor, and then kicked on final time. My dad bends down to look me in the face, slapping me and chuckling afterwards. I avoid eye contact, letting him know I understand that he is alpha. He laughs and leaves me alone. My brother has left for the weekend to figure himself out, leaving me alone with my father. My brother loves me- he cares greatly about me, but knew he needed to do this one thing alone. I knew he needed alone time, so I told him I forgave him. When I realize my dad is asleep, I head to the abandoned hospital a few blocks from our house. I've been inside for so long that I know how to get in without setting off any alarm- unlike the three boys in front of me. I giggle at the two boys in front of me trying so desperately to find a way in. I recognize them, but I can't seem to put two and two together.
"Ya know, you guys are going to set off the alarms so fucking fast," I say while trying to hold back laughter. They jump, spinning around fast in fear. I recognize them finally- it's Sam, Corey, and Colby. My fucking idols. I blush, embarrassed at being so annoying. They just smile at me and laugh.
"How do you know? Do you know how to get in??"
"Yes. I know I'm a stranger, but if you want to get in, I'd suggest teaming up with me for a little or you're going to easily set off an alarm."
"Um, sure yea. Lead the way," they motion for me. I jump onto this platform thing, maneuvering my way inside a window. They follow behind me. I make sure to warn them about jumping inside- making sure to jump at least 2 feet ahead to avoid trip wire or weight sensors. We all make it inside, walking around. I knew the entrances and exits- I slept here a lot because my dad would just kick me out anyways. They have beds to sleep on- it's better than sleeping on the streets. We all make small talk, them getting to know me since I'm a stranger. I tell them I've seen their videos, and I'm a fan, them relieved I'm not a big stranger. I show them my tiktoks, them realizing they're following me. Im actually quite popular from my cover videos.
"So, how do you know this place so well?"
"I come here to write songs sometimes. It's the only quiet place. And no, I'm not crazy," I say with a chuckle. I know it sounds weird to write in an abandoned hospital, but that's just how I roll. They chuckle. We all ended up spending the night and really getting to know each other. We grew really close, telling each other a lot of personal things. We had even exchanged phone numbers. They knew I had many fans so I wouldn't go and share their number because they could do the same to me. They had noticed my bruise, not asking about it (thank god). Sam is the more caring and gentle one, so he is obviously going to be the one to be first to ask. I was right. He pulls me aside and asks me about it. "Hey, Harley, how did you get the bruises?
"Oh, uh, I fell on my way to the hospital. I'm fine," I say with a nervous chuckle. he doesn't believe me- I wouldn't either. Like, come on? Falling on your eye and leaving a slap mark across your face?? Yea, no.
"Come on, Harley. We know that's not true. Did someone hurt you? A boyfriend or girlfriend? Mum? Dad? Someone at school?"
"It's really okay, I promise. I'll be honest, but please just keep it between us... okay?"
"I promise!"
"I- I sleep here. My dad kicks me out a lot and this is the only safe and comfortable place I can sleep for free."
"So your dad did this to you," he says while cupping my cheek. I nod, a stray tear falling down. He wipes it, pulling me into a hug. I latch onto him, trying to keep me from expressing any emotions. I hate showing emotions to people- it doesn't matter; I don't matter. He pulls away, leaving me feeling naked and vulnerable. He gives me a smile, trying to lighten the mood a little. It works, I smile back at him. "You don't deserve that, Harley. Fuck him and fuck that. You're an amazingly sweet human being. You deserve loving parents. I'm sorry that happened or happens. We live about 15 minutes away driving from here, I can always pick you up if it's getting bad."
"Thank you, Sam. I don't want to burden you and your friends. I should be fine, it's not like it's the first time. You're really amazing, Sam. I hope you know that," I say with a genuine smile.
"You wouldn't bother us- especially me. I really want to be friends with you and chill. You can come over even if your dad isn't being an ass. I've been a fan of yours for a while, honestly. You seem like such a chill person to be around. Especially now that I got to know you even better."
"Thank you, Sam. I'm surprised your a fan of me- I'm a fan of you. That's crazy," I say with a laugh," but yea, I'd love to come hang with all of you. Now, let's go catch up to them before they ditch us," I saw with a chuckle. I pay Sam's back and run after the guys. This is going to be a fun night.