Weightless - Luke Hemmings

Chapter 4.

I woke up to my whole body aching. I looked at my clock, realising I was going to be late for school. I got up, looking around my bedroom. There were small splatters of blood on my bed from the other night, muddy footprints on the carpet. I flung open my wardrobe, pulling out a pair of jeans and a baggy jumper. I tried my best to not look at the mess of my body, focusing on getting myself to school. I threw my clothes on, tying my hair into a messy bun. I looked at my face in the mirror, cursing at myself when I saw what they'd done. A long cut ran down my cheek, a few bruises scattered my forehead. I pulled my hair out of the bun, deciding to keep it down to cover up my face as much as possible. I grabbed my makeup bag, covering my face with foundation. A sweep of mascara, and I was done.

"Rose, Finn! Come on or you'll be late!" Mum called. I grabbed my backpack, flinging it over my shoulder and running downstairs, Finn behind me. We threw on our shoes, said goodbye, and walked to the bus-stop. On the bus, I begged Finn sit next to me so I didn't have to face Luke. I was being childish, but I couldn't stand seeing him. I spotted him sit down nearby, and could feel him watching me. I faced the floor until we got to school. I felt him reach out for me as I stumbled past, but I brushed him away. I could hear people snickering at me as I rushed past to my classroom. I exhaled loudly as I sat down, my body slumped over in my seat. People walked past me, a few giving me hard pushes. I ignored them, scooting closer to the table. I heard someone sit down beside me, turning my head I saw Luke. He placed his hand on the table, turning to face me.

"Rose, we need to talk" he said softly.

"No. You need to leave me alone" I said, anger evident in my voice.

"Hey Luke, why you with the freak?" Michael asked, and Luke looked at him. All kindness drained from his face.

"She sat down beside me, the weirdo." he said and I shook my head, a tear falling down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, but Luke still noticed.

"Let's get out of here. Bye freak" Michael laughed.

"Bye loser" Luke said, not daring to look at me. I glared at him, turning away from them as they walked off. I slipped my earphones in, trying my best to keep myself together.

+

The whole day I kept my earphones in, the same tracks playing over and over again. At lunch, I sat alone as usual. My hair covering my face, I threw my lunch away and sat on the bench. I ignored the gnawing hunger in my stomach, focusing on the scenery around me. People walked past in groups, chatting and laughing. Their happiness made my mood droop lower than before. When the bell went, I didn't move. I watched people rush past me, off to their final classes of the day. When everyone was gone, I stood up and headed to the school gates. I walked out, heading to town. I planned to spend the rest of the day in the library, alone. I made it to the small building, opening the doors.

The library was one of my favourite places to go. I'd been going here since I was six. It was a small, warm place that invited you in. Shelves upon shelves of books filled the room, as well as a small kids area. In the corner, hidden behind a bookcase, was a small reading space. Big enough for only one person, it was the perfect place to be alone. I slid behind the bookcase, sitting on the plush beanbag pressed against the wall. To my left was a window, where I had a view of the street. I pulled out my book, flicking to my page. I felt myself get lost in the story, as I always did. Reading was my escape route from reality. I heard a knock at the window, making me let out a small scream. I turned to see Calum smirking. I stuck my middle finger up, and he laughed tauntingly. He dissapeared, shortly reappearing infront of me.

"Fiesty are we?" he said, pulling me up. I squirmed under his grip, looking for someone else to help. The library was, to my luck, empty.

"Get off me, Calum." I said angrily.

"Not today, freak." he laughed, as Luke came up behind him. I looked at him, betrayal in my eyes. Luke pushed me, and as my head hit the floor, the room spun. I screwed my eyes shut, tears falling freely.

"Pathetic" Luke laughed and that made me cry more. Luke had turned into one of them, right in front of me.

"Rose, where are you?" someone called, and I heard them rushing towards us. I opened my eyes to see Calum and Luke run out. Finn knelt beside me, placing a warm hand on my shaking body.

"Rose, get up" he said sternly. I shook my head, not moving.

"Go away." I whispered.

"Rose, I said get up!" he said, pulling me up harshly to my feet. My legs wobbled, but I kept myself upright. 

"You're a slut!" He spat.

"What the hell is wrong with you, what did I do?"

"You tried hooking up with my best friend!" He yelled, his body shaking in anger.

"What?" I asked quietly.

"Ash told me, you tried forcing yourself onto him. You slut!" He cried out.

The sound of his hand hitting my face filled the room, as my cheek burned and I realised he'd slapped me. I pushed him away, stumbling backwards, my mouth open in shock. He stood there, looking at his hand, then my cheek. He repeated this a few times, until he spoke up.

"I-I-" he stuttered.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed, anger rising inside me.

"I can't believe you." He said, sounding more sad than angry.

"You believe Ashton over me?" I asked, and he nodded.

"Yeah, I do"

"You need to get your priorities straight" I croaked out, grabbing my bag and rushing out. I could feel hot tears rolling down my cheeks, but I didn't care. I spotted Ashton, leaning against the wall beside Luke. I took a deep breath, before storming over to them.

"You liar" I screamed, pushing Ashton's chest hard so he fell against the wall. He simply smirked at me, Luke just stood beside him, staring at me.

"Oh, Rose! How nice of you to drop by" Ashton laughed, and I felt my body tremble with anger.

"Why would you say I tried to hook up with you!" I screamed, and he just smiled.

"Easy, to get to you" he said simply.

"To get to me? You are so stupid" I yelled, and I got slapped for the second time today.

"Do us all a favour, go kill yourself. Nobody wants you here. Your own brother can't even stand the sight of you." he spat and I took a step back. Luke looked dumbfounded, just staring at me.

"Fine, maybe I will" I said, turning around and sprinting off, tears falling rapidly down my face.