That Man

/15/

I can't seem to shake the feelings of David's touch on me. It feels like it's permanent on me or as if he's cursed me to always think of him. I take multiple showers, scrubbing my skin with a rag to forget those moments of pain he's given me.

      David can't be trusted. He's gone to a bad place where I'm not even sure he can recover from, and it's all because of me.

     I keep trying to tell myself it isn't my fault and that it's his blame because he knows better than to be with an underage girl. In the end though is it even our fault? Do we blame love for the pain it brings us? Or is it something else that's eating him?

     I throw my hairbrush on the ground, feeling the burn pitch of anger burst in me. I breathe down slowly breaking into tears. I look up towards the ceiling taking each pain inside me. "I hate this" I croak, letting the tears stream down my face. "Why David?" I ask once more.

***

     I've managed to stay in my house for a couple of days. Ignoring the calls from my friends and him. I feel like this is just where I belong now. Hidden in the shadows for my own sake of safety.

Watching movies so far have slowly helped me get through this...thing going on in my life. Thanks to Christmas break I've been able to just sleep and enjoy all the food I crave. Trying to feel normal I suppose, but how is that possible when you have someone trying to creep into your life constantly. That person telling you that you've "ruined" their life and that "how could you do this to me" it's honestly suffocating.

"Stop" I yell to myself. I just need to breathe and try to forget. "Breathe and just try to forget" I hum to myself. I decide to grab my headphones and listen to music. I guess music cures everything.

Eventually I end up falling asleep with music still playing. I lazily try to open my eyelids. Once they are slightly open, I realize that's it's dark outside. "Guess I slept in alright" I yawn and get up from my bed to go to the bathroom.

I rinse my face and begin to brush my teeth. As I'm brushing my teeth, I hear faint noises coming from outside. I stop my actions and listen carefully. Once I've realized where it's coming from, I spit out the paste and head over to my window.

     I keep still, listening to the squeaking of my window. Once it stops, I carefully grab my curtain. I pull it out of the way and see yet another piece of paper folded on the window, but with lettering around it.

     Look and see what was once us

     I yank open my window and grab the paper. Unraveling it with force. Then my stomach flips. I blink rapidly hoping it isn't what I think it is, but I can't help but believe what I see.

     It's me, naked. Sleeping while he lays beside me pecking my shoulder in the photo. My whole body stiffens. Chills aching all over my cold body. I snap back and rush over to my night stand. When I see the sliver tint, I rush to my bathroom sink. I light the lighter and bring the flame to the photo.

     Burning what was once us

     When the paper is gone up to flames, I grab a rag and wet it a little. Hoping the red markings will come off my window.

***

     "Stella, What is up with you lately man? Is everything okay back home?" Riley presses over the phone.

     "Riley I'm just enjoying my vacation. It's Christmas break for sake, can't I just relax before me go back to hell" yet aren't I already in hell?

     "Well I haven't seen you and it sucks. Can I come over or something?" Riley begs.

     I think for a moment then speak. "Actually can I come over?"

    "Yes dumbass of course. Come now" she demands and with that I'm already out of my house. Rushing to my car as fast as I can.

     When I reach Riley's house. I leap out of my car and sprint to her door, twisting the knob right open. "Riley" I yell. Then I see her, running over to me.

     "I hate you bitch" she teases playfully while I just soak into our hug that I missed dearly.

     "I missed you" I whisper.

     "Let's go eat now" she nudges me and with that we are back to our sisterly bond.

     "For a moment there I honestly thought you dropped me or something. I was ready to burst open through your door and fight you" Riley states as she shoves a spoon full of Cheerios into her mouth.

     I can't help but laugh at her. I mean she is the type to do that so. "Well I was just enjoying my sleeping self. Literally that's all I've been doing is just sleeping"

     "Is that so...oh hey, did you meet someone named Zack?" Riley questions bringing me to give her a questionable eyebrow.

"Yessss, why?" I ask

"Oh because actually, Aidens great friends with his younger brother which happens to be his older brother Zack" she finishes leaving me to think.

     "Oh...is that a bad thing?" I ask

     Riley begins to break down laughing. "Dumbass, he's the hottest guy in school. What do you mean 'is it a bad thing?' Like...the hell" she laughs harder.

     "Well I didn't know. He seems cool" I trail off and think of him. He's actually really handsome if I'm being honest. "Well, I guess he's something I can start talking too" and just as the words escaped my mouth, I receive a text.

     A text from Zack. I can't help but let a smirk form in my lips as I read his name on my screen. I hold up and phone giving it a little shake. "Well speaking of the devil"

     Riley jolts up and observes my phone carefully. "Oh em geee. You have a number. Oh your a queen" she praises me.

     "Well I guess I should see what he's like" I give her a sinister smirk of mine.

     Riley follows and gives one back. "We shall see"

     We can't help but both break down laughing at our goofy selves. I truly am blessed with the best friend of mine. For now she can help distract me from the thing that's breaking me slowly. The thing I can't help but fear now.

***