Somebody to You

Chapter 17

I hadn't been outside for two weeks

I was right about my outburst. That was one thing my father couldn't hide from me. It was everywhere. Americas sweetheart gone crazy. My father told them that I needed a break. The wedding was too much stress, and he sent me on a retreat to help me relax. The wedding pushed back. That is if I still am. I've heard the help gossiping. Nobody is sure of anything right now. Neither was I. The Star family hadn't been to the house since.

I sat in my bathroom patching up a nasty cut on my stomach.It's been like this for two weeks. Beatings every night. Getting worse everyday. Maybe one day I won't survive. I mean that's the hope I guess. I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard a car pull in the driveway. I threw on my shirt, and walked to the window.

They were here. Both of them. Mr.Star and Xander. Father greeted them both with a handshake and led them inside. I suddenly felt like I was going to throw up. I don't want them here. Then I knock came to the door.

"Come in" I called.

I recognized her. She was the kind old maid who brought me my food when Xander was here. 

"Hello dear, your father has requested your presence." She said with a sweet smile upon her face.

I couldn't. I could barely walk, why would he call for me?

"I'm so sorry, but I'm not feeling well. I don't think I'll be able to make it down."

She smiled at me with pity in her eyes. She knew the truth. She could see it. My face was bruised,   and my cut had started bleeding through my shirt. I hadn't't eaten in two weeks, and you could practically see my bones. I looked like shit.

"I am so sorry miss, but he requested me not to leave unless you are with me."

I know she felt bad, and I didn't want my fathers wrath to be brought down upon her so I nodded and told I'd be ready in a minute.

"I'll wait outside for you miss" She said with a kind smile and left.

I sat at my mirror and began to hide the bruises covering my face. 

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When I was done I called for the maid, and she led me downstairs. It hurt. I stitched up my cut again, but it was agony for my to walk. I was wearing jean shirts and a nice top to go over it. I gripped the nice lady's arm in effort to walk. What could he possibly want?

When I reached the living area they turned and looked at me. Father was sit-in gin his chair next to the fire with a glass in his hand. Mr.Star and Xander sitting on the couch. I didn't look to anyone as I sat on the couch across from them.

"Ali, I am so glad you could join us! Your father was telling us you just now returned from your spa retreat. I sure do hope you had a nice time." Mr. Star said to me with a kind smile on his face.

I looked up at last and said with a smile "Yes, Mr. Star, it was just what I needed. I am so sorry about what happened, I guess the stress got to me more than I like to admit."

"Oh don't worry about it dear we completely understand. It was our fault for demanding so much of you."

I gave him the most sincere smile I could muster. 

"Now" my father said "I now rumors have been spiraling about the engagement, but rest assured our arrangement is still happening, isn't that right Mr. Star?"

"Why of course! Everything is still happening, just later than we expected."

At this being said I finally turned to Xander. He was already looking at me, anger burning in his eyes. Why was he angry? I have no idea. All I could think about was going back to my room and sleeping for another week. The pain in my abdomen was getting worse, and I was worried I was going to pass out from the pain. I sat through their conversation for an hour, nodding and smiling when needed. He did this on purpose. I had no reason to be here. He simply wanted me to suffer. Xander contributed when he felt like it, but spent most of his time glaring at me. God I wanted to sleep.

"Yes of course follow me to me study" my father said with a smile. Thank god I can finally leave.

"Ali, my dear, please stay here with Xander. We shall return shortly" my father told me with a gleeful smile at me.

"Of course father" I said with a small smile.

As they left the room Xander sat across from me not saying anything. We simply sat there looking at each.

"How was your retreat princess" Xander said with a sneer in his voice.

"Lovely, thank you." I said glancing down at the floor.

"I guess I was right the entire time, you're just a spoiled little princess looking for attention" He said with a scoff.

"I guess I am" I said with my eyes still to the floor.

"Damn it Ali look at me!" he yelled slamming his fist on the coffee table.

I flinched away, finally looking at his face. I saw instant regret in his eyes for scaring me.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled."

"It's okay" I whispered 

Everything hurt. I didn't want his apology. All I wanted was to sleep.

"You're not eating again" he said suddenly.

At that all I did was return my place to the floor. God I wanted to sleep.

"Ali, you look like a ghost. What's wrong?" he pleaded.

I looked up at him. Agony written all over my face. I was so tired, so I stood up and walked back up to y room. He was gonna hit me anyway, who the fuck cared?