A Thousand Lies

Chapter 34

Chapter name: questions and worry

**************************************************************************

Temperance

Excitement fills my body as soon as Alec comes into view.

He couldn't take me to school this morning because of something that happened with his gang. I had to walk to school.

I jump in his arms, and he holds me tightly. Several people stare at us, their eyes filled with judgment. 

He places my feet firmly on the ground, his hands cupping my cheeks.

"Did they hurt you? Are you ok? What's been happening?" His eyes are filled with worry.

"I-I'm fine. Don't worry."

I haven't had any fists fly at me yet but my mental health is something to worry about.

Panic attacks are frequent and when they aren't happening I'm laying down staring into space.

I can't do anything about it, though.

I can't tell him. Or really anyone.

Maybe one day I'll be able to get a therapist or something like that. I can't imagine myself opening up to someone who could judge me though. If I got a therapist they would think I'm disgusting from things that have happened to me.

He hands me a backpack of my clothes. The ones I had asked for.

I'm surprised the police didn't let me get a bag ready to leave. They just took me. They probably thought I'm a risk and I could run.

To be honest, I would've run if I had that sort of opening.

I take the backpack from him with a small smile forming on my face.

"Thank you."

I am wearing Kenli's clothes, which are Chris's hand-me-downs. They don't fit me right and they look worn out. I'm pretty sure anyone can tell these don't belong to me.

"If anything happens to you. Come back to me." Alec tells me.

"I couldn't. The cops would know I'm there." They would know because that's where they found me. I know If they find me there again, then there will be big consequences. I can't put them through that.

"Oh, look who's back. You've been gone for a LONG while." I hear Sabrina's snobby voice. Her voice stings my ears.

Alec and I turn towards her.

I roll my eyes at her, contemplating on if I should run.

"Heard your house burnt down." She continues, looking over her glossy nails. A few people turn towards us, watching the scene unravel before their bugging eyes.

I thin my lips, trying to block her high pitched voice out.

"What's with those clothes?"

I was waiting for her to bring attention to them. Of course she would be the one to point out that I'm in rags.

I don't dare to respond to her, shooting a glare towards her.