Cruel Sanctuary

Chapter 9

This morning has been extra busy compared to a school morning. Usually, I wake up, get ready with minimal effort and leave my house, no need for breakfast but, today, I woke up with a banging in my head, ate a hearty breakfast, got myself ready and even managed to hype myself up about meeting with my family that I have willingly cut off for a while.

I find myself on the doorstep with Emma, waiting for my brother to turn up to take me back to my old home, "Don't be nervous, Sky, they're your family and they love you," Emma comforts me. Sighing, I lean against her, seeking comfort from her proximity, "I know, I know," I reply, trying to get her to stop talking because, even though Emma is my best friend, she chats so much that it makes me even more anxious than before.

Luckily for me, Jeremy pulls up on the kerb of the Knightley household and steps out of the car to come and collect the little sister he helped to sell off to a guy who has no respect for her. I look at Jeremy and study his face; I can conclude that I probably couldn't point him out in public space if I tried. He used to be my best friend but, up until now, I had forgotten what he even looks like. I was half expecting a thoroughly enraged Jeremy to drive me home today since I haven't been in touch, yet his demeanour speaks differently. 

When he turns onto the driveway I see his face and can't help but break down into a heap of tears. From my clouded vision, I see Jeremy pick up his speed as he makes his way towards me. His face has always been a trigger for my tears. Emma attempts to wrap her arms around me but Jeremy beats her to it and I immediately collapse into his chest, "I'm gonna fucking kill that dick," He hisses to Emma. 

I try to tell argue against him but fail so I wrap my arms around his torso and begin to calm down my sobs, "I miss you, Jer," I whimper to him and he pulls away, bending his legs slightly so he is down to my shorter height, "I miss you too, Sky, we all do." He hugs me again and kisses my forehead, "You ready to go? Mum, Dad and Jack are waiting for you," I nod in response. 

He lets me go and turns to face my saviour of a best friend, "Thank you, Emma. We all really appreciate it," Jeremy smiles at Emma and she shrugs, flicking a nonchalant hand at him, "It's no problem," She replies, smiling and hugs me before we leave, "You'll be fine, I promise," She whispers into my ear as Jeremy takes my bag and chucks it into the boot. I thank her and then stroll to Jeremy's car and jump into the front passenger seat.

We speed away but the intense tension could be cut with a knife, "So, how've you been?" Jeremy breaks the thick silence, "Uhh, good? How about you?" I hesitate and he scoffs, "Tell me the truth, how have you been?" He pries and I roll my eyes.

"My life is absolute crap! Mum has cancer. I've been sold off to a boy that disrespects me and hooks up with other girls. I'm bullied at school. My once best friend hates me. I only have two friends that can stand me. I haven't spoken to my family for, like, two weeks. I'm doing absolutely freaking amazing, what about you?" I reply sarcastically and he chuckles, "Now, that's the Skylar Greene I know and love," He jokes and I roll my eyes, once again.

After a short pause of basking in the quiet, the hum of the engine being the only sound that we can hear, "How's mum, dad and Jack?" I ask him and he smiles gently, as if reliving a positive memory, "Mum's holding up, her treatment is working and the private care is proving to be doing well. Dad's stressed as ever with trying to run the house and Jack, well, he's Jack. He misses you so much, you know?" Jeremy answers me and I smile, "I'm glad. I was hoping mum and dad would let Jack sleep over at the penthouse soon."

Jeremy beams, "He'd love that! He hasn't really been himself since you've been gone." I frown, "Oh, really?" He nods, tearing his awkward eyes from the road for a split second to take in my expression before whisking his gaze back to the white guide lines flowing past us at full speed, "I know, we've tried to let him have friends for sleepovers but he isn't having any of it."