The Self-Harmed

~New day, New start~

When I woke up the next morning it wasn't because of the usual talk right outside my door, it was the first of the sun rays that woke me up. I tossed my covers off and walked to the window pushing back the curtain. My view was of a grassy field. I looked down and pulled my sleeves over my cut up arms. 

I carefully stuck my thumbs through the wholes in the cuffs and then left my room. The hall was empty and the only sound was my feet slapping the floor and the pounding of my heart in my ears. I walked to the lounge, it was empty, except for a table by the window.

He sat reading a book. I walked up to him and tapped on his shoulder. He turned around and I tried to give him a bright smile.

"Hi. I'm Charlie."

"What are you doing?" He asked confused.

"Your new here right?"

He gave a half smile, and then closed his book, "Yeah. I'm new. My names Owen."

"I just wanted to let you know that if you need help getting around I can help you. It's a pretty big place."

"Thanks."

"Sure." I nodded and turned around.

"Hey wait." I turned around as he got off the stool, "Charlie right?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

"I could use a guide now that you mention it."

"What do you want to see?"

"Anything and everything."

"Come on."

We walked around the school side by side as I only talked about the place we were now at.

"Need help finding your classes?"

"Yeah." He opened his book and took a folded piece of paper out.

I took the paper and as I did I grazed his hand and was shocked, like I always was.

"Sorry."

"It's okay." I focused on unfolding the paper a little too much. "Math. That's this way."

After I showed him his classes I showed him his locker and then then lunch table.

"This is were my friends sit."

I sat down in the spot Ayelie always sat in, and stretched my hands across the table to the spot Ryder's tray usually sat.

"Do you sit here?"

"I used to." I nodded. "But I"m going to start sitting here again."

"Can I sit with you guys?"

"Sure." I nodded. "We have our seats. Ayelie sits here, and Ryder sits across from her. And Clara sits next to him, and I sit there at the edge. So you can sit here, next to Ayelie. She's a little strange, but I lover her." I smiled.

He pulled out the chair next to me that would now be his.

"Do you think they'll mind me sitting here?"

"No." I looked at him. "I think you'll fit in."

We heard a couple of doors open.

"I have to get ready for the day, so I'll see you at breakfast okay?"

"See you then Charlie."

"Bye." I touched his arm and then left the room.

I plastered myself against the wall just outside the food hall. I let myself slide to the floor.

"Hey."

I let out a sob, and raised my arms at the same time Ryder jumped at me. He picked me up and held me close.

"It's okay." He said smoothing my hair. "It will work out I promise. Whatever it is you'll be okay."

I sniffed and pulled back, "I had to let the old him go."

He nodded like he understood keeping a hand on my arm, "It was the right thing. To move on."
I nodded and pulled him in for a hug.

"Promise to never go away."

"I promise." He rested his check on my head.

He walked me back to my room, were we said goodbye. I took a shower, and then got ready. I stood in the door way of the Food hall, as people sat at tables, with food and friends. I heard an Eek! and looked over.
I smiled as Ayelie ran at me. I caught her her by her legs and she hugged me around my shoulders.

"Lottie's back?" She asked with a slow growing smile, once I set her down.

"Lottie's back." I smiled.

We hugged and then she pulled me to the food line. She grabbed two trays and then loaded them with food.

"Um Ayelie?"

"Huh?" She smiled at me.

"Nothing." I smiled back.

She hugged me again and we walked to the table. I set my tray down and sat down. Clara looked at me and then sat up taller.

"Charlie!" She pulled me into a hug. "Your back!"

"I'm back." I grinned.

"Welcome back Charlie." Ryder nodded.

"Thanks." I smiled.

Owen sat down and my friends all looked at him.

"You guys heard about Owen right?" I asked. "He's the knew kid."

"Sure." Ryder said.

"Yeah." Clara looked down.

"I've heard of his ass." Ayelie poked him in the arm with her fork. "Watch it buddy, because around here I'm the crazy one."