Hayley
Hayley’s cell phone beeped next to her head as it sat on her pillow. She rolled her head to the side and lifted her arm to pick it up. She noticed that her left arm was slightly bruised and her muscle in her shoulder ached. She frowned and studied the purple-red rosette shape on her bicep. Strange... she thought to herself. She pulled herself up to a sitting position and folded her legs. She grabbed her phone and unlocked it, admiring her wallpaper for a second. She had changed it to a picture of her and Nate together a while ago. She smiled slightly and opened her messages.
Hayley
Lou and I are ditching school today, you up for breakfast out of town?
Miss you
Love Nate
Hayley typed back a quick message and dragged herself out of bed towards her mirror. She took in a sharp breath when she saw the puffy black rings around her eyes and a trail of bruises running up her left arm and on her shoulder. She tucked a curl behind her ear and traced her fingertips up her arm. She flinched as she reached her shoulder. It felt like an electric shock flying through her nerves. There was a soft knock at her bedroom door, Hayley jumped and grabbed her nightgown, wrapping it around her arms. The door opened and her father’s face peered in, his eyes still slightly blurred obviously as he kept blinking.
“Good Morning Hayley-Bee.” He smiled softly.
“Morning Dad.” Hayley returned the smile.
“Just wanted to make....make sure you were up.” He yawned.
“I...I’m actually not feeling too well. Hayley said quietly. It wasn’t a lie, her arm really did hurt and she didn’t know why.
“What’s wrong Pumpkin? He sounded sympathetic and took a step into her room, concerned.
“It’s just my arm is quite sore and I’m not too sure why.”
“You want to stay at home?” He smiled warmly. Hayley nodded.
“Okay,” He turned to leave, “want some breakfast?”
“Umm, could I borrow the car, I want to go and get this checked out...By myself. I’ll pick up breakfast on the way.” Hayley smiled sincerely.
“Sure Hon, keys are on the kitchen table downstairs, don’t let your mother catch you though.” He closed the door softly behind him and Hayley sighed in relief.
“Better get dressed,” Hayley slipped off the gown and studied her arm again in pity, “and get this checked out.”
