Broken Insides |ai|

❝Chapter 1❞

*Ava's Point Of View*

It was a casual Thursday morning. I cautiously sipped my nescafe coffee from the creme coloured mug. I gazed out of the kitchen window getting put in numerous trances as I watched the trees sway in the wind. I admired the nature so much around here, it had a calming effect. It was much better than being near the busy town. It almost seemed like 'hiding away from reality'. Moments later, Ashton entered my presence, serenading me with kisses and hugs.
"Morning babe." He said in his normal husky morning voice.
"Morning love." I replied back smiling. Ashton flipped on the kettle, and laid back on the counter top waiting for the water to boil.
"Where's Ella?" I asked feeling the warm embrace off heat transferring off my coffee mug.
"Upstairs, she's getting ready for school." He replied shrugging. I shrugged back and put my coffee mug down on the counter top.

*Ella's Point Of View*

People say I act way mature and grown up for my age,10. But I say, 'why act like a child, when you can gain more respect by being older.' Let's be honest, i'm not a happy child, more like depressed. Truth is, I get bullied at school, for being smart and sorta because of my dad, Ashton Irwin. When I was 4, my dad was in a band called 5 seconds of summer, also known as 5sos, and it was deeply successful here in Aussie. But suddenly it all fell apart and we moved away from our busy town. My parents never told me why, all I remember is the car crash between mom and a girl similar age to her, I have no other memory.

I finalised my outfit and makeup in the mirror before picking up my back-pack and heading downstairs and out the door on the way to school.
"Bye mom, bye dad." I hallowed down the hallway towards the kitchen, presuming that's where they'll be.
"Bye Ella." They called back in unison. I closed the front door quickly & quietly and hurried down to the towards 'Parkland South Forest', the biggest forest in this rural area. Hardly anyone goes in there, but I always do, it's my escape from reality. What happens in there, stays in there. I went towards my usual spot, by the river bank, and got out my cigarettes. I slipped one between my teeth and sparked up. I inhaled all the drugs and toxins and exhaled pure grey smoke. It evaporated and mixed into the air before it became totally transparent. Even though i'm 10, smoking is my slow pain realise, it's pretty messed up, but I only do it in the forest. And like I said, what happens in the forest, stays in the forest, no-one will ever know. I only started smoking a couple of months back. My source of cigarettes comes from the corner shop a few blocks away from my house. I steal a box from the delivery truck and run as fast as I can into the forest and hide the packets in a tree trunk. When i've finished with the packet, I burn away the evidence so theres no trace back to me or my hiding place. I'm a pretty messed up kid.

After a few minutes of what I call 'paradise' I set out on en route school, AKA hell. When I arrived I kept my head facing down, hair cascaded on my face, and kept out of everyones way, especially Topaz Shaw, my bully/enemy. That's what makes me insecure, people constantly judging me, saying it's all my fault 5sos fell apart, that i'm ugly, weird and smart. I can't help it. I've not attempted cutting yet, but it's on my bucket list, and Topaz was really pushing me to tick it off. She approached me with her idiotic girl crew.
"Oh look who it is.. The slut weirdo who destroyed her father's life." Topaz laughed leaning against the lockers next to mine. Her idiotic friends faked giggled to create an atmosphere.
"Shut up Topaz." I sighed throwing numerous books into my locker, I was used to her now. She did her 'fake so offended look' before letting out an annoying high pitched laugh.
"At least you won't have to put up with me next semester. My mom is sending me to con-artist school. Since I have the potential and attitude, must run in the genes." She said flipping her hair cockily and smirking. Her friends did the same.
"Ain't that the truth." I cursed under my breath.
"What was that?" She asked with her eyebrows raised.
"You heard." I said slamming my locker. Seriously, this was more like high school, we both acted older than we actually where. On the outside I seem all strong and tough. But in the inside, i'm crumbling down and burning away. Hide everything away with smiles and cockiness.