I must say I severely overestimated myself.
Usually, I am easily the most confident person in school. I walk with confidence. I say hello to people I've never even seen before in the hallway. If someone talks behind my back, I don't give it any mind. I cut off fake friends faster than you could say good riddance. I've never back down from a fight, I haven't felt insecure since I was fourteen.
And yet...
Once I stepped foot into the school building, I wanted to shrink into a ball and disappear as everyone turned to look at me. They probably haven't even seen the video of me.
People are staring.
They couldn't have seen it.
They are whispering.
It can't be about me.
They know.
No one can know.
"Thea! Thea!" I'm swung around. I gasped and raised my arms to shield my face. When I open my eyes, all I see Genevieve, one of my seat partners from first period.
She let out a confused giggle. "Jeez girl, I called your name fifty times."
"S- sorry." I try to smile, but even to me, it feels forced.
"Are you okay?" She leaned in, her eyebrows furrowed. "You aren't usually this jumpy."
I forced the smile bigger. "Just tired. Never mind me Jenny, let's go to class."
She peered at me for a bit longer before shrugging and slinging her arm around my shoulder. "If you say so. C'mon, I was trying to tell you that Mr. Kendrick is trying to pull a pop quiz. But Amarelle saw his laptop in morning detention."
I nodded and smiled, but her words faded into the background. I could hardly focus on her words because I was hyper aware of every part of her body that was touching mine. I could feel the pressure against some of my still healing bruises, a sort of buzzing feeling spreading across my body until I jerked away.
I physically couldn't keep in contact with her...? What the hell was that?
Genevieve gave me a confused look before it turned into hurt. "Thea, did I do something?"
I try to laugh, but the sound barely wheezes past my lips. I can't do this. "No, it was me- sorry, I'll just- I have to go. I'm not feeling well. Sorry."
With that, I turn on my heels and run, heading to the nurses office. Ms. Winnie raised an eyebrow when she saw me. "First bell hasn't even rung yet, Ms. West."
"I shouldn't have come to school." I told her honestly, the weight of my words making me burst into tears.
It shocked up both, Ms. Winnie coming around to pull me into a warm hug. But I can't even enjoy. I pushed her away.
She gave me a confused look, identical to the one I'd seen from Genevieve moments before. It makes me feel worse. I don't know what's wrong with me. This didn't happen at home, with Angeline, or my brother. I do want comfort. So why does touch repulse me?
Well. That's obvious. So I cry even harder. I feel the headache coming on almost immediately. Ms. Winnie wrung her hands, understanding that physical contact from her wouldn't calm me down.
"Should I call your dad to pick you up, dear?" She asked, reaching for the office phone.
I frantically shake my head, breath stuttering from my panic attack. "Hun- Hunter." I gasped, clutching at my chest as sobs racked my body so hard I couldn't breathe. "M- m- my broth- brother."
She reached for the phone. "Kiara, can you call for Hunter West over the loud speaker to the nurse's office? It's his sister. Yes.... Not physically as far as I can see, but I'd say it's urgent. Thank you, hon."
Not 2 seconds later, I could hear the monotone voice of the front desk secretary call out, "Hunter West, report to the nurse's office. Hunter West, please report to the nurse's office. Thank you."
A sharp click was heard before the sound stopped.
Three minutes later, my brother strolled in. "Winnie, I swear I didn't fight no one this morning-" Then his eyes landed on me and my trembling form. His face immediately darkened, and he rushed to me.
"¿Qué pasó? Are you okay?" He asked lowly, holding my wrists to stop me clawing at myself.
I threw myself in his arms. "I wanna go home." I choked out. He squeezed me back. I wait for the inevitable, burning feeling to overwhelm me, but it doesn't.
It's there, but I can stand it. I breath in relief, matching my breathing with him until I calmed down. Eventually, my noise is reduced to just sniffles and Ms. Winnie has long stopped fretting.
"You didn't call Papa so he wouldn't worry, right?" Hunter finally spoke up. I nodded, leaning back. I only look at the massive wet stain on his shirt with mild disdain before turning to the nurse.
I didn't even open my mouth before she waved her hand. "You can go home. However, if this happens again, I will contact your father and the school guidance counselor."
I gave Hunter a panicked look. He shrugged at me, pity clear in his eyes. I sighed and got up. "Thanks Ms. Winnie." I muttered.
"See you later, hon." She smiled warmly.
"Adiós, Winona!" Hunter called.
"It's Miss to you, Mr. West!" She hollered back, before the door shut.
I huddled close to my brother's side as we passed everyone in the hallway. I knew no one could care less about me- but I felt like their eyes were on me. I couldn't return any greeting, much less walk with my usual confidence. I blatantly ignored everyone, using Hunter as a shield until we got outside.
"Okay Thee." He sighed, giving another quick side hug. "Let's go home."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bongu! Thanks for reading. What do you think is the issue with our dear MC? Also any more languages I can say hello in?
-Author
YOU ARE READING
I wear BROKEN like a crown
AcakI thought I was a fighter. I thought I was strong. It only took one night to prove me wrong. I wanted to disappear, I wanted to forget But whoever said they let the dead rest? ~~~~~~~~~~
