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Chapter Twenty-Seven

Someone was shaking me awake, their hands gripping my shoulders tightly. I gasped, swinging my arms out to stand up. In the process I knocked bottles of soap off the side of the tub and sent them barreling to the floor. My wide eyes met Stella's, who had a stressed expression on her pale face. Her mouth hung open in shock at the sight of the scars and bruises all over me.

"Oh my God, are you okay? I have been knocking and yelling for like, ten minutes. I am sorry for coming in here, but you scared me to death by not answering me!" She cried out, breathing in and out deeply.

I quickly retrieved the towel that was held out for me and stood up, water sloshing around the tub as I covered myself.

"I think you scared me more, but you're fine. I'm sorry I scared you. I must have fallen asleep." My weak voice murmured, shaking off my wet cast.

My arm must have slipped into the water.

"It's okay honey. I was just worried, I'll let you change so we can go look at the house." She said, trying not to stare at my bruises and scars.

Stella turned around and walked out of the bathroom, clearly embarrassed. I coughed into my elbow and cleared my throat.

My sinuses must be messing with me from the minty bath salts I mixed into the water.

I dried my body off and then slid on clothes I had laid out. My lips upturned at the bracelet Stella gave me yesterday that wrapped perfectly around my wrist. The beads had turquoise and brown colors all over them, creating a lovely pattern. She told me it reminded her of me.

I have not seen my father much, he has been busy seeing private attorneys from other towns, trying to find the perfect one, and seeking a good therapist for me to see. Me and Stella have been in the house alone. It has been rough waking up and not remembering that I am with my family. Each time my eyes have opened in the mornings or at night, I had cold sweats and would be screaming from terrible nightmares.

Stella would come running in the bedroom she picked out for me, and would offer comfort by petting my hair. I loved it, the action reminded me of how my mother used to soothe my fits when she was alive. Today is the day I get to see the house my father plans on giving me. I think it might be better for me to be alone in a smaller space I could make my own.

"Stella?" I called out.

"Yes dear?" She called from outside the bathroom.

"Do you have any foundation?" I asked.

She poked her head through the door. I pointed towards the black finger prints that were slightly imprinted on my arms. They were fading, but not fast enough. We decided to go shopping today and I did not want weird looks in public. I don't think I could handle it.

Stella nodded, going over to the sink and pulling open a drawer. "Sit down dear. I can cover them for you, I'm really good at it."

I plopped down in the plush chair that was facing the large mirror that nearly took up the whole wall.

"Do you care if I brush your hair and do your makeup? It would help you feel normal again and I have always wanted to have someone to practice on." She inquired nervously.

I smiled lightly. How thoughtful and sweet for her to offer. Maybe I could pretend to be someone else today.

"Go ahead." I answered, giving her permission.

Joy consumed her features in the reflection in the mirror as she tried to hide her grin. The ends of my hair began tugging downwards as she gently detangled my hair with a brush.