Completely Broken

Chapter 14

The following two weeks have been catastrophic at the school. Sarah has been closing herself off and it has me worried. She doesn't talk or eat anymore. Everyone is treating her how they treated Cassandra and I. Last week she got shoved and I tried to help her but no one would let me.

On the good side of things Jace's mom got along well with my parents. They like the same sports. When we had dinner it was a great time to get my mind off of Sarah.

Next time I see her I'm speaking up. I don't care what anyone says no one deserves to be treated that way. It's kinda my fault this is happening to her. The pain and suffering in her eyes as she walks the halls by herself is excruciating to watch.

It was now Tuesday and I was waiting for Jace at my locker. He came up to me with the rest of the guys. What was weird is that he brought Tony with him as well. I assume they are on good terms. Saying hi to the guys even Tony I noticed Jace trying to get my attention. Knowing he was going to ask about Sarah.

"Hey how are you holding up," he whispered to me. I sighed and faced him.

"Not good. I'm really worried about Sarah. What if she does what I tried to do a while back? I shouldn't have spoken up."

"Hey, don't you dare say that. Everyone needed to know the truth about her. I'm worried too but I don't think she would kill herself."

"Okay you're right, but the next time I see her I'm saying something. I can't stand by and watch anymore." He agreed and we went to class ending the conversation.

As we go to classes I don't see Sarah at all. Maybe she thought it was best for her to stay at home. Then again I'll probably see her during lunch. If she even shows because the last few times she wouldn't. The times she did show students laughed and called her names.

This time she did though. I was waiting in line with Jace when she walked in. She looked tired like she hadn't slept in days with bags under her eyes. The cafeteria went silent.

Then it happened. One of the cheerleaders tripped her. The cafeteria erupted in laughter while Sarah stayed on the ground. Why is everyone so cruel? I've had enough and I'm doing something about it.

Making my way over there but Jace stopped me. "Are you sure?" Taking his hand off me I walk over to Sarah. She stared at me for a second confused. Holding out my hand I hoped she took it. When she did, I smiled at her.

"What is the matter with you," I yelled. The laughter stopped instantly. "Does tearing people down make you happy? All this does is make that person depressed and isolate themselves. What if someone did this to you, what if they made you feel like nothing? It wouldn't feel good would it?"

The students looked down feeling guilty. Which they should. Hurting people should never be the answer. "I know Sarah made a mistake. But being rude and hurting her won't fix it. Instead of tearing each other down maybe bring each other up." I face Sarah once again and give her a hug.

The cafeteria was speechless by my statement. I took this time to leave the cafeteria and everyone behind. Jace called my name but I kept going, needing to be alone. That didn't stop him from following.

"Elena are you alright? You seemed out of it when you left the cafeteria." Kissing his cheek I gave a smile that proved that I'm fine.

"I just need to be alone right now but I'll meet you in the cafeteria. It'll only be for a minute I promise."

"Okay." He walked off and I went to the bathroom. Looking into the mirror one tear fell. I wished Cassandra was here to see this. That I was stronger than I was in the beginning. Maybe if I was stronger back then she never would have left and changed schools.

She helped me through the rough times at this school. One thing for sure she's better somewhere then here. Putting myself together I go back into the cafeteria. Sarah was talking to students, some were even saying sorry for their actions.

I sat down next to Jace like nothing happened. The school will hopefully change for the better. Lunch came to an end so we have ten minutes before PE. We decided to get changed and wait on the bleachers inside the gym.

Jace and the guys were talking about football. He told them he thought about quitting next year. Me and him were definitely having a conversation about that later. I noticed that Sarah was coming over to us.

"Hey guys, can I talk to Tony?" Tony looked like he didn't want to, but with one look he went with her. They needed to fix their relationship. It's obvious they still care for each other and want it to work. Getting past what she did is going to be a problem.

Now speaking of relationships I still need to know the mystery woman that Tyler is speaking to. Today is the perfect day to ask him. He might get upset with me but it will be worth it. Who knows, maybe it's someone I'll like.

"Tyler who's the mystery girl you've been talking to?" His entire face paled at my question. "Come on it can't be that terrible. I won't react that bad." At this point the others were listening in.

"Elena promise me you won't get upset at her." After I promised he told me. "I've been talking to Cassandra. It only started two weeks ago." Wow I was not expecting that to be his answer to my question. The boys seemed shocked as well.

I froze. My best friend is willing to talk to Tyler but not me. She wouldn't answer me but she talked to him. I'm happy for Tyler, don't get me wrong. I just feel betrayed right now. We used to tell each other everything. Now she's speaking to the boy who made her life hell the past year.

PE started at this point but it was a free day. "I'm not mad at her or you. Actually I'm the opposite, congratulations." I turned away from the boys and remained silent. During the whole class they tried to get me to speak but nothing worked.

When the period was over I went on the rest of my day not really speaking. It wasn't Tyler's fault either. I need to talk to Cassandra when I get home. That's my number one priority right now.

Jace understood and didn't try to get me to speak. He even said that he would stay with me when I called her. Hopefully this time she picked up her phone. Knowing that Tyler told her that I know about their relationship. If she doesn't reply then I have my answer.

Saying hi to my parents Jace and I go to my room. The first thing I do is call Cassandra. I got her voicemail so that proves she didn't change her number. Two more tries later I give up and sit my phone on the bed. I guess it's the end of our friendship. The one thing I thought would last forever.

I shouldn't be surprised that this happened. Jace pulled me into a hug and allowed me to cry on his shoulder. We've come so far apart and never even realized it. Okay, now it's time to move on to Jace's issue. Why would he want to quit the football team? He's one of the main reasons our team is doing so well this year.

"Jace, why do you want to quit football? You seem to enjoy playing on the team with your friends."

"Don't get me wrong I love playing with the guys. I mainly want to focus on my music since that's what I want to go to school for. Football would just distract me from my goal."

"So next year you'll be joining the fine arts program? That's great I'll get to see you more."

"Yeah and I already spoke to the coach and he understands. After this season I'll get to spend more time with you and my music. I couldn't be more excited." I'm so excited for next year and the year after that. Everything is looking greater on the other side. If only the other side would come quicker.

Instead of Jace going home we thought he should have dinner with us. It was a good dinner too for him and my dad got along great. He has definitely brightened up my world. Bringing out the best in both of us for sure.

While mom and dad were in the living room we washed the dishes. We could be like this forever. Even though we've been dating for a little over a month it feels like a year. In my heart I know we'll be together for a long time.

I kissed his cheek before he left for the night. My parents are up in their room. It was time for me to go upstairs and get some sleep. Everything has fallen into place for once. The life I live isn't so broken anymore. I feel free, I'm free.