His reasons are always the same. One slap, because I was a mistake. Two kicks, because he's stuck with me. Three punches, because in his eyes I'm a disgrace, and lastly, the final knockout hit because I'm the reason why his life was destroyed.
• • •...
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" she's standing on a line between giving up and seeing how much more she can take "
-John Mayer
∞
I gently closed my bedroom door behind me before collapsing to the floor. Clutching my cheek with a grimace, I sink down into the rough carpet, waiting for the painful sting to subside. Once the aching had numbed to an odd prickling sensation, I reached out and grabbed the first aid kit I had intentionally left close to the entrance.
As I treated my injuries caused from my latest beating, my exhaustion washed over me like a wave. I barely had time to close the first aid kit before a familiar cloud of darkness effortlessly overtook my senses and I faded away into unconsciousness.
∞
I woke with a start as my alarm clock rang redundantly from across the room. Shoving myself to my feet as quickly as possible, I pulled the cord to my alarm clock out of the wall before it disturbed my father's sleep. If all went well, I could be out the door with his breakfast made before he even starts his day.
Once my daily morning routine was completed, and my father's breakfast was made, I slung my backpack over my shoulders and began my long walk to school; dreading every step that took me closer to that living cliché.
Westwood High was basically run by Nicole Westwood: a catty and patronizing teenage nightmare who could get away with nearly anything she wanted since her mother was the principal. Although, Nicole isn't the only reason why school is just as miserable for me as my own home. Constantly by her side picking on me whenever instructed, is Odette and Zahra: the remaining two thirds of Nicole's stereotypical "mean girl" posse.
Some days (if I'm lucky enough) I can make it to first period without being seen by Nicole and her posse, but unfortunately for me, today was obviously not one of those days which I quickly realized as I maneuvered through the hall.
"Hey! Watch where you're going, loser," snapped a cackling Nicole as she rammed into my side, causing my stack of books to crash to the floor. I picked up my books Nicole had mercilessly knocked to the ground and turned to walk the other way. Last night's beating took enough out of me, I didn't have the energy to put up with Nicole's tormenting this morning.
"Excuse me? I think Nicole was speaking to you!" one of Nicole's minions, Odette snapped, grabbing my shoulder and forcing me to turn and face the three girls.
Just as I was about to speak up and say "please, not today Nicole", a powerful kick nailed me on the back of my knee, causing me to crash to the ground with my books this time. As I lifted my head, I identified the culprit as Max.
