Misery | A Bratayley Fanfic

05

Jade's POV
"What was your nightmare about?" Mom questioned as I sat down at the kitchen island.

- FLASHBACK -

"We regret ever having you. We were only meant to have Annie. You're not perfect. You're not good enough to be our child." Both Mom and Dad said at the same time.

I woke up screaming and sobbing, my heart racing. It took me a few moments to realize that it was just a nightmare, but the words still echoed in my head, making my stomach churn.

"Jade?!" I heard Mom's voice enter my room. She looked worried as she saw me sitting up in bed, tears streaming down my face.

"M-Mommy, it was b-bad!" I choked out as I held my arms out to her. She pulled me into her embrace, and I clung to her tightly, gasping for air as it hurt to breathe. I felt like I was suffocating.

"Shh, it's okay, Jade," Mom said soothingly, rubbing my back. "You're safe. It was just a bad dream."

"I-I can't b-breathe!" I cried out, trying to catch my breath.

"Focus on me, Jade." Mom said as she held my hands. "Deep breath in and deep breath out." She spoke softly, and I followed her instructions, trying to calm down. Slowly, my breathing became more regular, and I relaxed into her embrace as she laid down with me in her arms.

"Can you tell me what you dreamed about?" Mom asked gently, stroking my hair.

"I-I don't want to say." I whispered, feeling embarrassed and ashamed.

"It's okay, Jade. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Mom said, giving me a reassuring smile. "But if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."

I nodded, feeling grateful for Mom's support. "Thank you, Mom."

"Of course, sweetie." Mom said, kissing my forehead. "Now, try to get some rest. I'll be right here with you."

I hesitantly closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep again, feeling comforted by Mom's presence. Slowly, my breathing became more regular, and I drifted off into a deep sleep, feeling safe and loved.

- FLASHBACK OVER -

I shrugged, not wanting to worry her. "Just a bad dream. Nothing important."

"Well.. here's some breakfast." Mom put a plate of food in front of me.

"I'm not hungry." I told Mom as I pushed it away.

Mom frowned, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure you're okay? You haven't eaten much lately."

I shook my head, feeling my stomach churn at the thought of food. "I'm not hungry. Can I just go to my room?"

"Of course." Mom replied.

I proceeded to run into my room.

- TRIGGER WARNING -

I shut my bedroom door and locked it. I took my phone case off my phone and caught the shiny piece of metal that fell out of it. Hello best friend. I ended up harming myself for the first time a couple days, and it takes away the pain of anything else.

I dragged the piece of metal across my arms and watched the crimson liquid come out of each individual cut. I got up and hid the blade in my drawer, knowing no one bothers to go in there. I went into my bathroom and cleaned up my arms before putting on a hoodie.

- TRIGGER WARNING OVER -

I opened my door and went downstairs to where everyone else was.

"Don't forget you and Annie have a private with Katie and Liv." Mom reminded me.

I groaned inwardly, realizing that I had forgotten about the gymnastics private. How was I supposed to cover up the cuts on my arms? I could wear a long-sleeved leotard and put some makeup over the scars, but what if someone saw them?

"Thanks for the reminder." I mumbled, grabbing my phone and heading back upstairs.

As I lay in bed, I tried to distract myself by scrolling through social media. But my mind kept going back to the nightmare and the cuts on my arms. Why couldn't I just be normal? Why did I have to feel so messed up all the time?

I heard a knock on my door, and my heart skipped a beat. "Come in." I said, trying to sound casual.

Annie poked her head in, looking worried. "Hey, are you okay?"

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired."

Annie didn't look convinced, but she didn't push it. "Well, we should probably start getting ready for the lesson. Do you need any help?"

I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "No, I'm good. I'll be down in a minute."

As Annie left, I took a deep breath and tried to calm down. Maybe the practice would be a good distraction. Maybe I could forget about everything for a little while.

A/N: Sorry this is short. I felt like I should've uploaded a chapter.