Numb

"Where were you?" Rylie whispered as I climbed into his car.
His fist were clenching the steering wheel. He sounded calm, like he was trying not to bash my head through the windshield, but calm.
I knew I had to choose my next words carefully, or I might go home with a fresh new bruise to add to the twenty three that already resided on my skin.

"Pete needed to speak to me after class about the photos I added to the collage last Wednesday. I couldn't get out of it. Once he starts going, there's nothing you can do but stand there and try to overcome his Funyun breath."
I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. I could feel the rage radiating from his skin. I shivered and closed my eyes in anticipation for what I knew was coming as he turned in his seat to face me.

"So, you're on first name basis with your photography teacher?"
His fist shot across the armrest and hit me right in my jaw. It caused me to bite down on my tongue so hard blood started to fill my mouth. I swallowed. The pain was so intense, darkness clouded the edges of my vision. I forced myself to look at him while he spoke. I could feel the tears stinging my eyes. But I refused to let them fall. Crying made him more angry.

"You know how I feel about you talking to other guys Laney. You brought this on yourself." As the last word fell from his lips, he grabbed my throat, and squeezed. In the back of my mind, I didn't want him to stop.
I wanted him to kill me.