Chapter 4

I woke feeling groggy and sore. The events from last night came crashing down all at once. I sighed deeply. I looked at my phone. 4:53 huh?

I pushed my body off of the mattress and headed towards the bathroom. I jumped into the shower and took 5 minutes. I dried my self and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked at my side. And lord and behold is a huge purple bruise. I sighed. I quickly dressed into some long sleeves shirt and pants. To hide the scars on my wrists.

I finished my homework in record speed.

I grabbed my backpack and opened the door. I mentally prepared for the worst to come. I tiptoed down the stairs and thank the lord they were on my side today. They didn't creak or squeak. Coast is clear. No one in sight. I ran faster than The Flash to the door. I opened and closed it behind me. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Again.

I was making my way down the street when I saw Scarlet waiting for me at the concrete curb. I smiled to myself like an idiot. I actually have a friend. Huh. That is a first.

Today, well, she didn't brush her hair. It was still a crow's nest. She was still barefoot and had the same dress I saw her in on that Sunday night. Her face wasn't washed and had dirt on her cheek.

"Mornin' Dilliy. Got you some breakfast."

"Huh? Why?"

"What you mean why? You look like you gonna fade in dah wind."

"Nu-Uh!!"

"Dilliy. Listen. I bet I can see yer ribs. If I win, you gotta eat the stuff I give you. If I don't win, you do anything you want with me fer a whole day. Gottit?"

"Hmmm... I like that."

"It's a deal then."

Without warning, she pulled my shirt up.

"Dilliy..." she said in the most dangerous tone I heard her talk in.

"Where did you git this bruise from?"

"Uh...I fell?"

"Dilliy..." I swallowed.

"Tell me the truth or I gonna ask yer folks."

"My 'folks' did that to me..." This was the first time I admitted to anyone and I felt as if a weight got lifted from my shoulders, but also told the biggest secret in the world. It wasn't the best feeling.

"Why didn't you tell anyone? Is all the bruises you git daily from them too? Is it yer mam and dad? Who treats you after you git beat? Do yer sibilin's do it to you too? Do even has any?" She ranted questions. I couldn't take it anymore. I became very furious.

"STOP."

She stopped talking and looked at me. I continued.

"WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME THAT! YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ANYWAY!! YOU CAN BARELY SPEAK ENGLISH RIGHT, AND LET ME NOT START WITH YOUR APPEARANCE!!"

And this point, she let her head drop and said nothing.

"SO LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!!"

I stomped off without looking back.

After I reached the end of the block, I turned around. She wasn't there at all. She must have ran away. After a good 15 minutes, I reached the school gate. And lord and behold I saw her standing in front of the gate.

She still has the audacity to show me her face.

I stopped in front of her.

"Why are you still here?" I questioned in a stern and firm voice.

"Keepin' my promise Dillian." she replied meekly.

"What is that Scarlet?" I answered dangerously low.

"To protect you at the school gate from Smith's goons. Sir."

Is she trying to mock me by calling me 'sir'?

"I don't need your protection. Got. It."

"Yazzir."

She walked away. Quietly might I add.

I turned around and I didn't see her. I walked inside.

I couldn't focus the whole day. I gave up trying after the third period.

'Was I too mean. She was just concerned and just trying to help'

Great going Dillian. I lost the only friend I miraculously befriended.

During lunch, I went outside and sat in front of the school.

I felt as if someone was close nearby. I looked around, but I couldn't see anyone. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. Hoping Scarlet is nearby.

I sighed and looked at the sky.

Something red caught my eye. I looked toward the big oak tree near the front gate.

I smiled to myself. Maybe the world doesn't hate me after all.

Scarlet was up in the oak tree sleeping soundly.

All at once, a big wave of guilt hit me hard. She is here just for me.

I should apologize to her and maybe do something for her...?

I sighed. Then the bell rang across the courtyard. I headed inside.

The cursed ring sounded again. I grabbed my backpack. It is time for us to leave and go home.

I fast walked to the courtyard and looked up to the tree.

A frown formed on my face. She wasn't there. She most likely left. Or watching me from somewhere else. I looked everywhere. Nowhere in sight. I made my way home. This time with no one by my side. I sneaked into the house. Thankfully no one was home. I went inside my room and fell on my bed. I kicked my shoes off.

This is too much for me. I started hyperventilating. I ran to the bathroom and stripped. I got one of my favorites stainless steel razors and turned the shower to cold.

I slid the razor across my wrist and my arm. If felt familiar and I instantly calmed down. Watching the blood swirl down the drain. After an hour, I finally left the shower.

I bandaged my arms and I went to bed.

I need to say something to her.

That night I cried myself to sleep. Something that I usually do.