Chapter 5

In the morning is when the pain of the cuts from last night came with their full effects. I wore a huge hoodie with a pair of skinny jeans and combat boots. I ruffled my black hair that I really need to cut. I cleaned my glasses and put them on. I didn't need to look in the mirror to know my eyes were puffy and red and had bags under them. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. Thank the lord that nothing happened. I really wasn't in the mood.

I walked the concrete curb and stopped.

On the floor was a package with my name on it.

I slowly opened it revealing scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, some fruits, and a bottle of orange juice. And next to that, was a sandwich, a bag of chips, a tangerine, a bottle of apple juice, and piece of candy.

Something fell to the floor. I picked it up and it was a note.

It said:

Hey Dilliy, how's it going? I won the bet. Now you have to eat the stuff I give you. I hope you like it.

-S

My eyes started to tear up. A dumb person can tell she spent a while writing it. There were so many erase marks and smudges.

I just felt so bad right now. I took out the toast and the bottle of orange juice. I put the rest in my bag. I headed to school that day eating breakfast for the first time in years.

I stood in front of the school gate. I looked up and I saw her in the tree again. She seemed surprised that I saw her. I smiled and waved at her. She waved back hesitantly.

I sighed and went inside. That day was the same as yesterday; couldn't focus on anything and I ate outside. Once again, I saw her sleeping when I went outside. And this time, I ate something for lunch. I saved some for dinner. I haven't eaten this much in a day for years. At the end of the day, she disappeared.

I walked down the street back home. I stood in front of the house door and froze. I heard screaming. And by the sound of the voices, I figured it was mother and father fighting. Again.

I was scared to go inside. So, I did what any smart person would do, I turned around and left. I headed towards the park. I guess I'll eat dinner in the park. I pulled out my phone and looked at the time. It read 5:43. The sun is setting. The park is about half an hour away anyway.

I started thinking during that time.

Of life and...Scarlet. I hate being weak.

I finally reached the park. The sun went down and the lamps were on. I was about to enter the park when I heard continuous creaking sounds.

I turned towards the swings and I saw her there. She was swinging and singing softly to herself.

I didn't move. I kept watching her. Not like a stalker or anything. I walked back a bit and I twig snapped under me. Stupid cliche stuff.

I turned back to swings, but she wasn't there.

Next thing you know, I have something cold and metallic to my neck.

"Don't move."

"S-Scarlet? It is Dillian." scared to swallow.

"Dilliy?" the blade instantly was removed to my throat. I rubbed at it and turned to face her.

She had already started moving back to the swings.

She sat down and I sat on the swing next to her.

"Why in the name of chocolate, do you have a knife?!"

"Just fer if somethin' happenin'"

"Oh." Still not sure if I believed that one. I let it go for now.

"How long have you been there?"

"Not long."

"...Ok..."

" What are you doing here?"

"I can ask you the same question."

"You first."

"I... I just came here to think."

"About?"

She looked at me. I encouraged her to go on.

"Why should I tell you?"

Why should she tell me? God knows I don't deserve it.

"You are right. You don't have to tell me."

She nodded and looked back at her feet.

"I am sorry."

"Fer what?"

"For what I said to you. You were just trying to help. And I...I just blew you off. I am truly sorry."

"It's fine. I wasn't supposed to do dat anyways. An' you were right."

"About what?"

"The way I talk an' how I look."

I stared at her. Feeling so guilty and regretful.

"Why is you here anyways?"

"Nothing."

"It is yer parents. I'm right. Aren't I?"

I stared at her again. I don't want to repeat the same mistake. I let out a shaky breath.

"Y-Yeah. They were screaming at each other. Nothing out of the ordinary." my voice betrayed me. My words quivered and shook.

She stood up and hugged me. It took me a while to register what was happening. I leaned my head on her shoulder and cried until I couldn't cry anymore. During this whole time, she didn't say a single thing. She drew circles on my back to calm me down. And that was how we spent that night. Together.

I realized something before I closed my eyes.

I have a shoulder I can lean on. And for the second time in a long time, I went to sleep with a smile on my face.