Chapter 010- Unexpected revelations

I stumbled into my room using the secret door that leads directly from outside. It was a hidden path only I knew about, a small comfort in my chaotic world.

My body ached with every step, each bruise and cut screaming for attention. I headed straight to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

Turning on the faucet, I let the water run warm before stepping under the soothing stream. As the water hit my skin, I winced, feeling the sting on my fresh wounds.

I carefully and slowly began to clean myself, wincing as I washed away the dirt and dried blood. Each movement was deliberate, almost meditative, as I tried to piece together what had just happened.

I couldn't believe I had fought back against Marco. The image of my bloodied fists and Marco's shocked face kept replaying in my mind. How had it come to this?

Just a few days ago, I was trying to survive school without getting noticed, and now...now everything had changed.

I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around myself. As I caught a glimpse of my reflection, I saw the aftermath of the battle written across my body.

Bruises were beginning to form, dark and angry against my pale skin. I sighed and reached for the bandages, carefully wrapping my chest, shoulders, arms, and any other part that showed signs of injury.

"Why did this have to happen?" I muttered to myself, wincing as I pulled the bandage tight. "What did I ever do to deserve this?"

Once I was bandaged up, I put on a shirt and a hoodie, making sure to cover as much of my battered body as possible. I even put on a mask to hide my busted lips and swollen face. My reflection now looked like a ghost of myself, hiding beneath layers of fabric.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I noticed the house was eerily silent. The lights were off, so I flicked the switch, bathing the room in a warm glow. That's when I saw the note near the fridge. I walked over and read it: "Had to leave for work. Won't be home for a few days. Love you, Mom."

I felt a pang of relief and sadness at the same time. It was good that she wasn't here to see me like this, but I also missed her comfort. I took off the mask and headed to the freezer for some ice packs, pressing them gently against my face.

As I sat there with the ice packs, I couldn't shake off the events of the day. I kept replaying the fight, every punch, every kick. It was surreal.

I couldn't believe I had actually fought back, that I had actually stood up to Marco and his gang. And then there was the stranger in the suit. What was that all about?

Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, a knock on the door startled me back to reality. I quickly put down the ice packs and made my way to the door, feeling a sense of unease. Who could it be at this hour?

Opening the door, I was greeted by a surprising sight. A young woman stood there, holding Marco by his ear. She had long, silky black hair, almond-shaped ash-gray eyes, and a slender build. She was strikingly beautiful, but her expression was stern.

"Marco, I told you to behave!" she reprimanded, twisting his ear harder.

"Ow! Let go, you witch!" Marco complained, but she didn't relent.

Finally, she let go of his ear and turned to me with a warm smile. "Hi, Alex. Good evening. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"N-no, it's okay," I stammered, still trying to process what was happening. "Who are you?"

"I'm Sheila, this brat's sister," she replied, nodding toward Marco. "I heard about what he did to you."

I just stood there, silent, unsure of what to say. Sheila's presence was both reassuring and intimidating.

"Can we come in?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"Uh, sure," I said, stepping aside to let them in. "Sorry if the house is a bit messy."

Marco scoffed as he walked past me. "Messy like your face, huh?"

Before I could react, Sheila smacked the back of his head. "Behave," she said, her smile never faltering.

I led them to the living room and offered them seats. Sheila sat down gracefully while Marco slumped into a chair, glaring at her. I quickly went to the kitchen and brought out some colas and cookies, placing them on the table.

"Thank you," Sheila said, taking a cookie. "Alex, I wanted to apologize for my brother's behavior. He can be...difficult."

"That's an understatement," I muttered under my breath.

Sheila smiled. "Indeed. But that's not the only reason we're here."

I tensed up, feeling a sense of dread. "What do you mean?"

"I've heard that you're...special," Sheila said, her eyes locking onto mine.

I nearly choked on my cola. "W-what?"

Marco's eyes widened in shock, clearly not expecting this revelation. "What the hell are you talking about, Sheila?"

Sheila ignored him, still focused on me. "I think you know what I'm talking about, Alex. The strange things you've been experiencing. The pain, the changes..."

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. How did she know? Who was she, really?

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied, trying to sound convincing.

Sheila just smiled. "Maybe you don't. Or maybe you do, and you're just scared. But that's okay. You don't have to figure it all out right now."

She reached into her pocket and handed me a card. "If you ever need help or want to talk, give me a call."

I took the card, my hands shaking slightly. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because you're not alone, Alex," she said softly. "There are others like you, and we're trying to understand what's happening."

Marco looked between us, confusion and frustration written all over his face. "What the hell is going on?"

Sheila stood up, signaling that it was time to leave. "Come on, Marco. We've bothered Alex enough for one night."

Marco reluctantly got up, still glaring at me. "This isn't over, Alex."

As they walked out, Sheila gave me one last smile. "Take care, Alex. Remember, you're not alone."

I watched them leave, my mind racing with questions and doubts. Who was Sheila really? What did she mean by "special"? And why did Marco's sister seem to know so much about me?

I closed the door and leaned against it, feeling overwhelmed. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and I wasn't sure what to make of it. But one thing was clear: my life was changing in ways I couldn't have imagined, and there was no going back now.