Chapter Thirty-One:

To say that I’m dressed casually is the understatement of the century. I think Ke$ha said it best when she trademarked her style as ‘hobo-chic’. That’s what I feel like. I still have yet to buy any sweatpants of my own, so I’m wearing ridiculously thick leggings – despite Zacky’s offer to let me borrow his… again. I’m forcing myself to wear a sports bra, even though it’s digging into the chaffed, raw skin on my back. I have on a soft tank top and the biggest, oversized sweater I own. It’s hanging off one shoulder, but it’s warm and it covers the majority of my bruises. I was able to tame some of the bruises on my face, but I still look like someone did a number on me.

If anyone asks, I got jumped. I’ll just lie and say I don’t know who and I didn’t see the guy. The way I figure it is – they don’t need to know anything else. It’s none of their goddamn business.

I left my hair down. It’s about the only think that I have working for me today. If nothing else, I’ll just use it to hide behind. God, it’s going to be a long fucking day. And I’m already starting to regret this.

“Lydia, are you sure you don’t want to stay home today?” Zacky asked me in a last-ditch effort to get me to stay home. I gave him the look.

“Yes, I’m fucking sure. Everyone stop asking me that.” I growled. He held up his hands in surrender. I sighed and poured myself some coffee. “I have my shoes on. I’m going to school.” I concluded, pointing to my Chuck’s. He shook his head and swiped my mug, drinking the coffee that I just poured. I scowled at him and poured myself a new glass.

“Be nice to your sister.” Doug chided. I rolled my eyes and ignored them as I drank my coffee. They just laughed.

---

With a stomach full of caffeine and pills, I walked the crowded halls of school. I kept my headphones on and my music loud, so I could ignore the student body. I’ve already had too many curious stares to count this morning. I haven’t even made it through my first class yet. Despite Doug’s warnings, I had my own bag and books in hand. Zacky had a project to finish last minute and I haven’t seen Brian yet this morning. Honestly, it felt nice to be able to do something for myself. I’m so damn tired of feeling helpless.

I wrestled with my locker for a minute before it decided to open. I tossed my unneeded materials into it and retrieved the books I needed for my next two classes. I tore open a protein bar and took a bite out of it. I grimaced as the chalky taste coated my tongue. It’s better than throwing up the contents of my stomach in the school hall. I managed to force the rest of it down before tossing the wrapper in a nearby trashcan.

I jumped when something slammed against my locker door. I looked behind me to pinpoint the source of my rattling locker. I sighed as my eyes landed on none other than Mike, the obnoxious jock. I pulled my headphones off of my head and down to my neck before turning around and facing him.

“What do you want?” I asked him, as exhaustion crept into my voice. His eyes flickered over my face and onto my obviously bruised shoulder. He frowned and his brow furrowed.

“What the hell happened to you, Wolf?” He asked me, calling me by my last name. I shrugged.

“Why do you care?” I asked him, obviously annoyed at his abrupt intrusion.

“You look like someone ran you over.” He answered, crossing his arms. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“What is it with you macho types that make you butt into everyone else’s business?” I quipped.

“Answer the question.” He pressed.

“I got jumped, okay?” I told him, turning my back to him. I grabbed a magazine and tossed it into my bag. He tugged on my shoulder and leaned against my locker, facing me. I looked up at him.

“Who hurt you?” He asked, obviously set on annoying me with every question possible before leaving me alone.

“It’s really none of your business.” I deflected.

“Is Haner hurting you?” He asked me in a hushed voice. I rolled my eyes.

“Seriously, you’re so off base, it’s not even funny.” I assured him.

“Then who?” He asked me, again.

“Someone that I thought I got away from a long time ago. Obviously, I was wrong. It’s handled – okay? Don’t worry about it.” I told him.

“Are you okay?” He asked me. I nodded.

“Not really, but I’ll live.” I told him, meeting his eyes.

“Where’s your boyfriend at?” He questioned.

“What is it with you and twenty questions this morning?” I asked him. “I don’t know where he is. I haven’t seen him this morning.”

“Then let me carry your stuff. You look like you’re about to collapse. I’m not going to have that on my conscience.” He told me, pulling my books into his hands and taking my bag off of my shoulder. Before I could protest, he held up a hand to silence me. “I’m not a bad guy. I told you. Eventually, you’ll have to trust me.” He told me, winking. I snorted and shrugged.

“If you really want to carry my books, I’m not about to stop you.”

“Good. I’m glad that we can agree on something.”

---

By the time lunch rolled around, I was exhausted. I was both mentally and physically drained. I drank a bit of water and took more meds and placed my head down on the lunch table. I had my headphones on and I was ready to ignore the world.

---

I jumped when someone started shaking me. I opened my eyes to see an amused Brian staring at me. I smiled at him and pulled off my headphones.

“Hey Ace,” he greeted me. I put an arm around his middle and hugged him. He started eating with an arm around me. I used his chest as a pillow.

“Hey yourself,” I yawned.

“You shouldn’t be here if you’re tired.” He told me, gently.

“Don’t start. I’m finishing the day. I just needed a power nap.” I told him. He chuckled and pushed a cup of pudding towards me with a spoon.

“You need to eat something.” He whispered. I looked up at him and he just nodded. I sighed and tore open the package and took a tentative bite of the chocolatey goodness. I didn’t say much as the guys chattered around me. I felt my phone vibrate and pulled it out of my pocket. Oliver texted me.

'We’re getting closer! We should be there tomorrow! :) I’m so fucking excited to see you, Lyds. It’s been too long. Hayden says, ‘Heeeeey.’ Love you. Gotta go. My turn to drive. See ya soon!!
-Ollie'

I grinned like mad when I read the message. I’m beyond stoked. I just wish they didn’t have to see me like this. I look like I’ve been chewed up and spit out of the garbage disposal. It’s definitely not pretty.

'Dude, you don’t even fucking know how psyched I am to see you guys. I think I could spin around the room right now. Gah! I can’t believe you guys will be here tomorrow. Mad love to you both!! Drive safe! If you die on me, I’m gonna be so pissed.
-Lydia'

My fingers flew over my keyboard. I can’t believe they’ll be here tomorrow. It feels like it’s taking them forever to get here.

“What’s up, Ace?” Brian asked me. I looked up at him and smiled.

“Oliver will be here tomorrow.” I revealed. He grinned, easily.

“That’s great.” He told me. I nodded, enthusiastically with renewed energy.

“Depending on when they’re planning to get into town, I may stay home tomorrow. I feel like I haven’t seen him in ages.” I breathed. He nodded. The sun’ll come out tomorrow. It has to. It’s about time for something good to happen.

Notes

More to come!:) Next update tomorrow! Comments? Predictions?

Love,
Katie