Chapter 3 - An Altercation

Zelena.

The piercing sound of my high pitched beeping alarm clock woke me up early, well before Hank wakes up anyway. Quickly hitting the button on the top to silence the sound, I looked to my closed bedroom door for any signs of movement on the other side. Nothing. I laid there for a minute, contemplating, did I really need to go to school today? I scrunched up my nose at the thought of having to spend 8 hours at home with my dad. I sat upright and perched on the edge of my bed. Yesterday seemed like a distant memory. The three Greek Gods and their odd kindness, were they real or was that a concussion induced hallucination? I don’t know which theory I’m more hopeful for. Doesn’t matter, I’m sure today will be the same old boring, lonely life. I rubbed my temple remembering my little freak out in the forest. Oh God, now I really hope it was all a hallucination. How embarrassing, as if I’m not enough of a freak already. Oh well, it’s not like I’ll see him again anyway. Surely not.

I grabbed my towel and went for a shower. I turned the tap and let the water heat up. I like my shower water scolding hot, always have, even with the seeping wounds constantly littering my body. Once the steam filled most of the room I climbed in and let the hot water run over my bruised and battered body. I poured the soap in my hands and scrubbed my hair, the water running off my body had that familiar tinge of red to it. I didn’t dare touch my back, instead I let the hot water rinse the wounds clean. I tipped my head back and let the steaming water run over my face. Hot showers are so relaxing.

Holding my towel loosely at my hips, I stood in front of my mirror and examined my broken body. My wet hair, long and knotted, hung down just past my shoulders, so black it looked to have a purple hue to it. My pale clammy skin was spotted with new pinkish purple bruises and old yellowing bruises. Some the size of a small coin, others inches across. My gold lifeless eyes sat above dark purple circles, with bushy dark brows that spread all the way out to my temples. My small and perky breasts hung slightly to the sides. My thin waist and stomach accentuated my ribcage, with my hip and collar bones protruding out. The pale skin was splattered with dark pink scars. My body, used as the canvas to exhibit my father’s abusive art project. I pulled my towel up and turned away as a tear fell. I don’t want to see anymore. I’m disgusting, everything about me is grotesque.

I threw on some baggy jeans and a loose green t-shirt. I ran a brush through my wet hair and threw it over my shoulders. I inspected the gash on my forehead. It had scabbed over a bit now but still looked horrible and red. I got my trusty foundation bottle, that I stole on one of my grocery runs, and tipped it onto my fingers. I spread it over my face, covering my dark eyes and the new cut on my cheek. It disguised the small cut well enough, but it wasn’t going to do any good for the scabby mess on my forehead though. So, I pulled out another band-aid and strategically placed it over the red gash. Picking up my grey hoodie, backpack and ratty old shoes, I quietly walked out of my bedroom. I tiptoed to the front door, passing the lounge room. Hank was in there passed out in his armchair with beer cans scattered around his feet.

I went through the door and closed it as quietly as possible behind me, running down the driveway and onto the street, I let out a sigh of relief. I walked a fair distance away from the house before sitting down and pulling my shoes on. Looking up to the light blue morning sky I took a deep breath. Another clear and beautiful day. After a few more deep breaths I picked myself up and took off into the forest, still gazing up at the sky as I went. Walking slowly, enjoying the fresh air and cool spring breeze, I could easily lose myself.

“Good morning”. I jumped, startled at the sound of a voice from behind me.

“Whoa, sorry” he giggled, as I spun around to face him.

“I didn't mean to scare you” Gunner said putting his arms up with a smile.

“You didn’t” I whispered. I dropped my head and went to pull my hood up over my face.

“Stop” he pleaded, grabbing my wrist and forcing me to let go of the hood. My heart rate sped up and a cold shiver went through me. The hood fell and slid down the back of my head.

“Please don’t cover your face”. He moved to stand right in front of me, still holding my hand by my face. My entire body tensed up. I was frozen with panic, staring at is hold on my wrist. He stared at me with confusion and followed my gaze to our hands. He let me go and took a step back dropping his head.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that” he mumbled, sliding his hands into his jean pockets.

“Just don’t cover your face, please, you don't have to hide from me”.

His eyes were sad and longing as they stared me down. I didn’t mean to upset him, I just panicked for a second there. All my life being grabbed usually means pain is coming. But something about Gunner was different. I don’t know what. But it’s like I could feel that he didn’t mean me any harm. Why do I have to be like this? Why do I have to be scared of everything? I had this strong urge to want to make him feel better, but I didn’t know how to, or why I needed to.

“I’m, I’m sorry, it’s just um” I mumbled as I dropped my head letting my hair fall over my face. He stepped forward and put his hand under my chin to lift my head. I complied and allowed him to slowly lift my face to his. I closed my eyes as he tucked the hair from my face behind my ear. He gasped and let go of my chin.

“Zee, what happened to your face?” he asked with a stern tone. I turned my head away, ashamed, and pulled my hair back out.

“Zelena, who did that to you?” he growled at me.

I stepped back from him, scared of the growl in his tone and the idea of having to answer his question. I couldn’t tell him about my dad. If I, did Hank would kill me, and he’d kill Gunner. I felt my face pale, I wouldn’t let that happen. Gunner stepped forward with a snarl on his beautiful face,

“Whoa, easy mate”.

Cole was suddenly there with his arm around Gunner's chest. Where he came from, I have no idea? I looked around and Smith was behind him too. He held up his arm and wiggled his fingers at me. I smiled awkwardly back at him. Gunner threw Cole’s arm off him and stepped towards me grabbing my hands in his, he leaned down and looked into my eyes. There it was again, that warm and soothing feeling. How does he do that to me.

“Zee. I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m sorry” he said softly. He smiled at me with a half-smile, but he didn’t mean it, his eyes were full of worry and hurt. I smiled at him and nodded. He stood up straight and went to let go of my hands, but I held on to one of them. Gripping his huge hand with mine, I admired our interlocking fingers. Small pins and needles slithered their way through my fingers and up my arm. I looked up at him and smiled. His eyes sparkled and his whole face smiled back at me.

“Wow” he breathed,

“You are beautiful”. My cheeks burned as I blushed under his adoring gaze.

“Okay you two” coughed Smith,

“Let's go or we’ll be late for school”.

Smith and Cole walked off ahead of us. Gunner entwined his fingers with mine, making sure that I didn’t let go. He nodded with his head gesturing down the path and raised his eyebrows. Still blushing, I smiled and nodded. We began walking together with my hand still in his. A small and simple gesture, and yet it meant everything to me.

When we reached the school, the lot was empty, meaning everyone was already inside. We followed Cole and Smith through the doors of the school, still hand in hand. As we entered the hallway an eerie silence befell the halls, they all turned and stared at Gunner and me. My eyes darted around the hallway, seeing everyone whispering to each other and looking at me with disgust. It’s the most visible that I have ever felt, and I hated it. I dropped my head and pulled my hoodie up. Letting go of Gunners hand I made a beeline for my classroom, leaving the three boys behind me.

“Zee wait!” he called after me, but I didn’t stop.

I passed whispering faces and dirty looks as I made my way down the hall.

“There’s no way”

“She’s dreaming”

“Is this a prank?”

I kept my head down and avoided eye contact. The looks and the snide comments were nothing new, I got them every day. But I was so stupid to think that Gunner and I could actually be together. He was high class royalty, I was dumpster smut, and everyone knew it. I reached my class and hurried to my usual seat, in the back corner of the room. I sat down and leaned over to put my bag on the floor, when I sat up again, Smith was sitting next to me. He smiled and pulled his calculus book out.

“I hope you’re good at this crap, because I suck” he said with a crooked smile. I half smiled back at him with a shrug of my shoulders.

The tiresome Mr Phillips was our math teacher. He is a middle-aged balding man that always dressed in beige khaki shorts with colourful tartan socks pulled up to his knees. He was boring at most, but with the wit and sarcasm that could floor most of his students. In the middle of class Smith plopped a folded-up piece of paper on my desk, he looked at me with anticipation. His cheeks were red and bursting with his barely held in giggles. I unfolded the note and studied it. A smile crept across my face as I started to understand what I was seeing. It was a terribly drawn picture of who I assume to be Mr Phillips, wearing a bikini, with pigtails in his hair and riding on, what I think is a dolphin. I glanced at Smith, and he was nearly crying from his silent laughter. He had his hand over his mouth to muffle the sounds. He then pretends to push up his boobs, flick his hair over his shoulder and gallop away on his dolphin. It was funny, and I couldn’t help but giggle with him. I gave him back the drawing and looked back down at my book, still smiling to myself. Is this what having a friend feels like? Joking and giggling, having a reason to smile. I like this feeling, this blissful comfort. I like having a friend.

The lunch bell rang, and the students all got up and left, except for Smith, he waited for me to put my books in my bag. He stood by the door with a smile

“Ready for some grub?” he asked with his hand rubbing his stomach. I smiled and nodded,

“Just got to drop my bag off” I squeaked.

“Want me to come, or shall I meet you there?” he asked with his thumb pointing down the hallway towards the cafeteria.

“I’ll be okay” I said pulling my bag onto my shoulder and sliding through the door around him. He smiled and wiggled his fingers at me and took off down the hall.

I walked to my locker with a smile on my face. This is turning out to be a good day, for a change. I got to my locker and started to put in my combination, when I was violently yanked around by my shoulder. I put my hands up to cover my face, ready for whoever it was that was about to hit me.

“You don’t actually think that he likes you, do you?” Demi’s high-pitched voice snickered at me. I dropped my hands to my side, bowed my head and said nothing. It’s always best to just let her get it out, when I speak or try to fight back, it’s worse.

She slammed her palm into the door beside my head, which made me flinch and turn away.

“Oh my god” she huffed,

“You’re seriously so pathetic, why do you think everyone is out to fight you?” she snarled at me leaning closer to my face.

My face was turned away from her and my eyes closed tight, just waiting for her to hit me, kick me, pull my hair, do something. I could smell her perfume, the overbearing floral scent burned my nose. But I could smell something else as well, it was a cold bland smell. Something I would relate to fear or anger. That couldn’t be right, how could I smell fear, emotions don’t have a scent. She grabbed my shoulders and shoved me hard against the locker, my tender back burned from the sudden burst of pain.

“Gunner doesn’t want you, why would he want a pig like you?” she spat at me, only inches from my face. I whimpered at the feel of her hot breath on my cheek.

“Stay away from Gunner, okay bitch, he’s mine now”.

I nodded my head quickly. The sharpness of her words sliced through me. Of course her and Gunner would get together, they’re both ridiculously beautiful, and beautiful people tend to stick together. She let go of my shoulders and took a small step back. I didn’t dare lift my head to look at her, but I can picture her evil smirk in my mind, I could basically feel her heated glare burning my flesh.

“What a useless waste of space” she laughed turning to her minions and the crowd that had gathered beside her.

Even after she turned away, I could still feel the burning from her glare. It was like a wave of heat burned through me, engulfing my arms. I clenched my fists, digging my nails into the palm of my hands. Those hot pins, the same from yesterday in the forest, I could feel them running up my legs and into my chest. Without a second thought, I stepped forward and slapped Demi clean across her face. I hit her so hard that her head snapped to the side and the sound echoed through the hallway. Everyone fell silent, surprised to see such an outburst from me. For years I have sat quietly and taken their abuse without a word or any show of retaliation. Demi grasped at her face and turned to look at me. Her upper lips curled up into a snarl and fiery hatred filled her eyes. She lunged at me grabbing my wrist with one hand and the other hand around my throat. She shoved me against the locker, slamming my head into the door. I let out a small squeal of pain.

“Who the fuck do you think you are? You filthy slut!” she screamed at me whilst slamming me against the locker again. I tried to take a breath but her grip around my neck was too tight. I could feel her fingers tightening around my throat and I closed my eyes to prepare myself for more pain. Desperate for air, I pulled at her hand around my neck, to no avail. I could feel my head starting to spin and a fogginess clouded my vision. Demi’s grip suddenly released, and I fell to the floor coughing and struggling to breathe. I stayed crouched on the floor on my hands and knees, frantically trying to catch a breath. My throat burned and the air felt like knives as it began to fill my lungs.

When I was finally able to breathe again, I managed to register the sounds of yelling and screaming in front of me. Hesitantly, I looked up. Cole and Smith were both struggling to hold back a violent looking Gunner, who was desperately trying to lunge at Demi. Demi was clutching onto Brian’s arm trying to shield herself from Gunner. Brian, Demi, her minions and everyone else in the hall were staring at Gunner with shock and terror on their faces.

“LET ME GO!” Gunner screamed, thrashing his body trying to get free of Cole and Smiths grip.

“I’ll fucking kill you if you ever touch her again” he screamed at her, still fighting to get free of Cole and Smith’s hold. Demi was sobbing as she buried her face into Brian’s jacket, Brian was standing back with his hands up in surrender just shaking his head.

“Come on mate. Enough” Cole pleaded with Gunner.

I slowly started to stand up, gripping the locker for support when I felt fresh blood running down my back. Oh no! I have to get out of here before anyone sees it. Getting into a fight at school is one thing, but if anyone found out about my back and the beatings I get at home, my dad would kill me. I coughed and I stumbled on my feet as I tried to take a step. Gunner turned around, locking eyes with me. He pushed past Cole and Smith and grabbed me around my waist. I flinched at his hands holding me.

“She’s a fucking psycho, Gunner” Demi screamed. Gunner looked over at her and growled a deep bellowing growl that echoed through the halls. The crowd went silent, the aura of fear was thick in the air.

Gunner lifted me up with ease and began to carry me away. My toes were touching the ground, but I was barely able to walk with Gunner holding me. We burst through the front doors and out into the parking lot. He was so quick, I don’t know how we got out here so fast. I must be more out of it than I realised. He put me down and stood in front of me, his eyes looking me up and down, running his hands over my face and arms.

“Are you okay?” he demanded urgently,

“Are you hurt?”

Looking into his frantic eyes it dawned on me, what Demi said in the hall. Why would he care, why did he bring me out here and why is he asking if I’m okay? I hit Demi, and they’re together now, so shouldn’t he be with her? She told me that they are together now. But he still threatened her. Didn’t he, that did actually happen, right? I could feel that burning sensation running through my body again. Only this time, it was ten times more intense. I covered my face with my hands to muffle my cry of pain. I felt my ribs were pulling apart and my spine was twisting under my skin. The hot needles were stabbing me all over my body.