Chapter 4 I sit on my bed and sigh , running my hands through my wild hair . I barely slept a wink , my entire sleep was plagued with nightmares . The sun is now beginning to rise , sending a small amount of light peeking through my curtains . The light bounces off the walls , creating an iridescent glow of golds . I close my eyes and lean back against the wall , enjoying the silence and peace the morning has to offer . The air is always so crisp and fresh , almost as if the world is offering me a clean slate every single day . My thoughts drift to the encounter with Jake yesterday . What if he figures out my secret ? Surely he wouldn't . I've kept everything a secret for years and now one silly little mistake is threatening to ruin that . I curse under my breath , rubbing my temple as I feel a headache beginning to form . Lack of sleep and stress can do that to you . " Just stay away from him Emily , " I mutter to myself ... That's kind of hard to do when we both share a classroom . ***** I pull up my jeans and settle on wearing a crop jumper with denim jeans . My hair is pin straight and I walk over to my dresser , wincing as I catch a glimpse of my face . " Damn , I need a miracle , " I groan unhappily , reaching for my makeup bag . I apply concealer under my eyes to disguise the lack of sleep . I also use it to cover up a tender bruise and after a few minutes , it's barely recognisable . Over the years I've mastered hiding cuts , bruises and scars with makeup . It's a hidden talent of mine . I finish it off with mascara , eyeliner and a hint of blush . When I'm satisfied , I choose a lip colour before popping it into my school bag . I gather everything I need before heading for my bedroom door . Last night I heard Mum and Trevor arguing for hours , thankfully he never laid a finger on her . They'd clearly made up as after the arguing came noises from their bedroom that I never want to hear again . I mentally gag , hoping to God they used a condom . The last thing this dysfunctional family needs is an innocent baby . I push open the kitchen door to grab a breakfast bar before heading out . When I notice Trevor sat at the dining table , I freeze , my eyes zoning in on his back . I don't dare breathe incase he hears me . I slowly back up , my feet moving at a snails pace so I don't alert him . I manage to turn halfway around when I hear his voice cut through the silent atmosphere " Where do you think you're going ? " His words are slurred from his drunken state . I hear the fresh anger in them and wince as I stop in my tracks . I close my eyes and count to five in an effort to calm my breathing down . My hands begin to tremble by my side as I turn around slowly , coming face to face with him . " School , where I go everyday . " I murmur quietly . He raises one eyebrow and begins taking slow steps towards me . I press myself back into the wall as much as I can , wishing he'll walk straight past me and leave me alone . The stench of alcohol hits me as he approaches and I bite down on my bottom lip to stop myself from gagging in repulsion . He walks past me and I breathe out before realising I shouldn't feel relieved just yet . His laboured breaths close up from behind me , creeping up the exposed skin on my neck . He's so close and growing closer by the second . His presence causes my stomach to clench in fear before twisting and turning in disgust . I eventually feel his body connect with mine from behind and I stiffen before forcing my feet to step forward . 1/6 9:01 Tue , Oct 14 Chapter 4 I need to put distance between us . : 88 Trevor's hand shoots out immediately and circles around my waist . I let out a small squeak in fear , his sudden movement catching me off guard . He vanks me backwards against him , pinning me to his body . I squirm against his touch , my throat closing in as I struggle to breathe . I open my mouth to protest but no sound comes out as I m paralysed completely with fear . The worst feeling is knowing your body is failing you when you need it the most . Trevor lowers his head until his mouth is in line with my ear , dirty breath invading my personal space . I squeeze my eyes shut fightly , feeling the familiar stinging sensation of tears in my eyes . I refuse to let them drop , I won't give the pig any satisfaction knowing that he's hurting me . His hands press further into my skin and I protest , fighting to get away from him " What are you doing ? " I finally protest , grateful to have found my voice . I slap his hands away from me , desperate to get free . " Don't speak to me like that . " " Don't touch me like that ! " I hit back at him , doing the first thing that comes to mind . I pull my arm forward and elbow him between his legs , hard . His grip on me immediately releases and he bends over from the pain . My eyes widen in surprise and a smirk forms on my lips as I watch him wither in pain , asshole . I quickly hop over him , making a beeline for the front door . As soon as Trevor regains his composure , he stands up , letting out a frustrated yell . I don't have time to react as he comes charging at me like a raging bull in a bullfight . The victorious smirk on my face quickly fades , replacing with a look of terror . I quickly glance around for something to use as a weapon but it's no use , I don't have enough time . All I can do is throw my hands over my head and take the hit . The force of his punch knocks me sideways and I groan , my body falling to the floor . I feel the headache inside my head intensify until it's pounding through my ears . I blink , stars dancing around my vision as they mock me . I clutch my head , feeling warm liquid again my fingers . Blood . Trevor bends down to my level and grabs my jaw , forcing me stare into his eyes . Cold dark emotionless eyes that resemble a bottomless black pool . " Do that again and I'll hurt you twice as hard . " His words are emotionless , blunt and calm . However I don't miss the murderous glint in his eyes . He releases my chin and stands up , his foot colliding with my stomach . I groan again , feeling a sharp excruciating pain flares up it . My stomach twists with nausea and I dry gag to the side . I'm going to be sick . Don't puke Emily , do not puke . Trevor walks away from me , satisfied that he's caused enough damage . His footsteps gradually grow quieter until I'm alone , curled up in a ball on the floor . Once he disappears , I allow the first tear to fall followed by several others . # # # # # As I step off the bus , I grimace in pain before swapping my book bag to my other shoulder . If I move an inch , the pain flares up immediately . I slowly walk down the road , heading for the school building straight ahead . " If you walk any slower , that snail will probably pass you . " 2/6 9:01 Tue , Oct 14 B Chapter 4 家 # 8 I turn my head , my eyes widening in surprise as they land on Jake Melvin . He's right behind me , dressed in a white shirt , jet black skinny jeans and a leather jacket . He's holding a unlit cigarette in one hand and a lighter in the other , looking extremely annoyed . The encounter with him flashes through my mind and I smile at him tightly . He raises one brow at me , his eyes quickly scanning over my body . Cat got your tongue Muffin ? He says bluntly and I frown , shooting him a glare . He shrugs it off , stepping around me before walking a few steps ahead . I sigh and switch my bag again , unable to stop the discomfort from flashing across my face . I'm mad at you for being mean yesterday when I apologised . " I say loudly , grabbing his attention . I hear a scoff before he slowly turns around , blue eyes staring straight at me . " I shouldn't have to apologise , you ran into me. " " It was an accident , I'm human . " I protest , ignoring the nerves building in my stomach from being underneath his intense gaze . " Manners don't cost a penny Jake Melvin . " I scold him , attempting to walk ahead of him in a huff . The pain in my sides makes that impossible and to my dismay , I have to slow down . " Whatever you say Emily Wentworth . " Jake mimics me , placing the cigarette inside his mouth and lighting it . I grimace and take a step away from him . " You're extremely annoying , " I mumble under my breath which earns a smug smile from Jake . He blows the smoke out in my direction and I immediately begin to choke on it . His laughter fills the air as he walks off , leaving me shooting daggers in his direction . ***** I can't numb the pain , the limp when I walk is so obvious . I swallow two painkillers and lean against the back of the chair , waiting for them to take effect . I decide to arrive early so I can sit down in class without anyone noticing my discomfort . I managed to clean up the cut on the side of my head and it's now disguised cleverly with my hair . My stomach is still pulsing from the pain , every little movement causes my eyes to flutter shut and my head to spin with dizziness . I groan and place my head on the desk , waiting for the room to stop spinning . The class door opens and a few of my classmates enter , shooting an awkward look my way . I quickly sit up , giving them a weak smile . I take out my books slowly and pretend to be fascinated with trigonometry . If I kept my head down , maybe no - one will notice the pain on my face or my eyes . A few minutes pass before the teacher walks in , greeting us all . I wave at Trish as she pulls up next to me , looking as fabulous as ever . Her blonde hair has been straightened and flowing down her shoulders . Her makeup is immaculately done and her nails are painted a bright blue . She is such a Barbie . She turns towards me , flashing me an award winning smile before frowning - " Are you feeling okay Emily ? You look pale . " I'm fine Trish , just a little run down . " She grimaces and nodded in agreement , leaning closer towards me . " Time of the month ? " She whispers , sympathy flashing through her eyes. I smile weakly in response . " Yeah , I feel like I've been ran over , multiple times . " 3/6 9:01 Tue , Oct 14 B Chapter 4 It isn't the the truth but not entirely a lie either . " ( 8 ) 88 Three fifty please . " I nod and reach for the coins inside my pocket , handing them over . The lunch lady smiles at me , pushing my plate of steaming hot pasta and garlic bread towards me . " Enjoy your lunch sweetheart . " " Thank you , " I smile , taking it from her and walking towards the table in the far corner . Trish is already seated with a few other girls and several boys . She's chatting away loudly , occasionally pausing to laugh or giggle . Her eyes land on me and she grins widely , patting the seat next to her . I sit down , grimacing as a jolt of pain flares up my side . It takes a few seconds of inhaling and exhaling deeply to get the pain to subdue . Trish fishes around for something in her bag , noticing the discomfort in my face . " Here take these . It works wonders for period pain . Like seriously , your uterus will forever thank me . " She placed two tables in my palm and I nod weakly at her , going along with it . I can't tell her that it's not period pains , I don't even have periods anymore due to the beatings . My periods are irregular , sometimes on for weeks , off for months . It's hard to establish whether I'm bleeding from a period or from the abuse . " Thanks Trish , " I mumble quietly , pushing my pasta around on the plate . I suddenly don't have much of an appetite left for food . " Carbs are your best friend on a period Emily . Why are you neglected that plate of carby goodness ? " Trish asks me , making light of the situation . I can see the worry flash through her eyes and I plaster a faux smile on my face . " I'm just not very hungry , that's all . " Trish nods , leaning over to give me a quick hug . As I return her embrace , my eyes locked with a intense stare from the opposite side of the room . I immediately feel my heart stop for a second as he tilts his head , studying me . The blue of his eyes burns through mine and I can't tear my eyes off him . His expression remains emotionless and I watch , wide - eyed as he stands from his table . He takes several strides towards us , his steps smooth . Trish follows my gaze and she frowns as her eyes land on Jake Melvin . Everyone around the table silences , the conversation coming to an abrupt stop . Jake doesn't seem bothered by the reaction , his face remaining expressionless as he walks right towards me . I can feel my heart thumping wildly against my chest , threatening to burst through . The entire time , Jake stares directly at me , searching my eyes for answers . ' Can I talk to you ? " I simply stare back at him , my mouth slightly parted . His scent immediately wraps itself around me , causing my thoughts to turn hazy and blurred . " Um- " " It's important . " He shoots back instantly , ignoring the burning stares he's getting from everyone around the table . I swallow the lump 4/6 9:01 Tue , Oct 14 B ... Chapter 4 C in my throat and nod , pushing myself up Pain shoots through my side from the sudden movement and I squeeze my eyes shut , trying to not let the pain show in my face . " Emily ? Trish asks me uncertainly , glancing warily between me and Jake . I gave her a re - assuring look . " It's okay Trish , I'll be right back . Mrs Wilkins wants me and Jake to set up the science class for the next group of students . I explain , hating that I'm lying to her . I can't tell her the real reason . Trish silently searches my face for a few moments before nodding . I wave at her as I leave the canteen , heading for the doors with Jake following me behind . I can sense his presence , it's causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up pin straight . " You could have come up with a better excuse than that Wentworth . " I'm not exactly a professional at lying to my friends at such quick notice . " I hit back , annoyed at him . I push through the doors , heading towards the school corridors that are deserted during lunch hour . Jake silently follows me behind , his hands stuffed inside his jacket pockets . Once I'm satisfied we aren't going to be seen , I spin around , forgetting that I was badly beaten this morning . My hand immediately presses against my stomach in an attempt to decrease the pain . Jake's eyes darken and he takes a step forward towards me . His hand reaches out , landing on my waist where he holds me cautiously . " What's wrong ? " He questions , his voice a low rumble . I grit my teeth , blinking back tears . Even through the pain , my body flares up in heat from his touch . I silently curse myself for reacting to his simple action . I look up at him , masking over the pain in my eyes . " Girl stuff , " I shrug off , leaning against the wall casually . I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from crying out in pain . Jake searches my face silently and I know instantly he doesn't believe me . He shakes his head , dark hair falling over into his eyes . I focus on the wall behind him so that I wouldn't stare . " What do you want to talk to me about ? " I ask him , a blush creeping up my cheeks . I can feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach with nerves . Is this when Jake confronts me over yesterday ? " I want to apologise . " My head snaps back so I'm looking directly at him , at his eyes . I swear , my mouth actually drops open in shock a little . " You want to apologise to me ? " I ask , the shock evident in my voice . He doesn't reply but instead nods at me . " Since when does Big Bad Jake apologise ? " Jake chuckles quietly , the corner of his lips twitching up . Huh , he's cute when he smiles . " Big Bad Jake ? Please tell me that's not what people call me . That would seriously ruin my street cred . " ' Not people , just me . " I smile , fiddling with my hands . Jake glances at me from under his thick dark lashes , blue eyes searching mine . I feel my stomach somersault , my heart beginning to pick up pace . I drop my gaze to the floor and clear my throat , angry at myself for reacting to him the way I do . I can't help it , the boy is beautiful despite being annoying as hell . " I want to apologise for yesterday . I wasn't watching where I was going . " I blink in surprise , glancing up at him . He sighs in defeat before continuing 5/6 9:01 Tue , Oct 14 B Chapter 4 ... : 7 88 And I'm sorry for blowing smoke in your face , that was rude . " A small smile stretches across my lips and I'm grateful . My hand is permanently clutching my stomach where the pain is throbbing . I need to sit down , soon . Don't worry about it , " I reply quietly , remembering how Jake noticed the fear in my eyes yesterday . Why is he acting so apologetic ? Since when does Jake care about what other people think of him ? " Jake , seriously . It's cool , " I repeat , giving him another smile . If we don't end the conversation soon , I'm scared I'll end up passing out from the pain . " Well not the smoke thing because that's simply disgusting . Do you know second hand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking ? It's very bad for ... " I drift off as I notice him watching me , an amused expression across his face . Humour flashes through his eyes and he smirks , his eyes dropping to the floor . I look at the floor sheepishly but realise I've made a bad move . Dizziness immediately hit me , my legs buckling underneath my weight . If I don't sit down soon , I will definitely pass out . Jake takes a step forward , his scent invading me completely . I'm pressed as far up into the wall as I can go , using it to support my weight . " Are you sure you're okay ? " His face is beginning to blur through my vision , his voice becoming a short buzzing sound . I nod my head weakly , scared that if I open my mouth to reply , I'll cry instead . Black spots appear in front of me and I feel myself stumble on my feet unsteadily , my body screaming out in agony . His hands are immediately around me , holding me up whilst I recover from my state of darkness . I whimper quietly , shaking my head so that he'd leave me alone , I barely know him . His head dips low until his lips met my ears . ' I think you're forgetting who I am , " he murmurs down my ear , his hands holding my body firmly in place . " You can't lie to me Emily , I'm surrounded in a world of pain . Don't think I'm not able to sense it when it's all I feel around you . " I don't reply and focus on clearing my vision instead . Chapter Comments 13 Write Comments