Chapter 5
Beep…Beep…Beep…
Opening my eyes, they feel heavy, and it”s too bright in here.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Am I in the hospital? What is that noise?
I go to move my arm, but can’t lift it. I look down, seeing it in a cast. My whole body hurts. What the hell happened?
I start to think back. The letter, saying goodbye to Jo, kitchen duty, and the shoe. The shoe! Chelsey! How bad did she hurt me? Why did Cade do this? Is the room getting smaller? I’m freaking out!
My chest is tight. My heart is beating fast, I can feel the pulsing in my ears. I’m beginning to sweat. I can see black spots in my vision. The monitors start making alarming sounds as the door bursts open. I can’t hear. I can’t think. I can’t see.
What is happening to me?
I feel hands all over me. Then I hear a soft, soothing voice.
“Aluxis, sweetie. You need to slow your breathing down. In, hold it, blow it out.” This has to be a nurse, or at least I hope so. I do what she says, breathing in then releasing it. After a few times, I start to feel better.
Once I”m completely calm they check me over. They ask me about the incident and take a report. Learning the extent of my injuries and the lasting effects it”ll have makes my blood run hot. If they want a fucking war, fine. It”s time I show them I’m not to be bullied. They won’t see me coming.
One Month Later
It”s been a month since my attack. I’ve been keeping a close eye on everyone. Since the day I was released from the hospital, I’ve been devising a plan. They think they’ve won. I chuckle to myself and see Chelsey and her girls looking over in my direction. Refocusing on my thoughts and plans, I go back to eating my breakfast.
After breakfast and our tasks are done, we all head to get ready for the day. Today’s going to be a good day. I’m still not cleared to return to the school until Monday, but I was excited to hear Chelsey was sick and would be home today.
“Ms. Tina, I don’t feel well. I think I should stay home.” Jo says, pretending like she will throw up.
“Girl, you ain’t fooling anyone. Your butt is going to school.” Ms Tina laughs, shaking her head at Jo’s antics.
Laughing. “Now you know she wasn’t falling for that.” I turn to look at Jo.
“Last time I left you here, you were hurt. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” she wipes the tears from her cheeks.
“I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“But that busted bitch will be staying home today too.” She turns glaring at Chelsey. “I should just scratch her eyes out.” She says with a sinister smile on her face.
I love Jo but we both know she isn’t a fighter at all. She is all bark and little bite. The first two days back she refused to leave my side, costing her a level. I threw a fit because she shouldn’t have risked it. She just smiled and said, “Fuck that level. They will give it back. Who would be able to give me YOU back?” I just hugged her as tight as I could. She really is my best friend in this whole world.
“Besides you have to keep an eye on the guys for me.” Giving her a huge grin.
“Oh, right. I do! Speaking of which, I have to get ready, babe.” Leaning in. kissing me on the cheek and taking off downstairs.
“IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MY BESTIE WHILE I’M GONE. THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY, CHELLSSSSEEEEYYYY!” She sing songs.
I wait twenty minutes after they leave, grabbing my kit from under my pillow. I sit the brown box on my bed, opening it up. Looking through its contents, I grab what I need and head out of the bedroom.
Game On Bitch!
By the time I get everything set up, the girls are all coming in the door. Just as I walk out of the bathroom I run into Mika, one of Chelsey’s friends.
“Scuse you.” She says, shoving me out of the way.
Jo appears right behind Mika.
“Hey babe. How was the day?” she asks, giving me a hug.
Perfect timing.
“It was fun.” Pulling back so she can see my face, I wink at her and the smile on her face grows. She knows I want her to play along.
“Really? Why? What did you do?” She looks over my shoulder, nods, then winks at me.
“Well, Chelsey apologized and said it wasn’t her idea anyway. That she really likes me and wants to be my friend. She even gave me her locket.” I pull it out and show it to her.
“Hold up! Let me see that.” Mika walks over and inspects it.
“Listen, I know you have no reason to believe me but, it was all her idea. She just said we needed to teach you a lesson. Don’t trust that bitch.”
“Huh, that’s weird. While talking she said that you”re jealous of her. That no one wants a chick who lets her dad fuck her.” I give her a sympathetic look. I see the moment it registers with her. Checkmate!
She storms past, headed out of the bathroom.
“Oh shit, Lux. She is going to kill her. How did you find out that information?” She has a cute little confused look on her face.
“Well… I heard her on the phone telling her mom and so I knew I could use it.”
“Good, and don’t you start feeling bad either.” She reaches out, taking ahold of my hand, giving it a little squeeze.
“Oh, I won’t. They could never feel how I felt. I don’t fight but I will always find a way to make someone pay for hurting me or the ones I love.” I squeeze Jo’s hand. “I love you, Jo.”
“Awe, babe. You know I love you too.” Pulling me in for a hug.
“How was your d..” I don’t get to finish my sentence as we hear a shrilling scream.
Ahhhhhhhhhh!
Stop!
Ahhhhhhhhh!
We see girls rushing down the stairs and follow. We round the corner and stop in our tracks. Mika has Chelsey on the ground. Mika is throwing hit after hit to her face. Chelsey is trying to block the punches but it”s not working.
“You stupid bitch!” Mika lands another hit.
“You want to tell secrets? Let’s tell everyone how you have been going on pass and getting fucked for cash. You bottom feeding, gutter trash, busto!” Another punch lands.
The staff rush in and start pulling Mika off and as soon as she stands, her leg extends, smashing into Chelsey’s nose. Blood pours down her face.
“That’s it! You”re out of here!” Ms. Gina says.
“No more fucking fighting! All of you, get in your rooms!”
We all scatter, heading to our rooms; climbing into my bed. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
This is just the beginning.