Tangled Love

I grimace at the sight of me in the mirror. Dark deep bags circled underneath my eyes and my skin is blotchy and red with a pale undertone. I look unhealthily skinny due to my weight dropping vastly in the past few weeks. When I stretch, my ribs stick out sorely and I clench my teeth tightly, a glossy sheen covering my eyes. I look a mess.

The bandage still covers my gun wound and I don't dare remove it to unveil the ugly scar that lies beneath. I hear a knock on my door and I grab my bath robe, pulling it around me.

"Come in," I say quietly, taking a seat on my bed. The door opens and Pops glances around the door, giving me a small smile.

"Sleep well princess?" He asks me and I nod tightly, feeling terrible for lying to him.

"Good. Emily, you need to attend school today," he says and I groan, throwing a hand over my eyes. I'd completely forgotten about college. The thought of education right now is not appealing in any way, shape or form.

"Can I have the day off please?" I ask him, feeling my stomach tighten further knowing I have a chance of running into Jake. Right now, I want to avoid everyone, curl up in bed and watch Disney movies with a jar of Nutella.

"No Elly, you need to go to school," he sighs, opening the door a little wider. I nod grimly, knowing he's right. I can't hide away forever, no matter how heartbroken I feel right now. I give him a small smile —

"I'll be ready in twenty minutes."

instantly sinking into the warm covers. I nibble on my bottom lip as I try to figure out a way I

I think of Ivory. I hope Jake and I breaking up doesn't mean our friendship will go in the same direction. I view her as a sister and really

the bed an wince a little as a sharp pain jolts through my stomach. Take it easy.

Ha. The irony. . .

So much for taking it

to Jake as I search for an outfit through my little belongings. I can't believe how icy his tone changed towards me. . . It reminded

genuinely lovely, caring person and that's the boy I'd fallen so deeply in love with. Not

ringing through my head but I refuse to believe them. . . Maybe because I

It's who I am.

wear denim jeans with some black converse. My hair is pulled into a high ponytail and I wear little makeup, only using it to attempt to cover up my dark under

in the mirror of the college bathrooms. I still resemble a sleep deprived zombie and my eyes

lesson as the bell rings, signalling the start of the day. My feet drag against the floor and I

quietly, shrinking myself against the walls.