Annabelle
Beep! Beep! Beep, my alarm blared into my ears. I flung my arm and pressed the button that would reset it. It kept going for a few more moments then shut off, it's like it doesn't know that its sound could wake a hibernating bear from its slumber. I sat up and yawned, last night I barely got any rest because I stayed up working on my website. I moved off the bed and stretched my tired limbs, they groaned as I raised them above my head and out in front of me. I looked around my room, it was a normal room for a smart, neat teenager that liked to be up to date in the latest electronic devices.
My dark, wooden desk, that was just polished, was off to the side where the ceiling seem to tip into my room, like it weighed down so much it started slanting to get the excess weight off. On top of the desk, was a highly enhanced computer that had a holographic keyboard and a basic one in the drawer just in case the holographic one messed up. The screen was wide so it would magnify the pixels, making everything big and focused for the user. It was blown up by messages from Belle's Tips and Tricks,my website, a website based on simple stuff: easy steps on getting your homework done in less then ten minutes, chats on how the computer systems should be modified if you haven't modified it yourself, games, life things, school things. It's a real surprise that people actually like it, it's like a nerd network. My fingers fly over the keyboard, checking this and that, until the screen is normal again. I check the time, 6:11, six minutes slower then the usual of 6:05, I quickly shut it down to sleep mode.
I reach over and grab the clothes that I planned to wear, a simple blouse with a jacket and jeans, then walk into the bathroom. I stop and looked at myself in front of the mirror, icy green eyes jumped from my pale skin. My dark honey blonde hair flowed around my shoulders in small waves, a strand or two fell into my eyes. I grabbed my brush and raked through the messy tangles of my hair, then pull it into a ponytail. I went through the normal routine: brush teeth, floss, change into clothes, put on deodorant and perfume, then walk out of the bathroom. I glanced around my room again, my eyes fall on my backpack. A Geometry textbook fell out of it along with the green folder, making papers fall out of the folder. I was tempted to just leave it there, just grab the backpack and leave the book there on the floor, the papers scattered about, but I know I can't. If it wasn't what I know what will happen if I leave it there, my OCD would kick in immediately. I sighed and crouch down, taking out the green folder and placing the papers inside them, then neatly put the folder and textbook back in the backpack.
Heavy knocks falls onto my door then a booming voice yells, “Get up!”
“I'm already up,” I replied.
“Well then, get out of your room, stupid girl!” My stepfather yelled. I could tell that he was drunk and that I should wait until he goes back to his room before I come out, I had to learn that the hard way. Staggering footsteps walk away from my door and opens the door that is at the end of the hallway. I throw my backpack over my shoulder and, as quietly as I could, opened the door then glanced around before stepping out of the room and into the hallway. I quickly walk over to the stairs and hurry down them, I turned into the kitchen and found my mother dancing around from the stove, refrigerator, and table. Her long, dark brown hair was tied back into a tight bun. Her cheeks were a little pink from having working over the stove.
“Hey Mom,” I call, snapping her out of her trance. She looked up at me and smiled, showing off her bright green eyes, but then went back to work, “Do you need any help?” I asked.
“I'm fine, sweetie, but you should get going,” she replied.
“You sure? It's not even 7 yet, I can help,” I persisted.
“Okay, can you prepare you stepfather's coffee?” She said. I set my backpack on the floor and went over and grabbed the coffee pot, Mom looked up for a second and smiled again. I smiled back at her then started to feel up the coffee pot up. I stiffened when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs, thinking it was my stepfather's footsteps, but when I looked up I saw Devin.
“Hey sis, morning Mom,” he yawns. He stretches his long, tanned, muscular arms and run a hand through his thick, chestnut locks. His dark forest green eyes met mine but soon closed because of another yawm.
“Still tired, sleepy head?” I teased, “You didn't spend all night playing video games, or catching up on homework?”
He glared at me but a smile was on his face, “No, thankfully I got my homework done two hours before 11 o'clock,” he said.
I walked over to the cabinet and got out his cereal and tossed it to him. He caught it right before it hit his face. “Aw, I hoped you wouldn't catch it,” I complained.
He laughed, “My reflexes are trained from football.”
I shook my head and set the coffee pot on the stove so it would warm up then grabbed an apple. I looked at my watch, 6:59, “Mom, I'm going.”
“Alright, sweetie, have a good day,” she said without glancing up from her task.
“See you at school, sis. You sure you don't want me to drive you?” Devin asked.
I smiled and said, “Nah, I'm fine.” I grabbed my backpack, bit into the apple, and started walking to the door, but Devin stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.
“Are you sure? You really don't have to walk there, I could just drive you.” He persisted.
“I'm fine, I like walking,” I said and shrugged his hand off, then headed out the door.
I arrived at school at 7:18, I had over thirty minutes to wait for the bell to ring. Nobody was there except the staff: the teachers, principals, custodians. I smiled at the teachers as I passed them, they were used to seeing me before any other student got there. I walked down the winding hallways, passing the doors of the upper class men and the other hallways. Once I reached the cafeteria, I took my seat at one of the tables. Kids started arriving, all walking sluggish like they just rolled out of bed, which they probably did.
I watch one of the sophomores that rode the bus, one with light blonde hair and a sufer's tan, come and stop next to me. I took a deep breath and blew it out and turned to look at him. “What do you want Bryan?” I asked.
I watched a wicked grin cover his face making it clear to see his blinding white teeth. His coffee eyes gleam with that glint I've come to know since I entered this school. “You know what, nerd, where's my Geometry homework that you 'helped' on.” He said. His brown, cropped hair fell into his eyes and he shook it to get it back into place.
“Yeah, 'helped' means forced me to do it because your little brain can't handle the simple problems,” I muttered to myself. “Just wait a minute, it's in my backpack,” I said to him.
I moved from my seat and started to unzip my backpack, but before I could get it out Bryan grabbed my wrist and gripped it till it hurt. His mouth was next to my ear when he hissed, “What did you just say, nerd?”
I flinched mentally, I hoped he had missed that. “Nothing, all I said was ' just wait a minute, it's in my backpack'.” I lied through my teeth, my eyes zip around and I know he noticed it.
“You're lying, nerd,” he whispered into my ear. I didn't have to see the grin on his face because I heard it in his words. He yanked my arm and forced me to follow him down the hallways. We turned and headed outside into the courtyards. He threw me down on the grass, getting grass in my dark, honey-blonde hair and leaves on my blouse. He crouched down and locked eyes with me. I saw the glint in his eyes again, but this one was different it was his 'I'm about to beat you because you called me stupid' glint and not his 'You're just a nerd and give me my complete and correct homework' glint.
“I heard you say my brain was small and wasn't smart enough,” he growled and shook his head, “you'll definitely will regret saying that.”
“Please don't harm me, I won't do it again,” I whimpered.
He punched me in my stomach and air rushes out of me. Another one comes and another, making me gasp like a fish trying to get enough water in its gills. He chuckled, a dark rumble sound, “You better not.” He grabbed my hair and yanked it, I felt the strands pulled and tugged at my tender skin. He slammed my head back and I watched stars dance into my vision. Another blow came to my side and then I felt a kick hit my thigh. It goes on and on, I feel certain that I was going to pass out. He stopped and stepped back, a low moan escaped my mouth. “Get up!” He commanded and I did so, knowing if I didn't he would hit me again. He grinned as he watched me struggle to get up, he shook his head, “You're so weak and pathetic, Annabelle.”
I wanted to glare at him but I force myself to keep on looking down. “Sorry about calling you stupid.” I murmured.
He chuckled again, “Of course you are, nobody in their right mind would insult intentionally one if the star quarterback of our school.” He studied me before he talked again, this time his voice was soft, “You know, you could prevent all of this.”
I raised one of my eyebrows, “Like just doing as I am told?” I guessed, sarcasm dripped off the words.
He didn't laugh, “No, Annabelle, all you have to do is accept the fact that you can be popular. The girls would love to have you in their little group. All you have to do is to ditch thoes friends of yours.” What he means the girls and their little group is just a bunch of the popular kids; Lydia(his girlfriend, head cheerleader), Millay, Kris, and the other girls.
“I'll rather go through your beatings then ditch my friends and hang out with thoes girls.” I whispered.
I felt a steel punch hit me square in my back, I fell face first to the ground. “Don't you dare say anything about Lydia,” He growled. “You're just like them, you just don't want to accept it.”
“I'm not like thoes girls,” I replied from clenched teeth.
He yanked me to my feet by my collar, “You better get inside before the teachers think somethings up. If it wasn't them, you'll probably be in for another round. But don't worry, summer is just around the corner, actually only a month away.”
As soon as he let go of my collar, I flew out of there, wanting to get out of his sights. Everyday I have faced this over and over, same process. With summer almost here, and him living on my block, I be in his grasp for even longer amount of time. I reached the table again and ripped out the green folder and threw it on the table. As I looked at it, I promised myself one day I'll be tough enough to face him. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him walk back in the cafeteria like nothing happened and briefly looked at me then shift his eyes to the folder on the table. The grin returned on his face and I shivered. He walked over to the table and I handed him the folder.
“Annabelle, think about that offer.” He whispered and then turned and walked away.
“Never,” I whispered under my breath. I moved back into my seat and rest my head on the table. My back and side flared with every beat of my racing heart, I let out another low moan.
I heard footsteps come my way, I reasoned that it was probably just one of my friends. Books dropped on the table and a chair squeaked against the floor. I looked up and see one of my closest friends I have staring at me in concern. With his dark, midnight black hair, bright blue eyes, and rich caramel skin, Hunter was clearly the handsomest of our group and of the freshman class. His black, fitted t-shirt hugged his chest and he had his signature blue-jean jacket on over it.
His eyes locked with mine and I tried for a smile that didn't worked, the corners of his mouth drooped into a frown. His eyes looked over to my unzipped backpack, “Your backpack is unzipped you know, your stuff could fall out.” He leaned over and zipped it back up, but he could still see the Geometry textbook stuffed in there, his frown deepened. He leaned back into his chair again and locked eyes with me, forcing me to look at thoes startling blue eyes. “What is a freshman like you, have a Geometry textbook in her backpack.” He asked softly.
I looked away, “Maybe I'm secretly taking Geometry a year ahead of schedule?” I said with a nervous grin.
He laced his fingers together and placed them on the table, “Or you are being forced by a sophmore, perhaps one of the football players, to do their homework.” He inferred.
“I believe it's the first conclusion,” I replied.
He let out a breath and shook his head, “Ann look at me please, straight in the eyes, and repeat that.”
I shift my eyes to his, his bright blue eyes boring into my ice green ones. I took a deep breath and opened my mouth, then shut it. I swallowed hard and opened my mouth again, “The latter one is correct,” I mumbled.
He sighed and looked me over again, “He beat you, didn't he?” He asked quietly.
I buried my face in my hands, “Is it that obvious?” I whispered.
“Only if they have known you as long as I have,” he replied. “You need to tell someone about it, Ann, or it will just get worse.”
I shook my head, “It's a lose-lose situation, Hunter. On one hand, we have telling an adult or teacher, a hard beating and more after that from him, it would probably anger so much he would call a few buddies to help. On the other, beatings everyday, but less likely to hurt as much. I'll take my shots on the second one.” I replied.
Hunter grunted, “Can I at least teach you some basic defense moves so you won't be in so much pain?” He asked.
I laughed, but cut it short for it brings another wave of pain. “I don't know. If I try to defend myself, I'm not for sure what he'll do.”
He shook his head, “He's bullying you, Ann. Beating you, forcing you to do his homework, to name some of the affects of his bullying.” His eyes seemed to bore into me, like he could see all the pain and hurting that hid behind my eyes.
I shrugged, “My fault for being a nerd, I guess.” I chewed my lip, I hoped he would just drop the subject.
He sighed and opened his mouth to speak before he closed it again, his eyes watched something in the distance. I turned around in my chair, bringing on some of the pains from the action, and found another person coming, one of friends in our group. I looked back at Hunter, finding his eyes back on me, “We'll talk about this later.” He muttered.
“Hey Hunter, hi Ann, how are you guys?” A dark brown, almost black hair with breezy blue eyes and pale skin girl asked.
“Morning, Katy,” I greeted. Her real name was Kathrine, but we called her Katy for short.
“Just fine, Katy,” Hunter said with a smile.
She sat next to other side of me, while Hunter moved my bag and moved into the seat next to me, so we wouldn't have to strain our voices for Hunter to hear us. High school students never want to be quiet.
“My teachers are so mean,” she complained, “piles of homework in every subject.”
Hunter and I looked at each other and started laughing, Hunter actually doubled over in his chair, Katy just looked at us bewilderment. “You're taking regular classes, Katy, while us two are suffering through the hard stuff in honors classes.” I said between laughs.
Hunter nudged me with his elbow, “You think she could understand the math problems we been doing?” He asked. I shook my head and we laughed even harder.
Katy pouted, but a small smile twitched at the corners of her mouth, “Well sorry, my small delicate brain can't handle thoes problems. I can barley get through some of the easy stuff!”
Hunter and I finally stopped laughing, Hunter grinned, “You can take it Katy, you just don't want to,” he stated.
Katy rolled her eyes, “Like I said, I can barley get through the easy ones.” She whined.
I smiled, “Katy, Katy, Katy, I've saw your last report card, your passing it with flying colors. You could take honors and you know it.”
She blew out a breath, “I know, I know, but I'm just to lazy.”
“Excuses, excuses,” I sighed.
Katy pouted again, “If I took honors, my brain wouldn't obtain all of the information.”
“So it would just flood out of your ears?” Hunter asked, sarcastically.
“Yes,” she conformed.
I shook my head, “Poor Katy, poor poor Katy.”
We all laughed again, but I stopped short, the pain returning worse from the constant laughing, I flinched. Hunter noticed but didn't say anything, although his gaze spoke the unspoken words. It said, 'you really need to tell someone,' I shook my head. He sighed.
“So, where's Luke and Lizzy?” Katy asked.
“Right here,” said a voice behind us.
Bright flaming red hair and deep chocolate brown hair and tanned skin struck our sights and Katy hopped out of her chair. “You guys definitely will have to stop doing that.” She stated.
Luke smiled and flipped his dark mocha brown hair and olive-tone skin, his coal black eyes glinting, “I still remember that one time...”
Katy slapped her hand across his mouth from keeping him from saying more. “Don't you say a word,” she whispered harshly.
His eyes teased her, and she started back at him. I looked at Hunter and rolled my eyes, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but it did not reach his eyes.
We heard a loud smack! Hunter and I turned around and saw Luke rubbing his cheek and Katy glaring at him, while Lizzy was laughing.
Hunter shook his head while making a tsk sound. “Luke, don't you know not to mess with Katy?”
Luke grinned mischievously, “Nope.” He replied.
“You're about to get another slap if you don't start behaving.” Katy growled.
Luke laughed, “Your slaps just make me want to laugh.” With that being said, Katy slapped him again. Luke just laughed and rubbed his cheek again.
Lizzy came over and sat on the other side of Hunter and me.“You would almost think they were siblings,” she whispered, her brown eyes trinkling.
Hunter grinned, “Unless you just know them.”
I laughed, “The very first time, the very first, they were arguing over a pudding cup.”
“And ever since we picked on them because of it,” Lizzy finished.
We laughed again as Luke and Katy came over and sat next to us. I looked around at my friends and bit my lip, they've been with me forever, I practically know everything about them. It can't be said for them, they hardly know my battle that I've been struggling ever since I started high school. Hunter was the only exception, I didn't even plan to tell them, he just ran into me after a rough time with Bryan, he was particularly mad that day.
“Can't believe that school is almost over, seems like just yesterday we were sitting at freshman orientation.” Luke sighed.
Lizzy grinned, “In a month, I'll be laying on one of the beaches in Florida.”
“I'll be stuck with my grandma in Michigan for the summer,” Luke muttered.
“I'll be shopping around Nashville, looking for the latest clothes then going to the beach.” Katy sang.
“What about you two?” Lizzy asked Hunter and me.
I shrugged my shoulders, “Just at home, probably reading.”
Luke rolled his eyes, “Can't get you away from books even if it cost your life.”
“Mom and Dad are going to Montana to see Mom's brother, and I'm going to be at home with me, myself, and I.” Hunter replied.
“So you two are going to be staying in this little town all summer?” Katy exclaimed.
“I burn easily, so no going to the beach, and I have little taste in fashion,” I replied.
Lizzy rolled her eyes, “Of course, that's what you say every time.”
I shrugged my shoulders again, “I'm just saying what's true.”
The bell rang and I rushed to get my stuff, then I practically ran out of the cafeteria, I just couldn't hold up with talking to Hunter right then. I hurried to my locker, freshman hall next to Mr. Kingston’s class, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hunter pass me. He met my eyes and set me with a hard stare, he mouthed, We need to talk , I sighed and nodded. After school, the cafe, I promised, he nodded and continued on to his locker, near Mrs. Briggston's classroom. I grabbed my Calculus, World History, and Biology I textbook and my band folder. I shut my locker and turned to find Lydia smirking at me. Lydia was just annoying girl that whined out of doing her homework and just waving a pom-pom in a short skirt. The only reason that most guys follow her like she was royalty is because of perfectly tanned skin, bright blonde hair, and crystal blue eyes.
“Heard that you insulted my boyfriend,” she said causally, smacking her gum.
“Lydia, you need to spit the gum out,” I sighed.
She glared at me but smiled. She took her gum out, only to put it on my forehead. I gasped and tears started to well up at the corner of my eyes but I forced them back, I would not cry in front of her, another thing to pick on me for. “Fine, would you be a dear and throw that away for me?” She said with a evil grin, I nodded.
“Of course,” I murmured.
She smiled, and right before she left, she 'accidentally' knocked my books out of my hand, “Oops,” she said with a flutter of her eyelashes. “I'm so sorry.”
“It's okay,” I mumbled. She left, her hips swaying, I got a napkin out of my purse and wiped off the gum before it started hardening. I bent down and gathered my books back in my hands. I felt the tears rising and I hurried to the bathroom, throwing away the napkin, and locked myself in a stall and let the tears come.
It had always been like that, them targeting me and picking on me. They had enough people so that there would be someone everywhere I went. Every class, pencils disappeared, falling when one them would trip me, anything you could think of they would do. I sniffed and wiped my eyes, only three minutes to class, I don't want anyone asking why I had been crying. I stood and exited the bathroom and walked to my class, Mr. Hudgeford, Calculus.
As I entered the classroom I noticed Mr. H looking up at me from his desk, class had started over five minutes ago. I walked over to him, “Pardon me for the lateness, I had to do something will quick.” I apologized.
“Don't worry, Annabelle, it was only a few minutes. It does take a while to get here from your locker.” He said smiling, “I just hope you remember the test that is today.”
I smiled, “Of course, Mr. H, couldn't forget it.” I replied. I turned and walked over to my seat. As I did, I moved into the seat in front of Amber, one of Lydia's entourage, was glaring at me. Another reason for my bullying, teachers loved me and dismissed anything, even though it barely happened. I really wished that she was more than one seat behind me, she would always look at my answers on test and homework. I blew out a breath and took a pencil from my purse.
“Today we are having are final test of the school year, I hope you all have studied for this.” Mr. H announced.
“You better make sure I get a good grade, you remember last time,” Amber hissed in my ear.
Of course I remembered last time. The previous test we had, I tricked Amber by marking down the wrong answers then changing them when she got up and turned in her test. Amber immediately told Lydia, who went and told Bryan. One of the worst beatings I have gotten, I actually went home with a black eye and bruised limbs.
“I know, it won't happen again,” I whispered.
“Better be,” she muttered.
I sighed and Mr. H passed out the tests. I positioned mine to where she could see it, and started answering the questions. I made sure I doubled check my answers as I worked, I didn't want to put down wrong answers giving her a reason to say I did it on purpose to make her fair and then get beaten. When I got up to turn my test in, I saw a triumphant smile flicker across her face. When I returned to my seat, I pulled out my book and started reading, like the usual. I was glad when the class was over; I literally rushed out the door before Amber could do anything. I really hope Mr. H wasn't getting suspicious.
In my hurry to get out of the door, I ran into Hunter in my rush. I gasped, “I'm so sorry, Hunter, so sorry.”
Hunter smiled, “It's fine, my fault for standing in front of the door. Why are you rushing, though?” He asked his bright eyes boring into mine. I dropped my eyes, bit my lip, and started walking away. I didn't get far. Hunter's hand gripped my arm and made me pause. “Annabelle.” He warned, getting a little irritated.
“It's nothing, just trying to get to Mrs. Pot's class, World History, final test.” I said.
He shook his head, “Explain at the cafe,” he finally said. “So, on other things, did you study for the test?”
I smiled at the changed in topic, “Studied my hardest, listening to my father go on and on.”
“Yes, walking history,” Hunter said.
“What about you, Hunter?” I asked.
He laughed, “I was listening outside the window.”
I playfully shoved him, “I knew I heard Hunterly sounds outside.”
He looked at me, a small smile playing on his face, “Come on, we need to get to class,” he said. I smiled at him and his smile grew.
Mrs. Pot's class was the only one without one of Lydia's or Bryan's group members. And one of the only classes I had with Hunter, the only friend I have classes with. We went to our seats, me in the front row with Hunter one seat over on the left. Mrs. Pot handed out the tests and we started on them. Hunter finished first, a few seconds before I did; we smiled at each other when we turned our tests in.
“Seems like you absorb the information better than I did,” I whispered to him.
He quietly chuckled, “No, I just have faster hand-writing.”
We laughed and Mrs. Pot had to shush us before we quieted down, but still quietly laughed.
As the day passed, I went through the daily tormenting, seeing my friends at Lunch and Band, then as soon as the day started it end, finishing with my Chemistry test. As the final bell rang, I grabbed my backpack and headed out the door, meeting Hunter along the way.
“I'm so glad all those tests are done,” I said.
“Ugh, remind me not to take honors classes next year,” he complained.
I laughed, “You better not drop out, I don't want to suffer though it alone.”
We rounded the corner, “So, what happened in Mr. H's class?” Hunter asked. I kept quiet and looked anywhere but Hunter. He grabbed my arm and pulled me in the shade of a big oak tree. “Annabelle, tell me,” he ordered, trying to control his anger.
I looked at my shoes, “Nothing big, Hunter,” I murmured.
He sighed and gripped my shoulders, “I don't care how small it is, I want to know what theyhave done now.”
“Before I had my Calculus test, Amber warned not to pull off that stunt again that I done last time. She said if I did I get a worse beaten then the last. I wouldn't be surprise if she made up something just to have Bryan or one of his members of his stupid group, just to see me get beaten up.” I confessed.
His eyes bored into mine, “There something more, isn't there.”
I shrugged out of his grasp and started walking to the cafe; I heard Hunter sigh and heard his footsteps coming after me. I didn't talk until we entered the cafe, Hunter holding open the door for me which made me roll my eyes.
We sat down in one of the booths that outlined the small cafe, the aroma of coffee beans and other smells filled the room. I sipped my vanilla latte, they owner knew that wee come everyday so she has it prepared ahead of time, and looked out the window. Hunter sat in front of me with his own drink, caramel cappuccino. Whenever I looked from the window, Hunter would glare at me.
“Annabelle,” Hunter finally said.
I closed my eyes, “Yes?” I asked hesitantly.
“What happened?” He asked.
“Before class started, Lydia was outside my locker, actually right behind me. She said she heard that I called her boyfriend stupid, I replied that she needed to take the gum out of her mouth, mistake on my part. She did take her gum out, and in return she stuck it on my forehead, and then knocked my books out of my hands and finally left. But really, Hunter, it's no problem.” I assured him.
Out the corner of my eye, I saw Hunter clench his fist. I gently placed my hand on his and uncurled it. He looked down at my hand and held it in his. “They shouldn't be able to do that.” He said with a shake of his head.
“It is fine, Hunter. I am perfectly fine.” I said.
His eyes shot back to mine, his eyes bright, “Really?” He muttered, “Do you remember Zeke?” He asked. I looked down, of course I remember him, he was Hunter's older brother. I nodded. “Zeke was bullied in his sophomore year, Ann. Each time I came back from school, he would look worn out, and when I would ask him about it he would just wave me off, said he was fine.” He paused, studying me, “Two years later, his senior year, he tied cement block to his ankle and pushed it off a bridge. He drowned in less then nine minutes.” He finished, I looked at him and I saw tears at the corner of his eyes.
“I know,” I whispered.
“I don't want you to end up like that, put to the point where you commit suicide to escape it.” He said.
“I won't, I promise.” I replied.
He took a sip of his cappuccino, “That what he said the night before he did it.”
“Hunter, I promise that won't happen,” I promised.
His grip on my hand tightened, “Why have you let it go on this long?”
I sighed, “Afraid, mostly.” I confessed.
“Of what?” He asked.
I shrugged, “Counseling, sadness from my mother, anger from my brother, people looking at me in a different perspective.”
“Ann, people would always look at you differently.” Hunter said.
Tears gathered in my eyes, I sniffed, “Yes they would, but they'll think I am a person that needs to be watch for. Then my brother will turn into one of thoes over protective ones, mom will think she failed. I'll let so many people down, Hunter.” I cried. Now the tears were coming down my cheeks like rivers, I let go of Hunter's hand and placed my head on the table with my arms around it. I let myself cry in front of Hunter for the first time in ages, way back when Zeke died. I heard Hunter get up from his seat and came and sat by me, gently pulling me in his embrace. I cried into his chest while he stroked my hair.
“Sometimes it's good to let things out,” Hunter whispered, “letting go of them and not keeping them inside, letting them build up.”
“I don't want to go through that,” I whispered after I knew I wouldn't cry.
He rubbed my back, “It's alright, Ann, you just need to get it stop.”
“But if I do...,” I trailed off.
He sighed and pulled back so he could look at me, “So? The only people that would know, would be the ones that you tell. All you need to do is to tell the councilor or the principal.”
“I don't think I could do it.” I admitted.
“Says the girl that stood up to one of them and made them fail a test,” he rolled his eyes. “Ann, I know you can do it, you just don't have faith in yourself.”
I swallowed, “Can't I try to last till the end of the school year?”
He sighed, “If you want to suffer more, be my guest.” Hunter brought me into his embrace again and rubbed my back.
I couldn't help mulling over about what Hunter said. Am I really making myself suffer more by waiting until next school year? I closed my eyes and let myself drift in thought. After a few moments, I felt Hunter stiffened.
“What are they doing here,” Hunter hissed under his breath.
I opened my eyes and moved my head a little. I watched Bryan, Lydia, and some of their gang walked into the cafe. Hunter's arms tightened around me, I turned my head and buried my head into his chest. I shivered.
“Keep your head down, hopefully they won't see you.” He softly commanded me. I did so.
**Hunter**
I glared at the group that just walked in, Lydia was smiling and flipping her hair, Bryan laughing at what someone just said, the others laughing or just standing their trying to look like they belong in the group. I glanced down at Ann, she was slightly shaking. I gently stroked her hair, trying to calm her down. I looked up and saw Bryan looking at me, expression of confusion on his face. Shoot.
I looked back down at Ann and whispered, “Stay here, I'll be back in a moment.”
She looked at me, “What are you going to do?” She asked.
“Just stay here,” I commanded. I scooted out of the seat and stood, the whole time with Bryan watching me. I then walked over to him and his group.
“Bryan,” I greeted.
Bryan crossed his arms over his massive chest, “What do you want n..., I mean Hunter?” I smirked, even though he was the star quarterback of the school's football team, he was still intimidated by me. Most people in the freshman class, and some in the upper grades, thought I was the most handsome in the school with Bryan in second. The day Bryan figured that out he sought me out and cornered me in the hallway, and let's just say that he never messed with me again.
“What are you and your gang doing here? We all know that you hate this place and their drinks.” I replied coolly.
He shrugged, “Decided I would just come here,” he said.
I sighed, “You're just here to mess with Annabelle.” I confronted.
One of his eyebrows rose, “And why would you say that?”
My jaw clenched, “Drop the act, I know how you treat Ann.”
“Hi Hunter,” Lydia said, flipping her hair flirtatiously. “What brings you here.”
My gaze never left Bryan, “I just ask your boyfriend here the same thing.”
“Oh? We're just here for Bryan wanting to talk to Annabelle.” Lydia stated.
Bryan glared at her, “Lydia, would you go out of the cafe, I'll see you in a minute, babe. Bring the others out there too.”
“Okay,” she said, “see you at school Hunter.”
Bryan watched Lydia and the rest of them before he spoke again, “What do you want.” He finally said.
I narrowed my eyes, “You know what, leave Ann alone.” I replied.
He chuckled and rolled his eyes, “Dude, you can't tell me what to do. And anyway, Annabelle has never said anything about it, so no harm done.” He said.
“No harm done? If it was no harm done, then why does she limp after every harsh beating from you or one of your guys? Why does she cry after every time you girlfriend or one of her snotty friends slaps her, sticks gum to her forehead, or threatens her? If there was no harm done, I wouldn't have seen her shivering out of cold fear when you and your group entered the cafe, I wouldn't see tear stains when I see her almost every morning and afternoon. What can you say about that?” I snapped. I was fuming form his stupid act, acting like he didn't do any harm to Ann, that he doesn't make her cry every time she gets a beating from him. He glared at me, “She...,” I could tell he was about to say something about Ann, so I cut him off with a wave from my hand. “Just leave her alone, I don't want to see her beaten on Monday or any other day, I don't want to see tear stains after her class with your girlfriend or one of her friends. If I do, let's just say you’re in for it big time.”
I walked away from him before my fists connected with his stupid jaw. I tried to take deep breaths as I made my way back to Ann, who still had her head down and I could tell that she was still shivering. I scooted in the booth and wrapped my arms back around her. I put my mouth next to her ear, “Shh, it's alright now. They won't bother you anymore, I promise.” I whispered.
I could feel the shivering slowly stop and she took a shaky breath, “Are you sure? You didn't make any deals for my sake, did you? Please tell me you didn't.” As she finished her sentence, she shifted her head to where she could see me. Her bright green eyes were filled to the brims with worry.
I laughed softly, “No, I wouldn't make any deals with that rattled brain. Let's just say I talked to him and now he won't bother you.” I assured her.
She put her head back on my chest, “Okay, as long as you didn't make any deals, I'm fine.”
“You shouldn't be bothered by him and his posy anymore, Ann.” I said as I rubbed her back.
“You’re sure? Bryan is known for lying.” She replied, not convinced.
I laughed, “Don't worry, I'm sure.” I assured her.
“Okay,” she finally said.
ns 15.158.61.20da2
