Behind The Hoodie

Chapter 54: Fighting For My Life

Authors Note: 

Almost 2.0 k reads. Whew, um...I don't think words exist to tell you all how much I appreciate it. Well anyway, due to summer, family stuff and my week long camping trip this will be my last upload for a while. But don't worry! It will be back before the school year. Thank you all so much for your love and support and all I can say now is, get ready and...here we go.

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I wake up to the sun just barely coming up making it still somewhat dark. I get up anyway and turn off my alarm in advance. I dress in some thick jeans that act like leggings and stretch out a bit. I put on an army green t-shirt under my original black hoodie, the one with '97' written in white on the back and is peeling off slowly. I slide on my dirty white converse. 

I go over to my vanity and turn on the fairy lights that hang over it, it lights up and I look in the mirror as I brush through my tangled hair. I slide on a hair tie around my wrist so I can put my hair up for gym class. 

I grab a first aid kit and take off the band-aids that once covered my side, stomach, and back. They are healing alright but bruised nonetheless and a few of the cuts are bigger then I remember them being. I drop my shirt and hoodie back over it as I look back in the mirror. 

This might be the last time I will see myself without blood and scars all over my face. I know to all of you it seems like I'm being overdramatic, I am over thinking what they might do to me. But you don't know all the things they have done to me. Beating up is as far as they will go but they have given me broken arms and legs over stuff like talking back.

With what I have done lately and them not being here yesterday, I know for a fact I will end up with a few broken bones and a torn up face and back. Cause that's just who they are. I get up sighing, knowing if I try to avoid them it will be worse.

I grab my bag as it feels slightly heavier but I don't mind it as I make my way downstairs. The sun starts to come up and I finish making scrambled eggs as they all come downstairs.

"Hey Beth, you alright?" Asher says looking to me as I hand him a plate.

"Yeah, I'm good. Go eat, we gotta leave soon," I say smiling at him.

He walks over to the table and Rain and Leo soon come down. I hand a plate to each of them as I didn't make any for me.

And we soon all head out. I decided to walk today though, not fighting and not moving around as much gets to me and makes me feel antsy so I walk.

I soon make it to the school and meet up with the guys in the parking lot as I plaster a smile on my face. Can't lie but I can act.

They all smile at me with puzzled looks as I walk over to them and see Willow with them.

"No bike?" Gray asks raising an eyebrow.

"No, decided to walk today."

We all head in and go to our classes. I finish art and the bell soon rings for us to head out to the halls for the break. There is construction outside so we all stay inside. Becky left before last period. 

I get ready to walk to my next class but as I do a hear a deafening roar. It comes in bits and pieces and I recognize it.

"Gunshots." I breathe out quietly.

This can't be happening. Screams and cries sound as I rush to the nearest room. Surveillance room. I quickly lock the door and look at the cameras. Luckily this room is hidden and has no windows.

My eyes scan over them as I watch kids running and screaming. Some on the floor, begging and pleading on their knees not to be shot while others lay there. I put my hand over my mouth and hang onto the table as I feel dizzy and tears surface to my eyes.