The Player And The Nerd •Jiley•

•PART 23•

"wait James" i interrupted before letting him start the game."I need some water." I hopped off the bed carefully and used one crutches to help me walk on my broken ankle. It was difficult, but even more difficult hopping along with a half full cup of water. Well, half full be-time i got back in my bed.

James chuckled. "let's start now."

"what's your favourite colour" he said starting off. Wow, easier than i thought.

"purple. Favourite subject?"

"probably drama." he told me. We had a few more rounds of pretty basic before things started taking a turn.

"have you got a boyfriend?" he asked me.

"no" i mumbled, slightly embarrassed that i'd never been in a relationship.

"so...who gave you them bruises?" he asked carefully.

I tried to laugh it off. "You only get to ask one question Mr."

"Darn it" he said, trying to laugh but i could see he didn't think this was a joke. Neither did i.

"Have you got a girlfriend?" I asked him.

"Nope" James replied. "single and not ready to mingle" he chuckled looking in my direction.

"Now...who gave you the bruises?" He asked once again.

"Promise not to tell?" i whispered scared. What the hell, i'm actually about to tell him and ruin my whole life.

Maybe it's already ruined. Maybe it's too late to fix.

"Promise" he smiled slightly while linking our pinkies. We could reach since we were pretty much laying next to each other, just in different beds.

"My dad" i said, blinking back the tears and trying not to look like it bothered me. He wasn't someone i'd be calling dad ever again.

"Riley i'm so sorry...why would he ever do that" James said quietly. I just shrugged.

"He found out that i'd bunked of school for like two weeks.He wasn't happy with me. I haven't even seen him since and i hope that i never have to see him again" i said in anger. Quietly yet angered.

"I don't blame you" He told me. "It's the same for my dad."

"i thought your dad seemed nice, he was here earlier and he sounded nice enough" i said confused.

"step dad. And that's my step sister."

"oh" i said, unsure on how to react. "well they're all lovely and care about you a lot" i motioned to to the pile of gifts left in the corner.

"What's your family like? They didn't show up once yet..." He asked riskily.

"My mums ok, we aren't that close though. My dad used to be so caring but he changed too. Now i despise of him. And my sister..well, she's no sister of mine anymore" i shivered. The thought of my family wanted to make me throw up.

"what's wrong with your sister?" he asked.

"She's the favourite child, and because she's older than me she thinks she can boss me about" i said purposely leaving out the bit that she's one of the bullies. One of the reasons my arms are permanently scarred.

"Ri, every siblings are like that" he laughed.

I just shrugged and fiddled with my hands.
"There's more to her than that".

"what's that supposed to mean?" he asked. I could tell he was looking directly at me, which is why i quickly looked down.

"we hate each other. And i know what you're thinking, that we argue sometimes and then make up again. Well no, it's not like that. She despises of me, she practically disowned me as her little sister..we haven't been on good terms since i was like 11 and her 13. My parents are rarely home, and now my sister and dad abuse me. Mentally. Physically. There's no escaping my family" i rambled, ending in a long sigh.

It was silent for a few minutes.

"Riley i'm so sorry" was all he could say.

I've heard that before

"Yeah well don't feel bad for me, my problem not yours" i mumbled, instantly feeling a little guilty for snapping.

"you know you could always come and stay with me on some nights. I know we aren't exactly friends or whatever, but i genuinely want to help and keep you safe" he offered.

"Besides my parents would be happy for you to stay over some nights..maybe not in the same room but yeah" he added, chuckling.

"Thankyou, i'll keep it in mind" i smiled great-fully.

maybe there was hope after all.

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