I spent the past hour trying so hard to hide the purple bruise on my left temple with my hair, the make up I put on it couldn't disguise it enough. It still looked somewhat conspicuous.
A few minutes later, I finally managed to cover it up. Although I didn't feel like going anywhere considering that I could barely walk because of the excruciating pain in my body, I couldn't stay longer in this house either.
As soon as I packed my books, slid my phone in my jeans' pocket and swung my bag over my shoulder, I walked out of my bedroom. I couldn't help but glance from left to right, and I sighed in relief when I didn't see Ben.
I was glad to have spent that morning without seeing his face.
✴
"Leah you owe me lunch," Kate laughed and Leah nodded her head, a bright smile on her face.
"I know. I kind of let you win so don't be all so excited." Kate put her hand on her heart and gasped dramatically.
"Whatever," she muttered under her breath. Leah rolled her eyes playfully.
"Amara, are you okay?" Kate's concerned look caught me off-guard. "You barely said."
I shook my head and smiled lightly, knowing I had to pull myself together. "I'm just tired. Barely slept last night."
"You kind of look like you're in pain." Leah assesed after eyeing me. I instantly shook my head again, ignoring the throbbing pain I felt. The bell then rang, a little burst of relief settling in me.
"No. That's ridiculous. I better rush to class. I don't want to find myself in the bad books of Mr Wilson." I excused myself. Kate and Leah exchanged a look before nodding at me. I took that as my chance and walked in the opposite direction. I couldn't make them even more suspicious than they already were. I clutched onto the straps of my bag tightly, trying to control the pain I was feeling. My stomach rumbled from hunger, reminding me that the last time I ate was yesterday morning. That little thought made me feel the energy slowly escaping my body. I was thankful to make it to class in time, considering how slow I was walking.
I went straight to my seat in the back of the class, grateful to finally be sitting down. I tried by all means not to let the physical pain show on my face. More students poured in and took their seats. When Justin Hazard walked in, I realized that the only reason I was looking at the door was because I was waiting to see him walk in. I didn't know why I thought he wouldn't be here in school today. I glanced at him inconspicuously. He was dressed in dark blue skinny jeans and a black hoodie. His bronze hair was messily falling onto his forehead as he walked. And I didn't realize he was walking towards me until his image came nearer and nearer my vision. And then Justin Hazard was standing in front of me. His eyes met mine for a moment. And then he averted his gaze and took a seat next to me.
Oh great! He sits next to me again.
Mr Wilson walked in and the class went eerily quiet. He had a permanent scowl plastered on his lips and stood in front of the class. We had to stand up, and I hissed a little when I did. And it was the most stupid thing to do because Justin then eyed me. He shamelessly looked at me for sometime. I didn't let my eyes meet his, afraid that he would see the emotions I was trying to hide, so raw in my eyes.
I felt so uncomfortable under his intense gaze. He was the boy I insulted just yesterday and the worst part was that, no one ever insulted him.
"Morning class." Mr Wilson spoke, his voice wild and loud.
The entire period was quite uncomfortable. I couldn't help but feel like Justin Hazard could sense my pain. The way he looked at me, it was as if he was thinking deeply about something. However, I had never let my eyes connect with his and I was thankful that he didn't speak to me once at all. Although I kept on thinking of what he would say when he did. Mr Wilson explained something about an experiment we'd have to do in a few weeks time. I had paid my full attention to him, taking in most of the information as I could. However I couldn't help but think that Justin knew. The way in which he looked at me confirmed it .
It was like he knew I was being abused.
✴
"Hey Amara. Good to see your beautiful face again." Hanna smiled as I entered the library. She had on a long black skirt and a baby pink blouse. Her brunette hair was tied in a high ponytail. She looked somewhat young for a forty year old woman.
"Good to see you too Hanna." I smiled warmly as I sat down on one of the chairs. Hanna came to sit beside me. School was now over. Kate and Leah had left a while ago. I was very happy that Justin Hazard didn't attempt to speak to me today, because a part of me really needed a break.
"Want something to eat? You look rather pale, like yoi haven't eaten anything in a while." Hanna said worriedly. I remembered that I didn't even eat at lunch, so even I knew I looked like I was going to pass out any moment from now.
"Yes please." I replied politely, involuntarily putting a hand on the side of my stomach as pain shot through it. I closed my eyes tightly and bit down on my bottom lip, making sure I didn't wince at all. Hanna looked at me with concern and sadness.
"Amara are you okay? Do you need a doctor?" She asked and I shook my head, smiling at her appreciated concern.
"I'm okay Hanna. I just need some food," I countered and she nodded, though seemingly unconvinced.
"I'll be back," Hannah said before leaving the library. When she returned, she placed a bowl it in front of me. I smiled, thanking her with my eyes. It was a warm pasta with chicken and a salad.
"So...did he do it again?" Hanna suddenly asked and I almost chocked from the food. My head shot up, and I nodded a little. Her question caught me off-guard. I didn't even like talking about this. Events from last night raced in my mind. Him hitting me, dragging me to his bedroom. My screams and protests were like music to his ears. Motivating him to go on. I felt a tear run down my cheek but I quickly wiped it away, although a little late because Hanna had already seen my weakness.
"I think we need to start doing something about it Amara. I know the last time you refused but please reconsider it." Hanna pleaded and I tensed. I didn't even want to think about the spot I was putting her in, but doing something about it would mean something terrible happening to my best friends, and I possibly.
"No. No. Ben is crazy, he will kill Kate and Leah. I can't let that happen." I whispered, scared that someone might hear us although we were the only two left in the library.
"But Amara, at this rate, he's gonna end up killing you. Look at yourself, you are barely conscious. That evil man beats you up black and blue every day. I want to do something to help you. Please. You have become like my other child, I cannot sit back and watch you going through this. I want to help you. I want to do something to help you. I can't just watch you in pain like this every single day. I know how you feel, I've been through that too. Feeling like there's nothing you can do but trust me, Amara, there is always a way out. There is always a way for you to get away, to escape from the hands of that animal because he's gonna end up killing you. It hurts me seeing you like this. Looking like you're about to faint from pain. Yes, Ben might do something if he found out that you reported him but we can be one step above him. The police can arrest him as soon as we inform them. That way, Ben won't be able to do anything behind bars. He will never be able to lay a finger to your friends, even you. Just let me do this Amara, for you, for me and most importantly, for your parents that can't protect you anymore."
When Hanna finished, she was crying. It took me some time to realize that I was crying too. Deep down, I knew that she was right. There's always a way out but I was too scared. Too petrified to report Ben because I knew that he would do what he promised to do. And that was my every day's worst nightmare. I was too scared for my friends' lives. It wouldn't be fair for them to die. It just wouldn't be okay for their lives to be put at risk because I couldn't handle my abusive uncle.
"I'm scared Hanna," I cried. She opened her arms, wrapping them around my body. Her embrace warmed up my cold body. She rubbed my back and we both sobbed.
"I know my girl. I know." She whispered, more tears falling out of my eyes. After what felt like eternity, we slowly pulled away from each other.
"But I...I need to think about it first. I can't make a decision now, my mind doesn't seem to function properly." I said, a little sad grin on my face.
"I understand. But be quick and if he hits you again, ring me and I'm personally coming there to get you.." she chuckled in an attempt of lightening up the moment and I smiled, but it didn't quite reach my eyes.
"I...I have to leave. It's getting late," I said, glancing up at the clock on the wall before getting up.
"I really hate seeing you leave." She frowned. I nodded. That would make the both of us. I didn't want to leeave either.