Trying to distract myself, I thought about Jessica. I couldn't understand why she turned into someone so hateful and mean. I read somewhere that the worst pain is getting hurt by a person you explained your pain to. And boy did I feel that she literally used everything I told her in the past and all my insecurities against me... with the help of the boy I thought loved me. I gave up things I enjoyed like Netball; I was actually really good at that. She used to come to practice just to insult me and make fun of me, to the point where some of my teammates were treating me like an outsider.
Mom was furious when she saw me, I told her that me and Jessica got into a fight and that I engaged in it as well. She wanted to have me report it, but I convinced her that I would get expelled and have it on my record, she gave me a long speech and we agreed it was best to do nothing unless Jessica acted. I knew full well this was not going to happen, because it wasn't the truth. She took me to the emergency room to make sure I didn't have a concussion or broken ribs. I had do have an x-ray and a CT scan done, the doctor said I was fine he did write me a prescription of strong pain medication. He then gave me strict instructions to stay home for at least a week.
When we got home dad and Steven ordered pizza, which we ate while watching a movie. I texted my friends on our group chat, they freaked out and said they would come by the next day.
My parents and Steven made sure I was tucked into bed and that I had everything I needed. Mom stayed behind, sitting on my bed next to me. "Shelby, you know you can tell me anything right?"
"I know mom. I don't know what came over me, we argued, and I lost it." I was shocked at how easily I lied, and I didn't even blush or bat an eyelash.
"Well, I don't want to condone violence, but we all lose it sometimes and if I were there I would've probably helped you kick her ass!"
We looked at each other and started laughing. "I think I would've loved that mom."
She stopped laughing and gave me a serious look. "I need you to know that I am here and if those two scum bags have done anything to you or try something, you can tell me. You are not alone in this, you have so many people who care for you and would do anything to protect you."
I had to swallow the tears, I didn't want any of my family or friends to get involved. It was my mess, my fault, dragging any of them into this would be selfish. "I do know that mom and I appreciate all of you so much. But I am okay, really."
"As long as you know that I would do anything to prevent you from harm. I want you to be okay, always."
The hurt in her voice was evident. I sat up slowly trying not to wake up the pain in my ribs and gave her a hug, she held me back gently. "I'll be fine mom, thank you for being here for me it helps a lot. I'm kind of tired."
She let me go and waited for me to lie back then pulled my blanket over me, giving me a kiss on the forehead. "That's what a mother is for, I love you my baby girl."
"I love you too mommy." I closed my eyes when she switched off the light and closed my door.
My phone vibrated; it was a call from Timmy.
"Hello." I answered.
"Shelby, hi. Listen Nick made me phone to check up on you." I giggled when I heard someone in the background and Timmy whispering something like: Ouch, but it's true you made me call her.
I couldn't wipe the smile from my face, did he really ask Timmy to call me? "Oh, okay. Tell him I'm doing okay and thanks for the concern."
"Well, you can tell him yourself, you are on speaker." I chuckled.
I heard him clear his throat. "Hey Shelby."
"Hi Nicholas,,,"
"How are you holding up?"
Before I could respond Timmy spoke. "Come on man, what you should be asking is what you asked me earlier."
"Oh, and what is that?" I asked.
I heard Timmy. "Ouch man, okay I'm going to get something to eat. You two talk, Shelby I'll speak to you later." I could hear his voice get further away, it made me nervous as it was now just me and Nicholas.
He cleared his throat again. "Sorry about that, Timmy is well... an idiot."
"No, it's fine." I chuckled again.
"So, are you going to tell me what happened at school today?"
"Uhm well... if you really want to know. I got a lecture from my math teacher telling me what I already knew. I suck at Maths."
"Funny, but you know what I meant. I'm asking about what lead to you ending up with a busted lip and a shiner."
I knew that I was hoping I could steer away from that subject. "I know... call it irreconcilable differences."
"Are you getting divorced?" he asked softly chuckling, the sound making me smile even wider.
"Ha ha nice one. I wish I could divorce some of the shit in my life though."
"Really...like?"
"A few things here and there you know."
He was silent for a while. "You aren't really saying much, but I get it."
"Oh you do, do you?" I giggled.
I heard what sounded like something braking in the background and Timmy screaming that he was sorry. "I guess I have to go see what he did,,,"
"Yup you probably should..." I felt sad that our conversation came to an end.
"Take care of yourself Shelby. And well, yeah you'll get through this."
"Bye Nicholas." I ended the call.
I kept thinking about him and his blue eyes, damn those eyes! "What are you doing Shelby? Snap out of it for fudge sake, he was probably raised with morals." I laughed "Oh you are definitely bat shit crazy, talking to yourself Shelby." I closed my eyes eventually falling asleep.
*****
I was lying on someone's chest under my favorite tree, this person was playing with my hair it felt so good. I lifted my head looking into two pair of bright blue eyes, he gave me the warmest smile. "You okay?"
"Nicholas, how are we here?" I wanted to get up, but it felt so good being held by him.
He looked at me confused. "What do you mean my love?"
Before I could ask him if he was delusional, he started to tickle my face with a feather, making me laugh. "Stop it." I said between giggles.
I woke up to Amanda tickling me with her hair. "Hey there sleepy head."
"Why did you wake me up?" I felt so disappointed that it was just a dream.
It was Kaz who sat on the other side of me on the bed who spoke. "Shell, you look terrible. According to your mother you and Jessica had a fight, but we saw her and she looked fine. Are you going to tell us what actually happened?"
Before I told them I made them promise that nothing said would leave my room.
"Why are we letting them do this to her? We should teach them a lesson!" Kaz said with venom in her voice.
Before I could speak Amanda beat me to it. "Guys violence won't solve this; we need a better plan than that!"
"Hearts and teddy bears won't either Amanda! They need to know they won't get away with this!"
"I agree with Kaz, we need to retaliate and come up with a plan!" Mandy said with a cheerful voice.
I cleared my throat. "Hello, does anyone even care what I think?"
"We do Shell, it's just your plan of just taking it is not working out that well." Kaz said.
"Come on guys, I am fine and getting back at them would be stooping to their level."
"We understand Shell, but we need to at least have a plan a and b if anything else erose." Mandy said.
My mom made us breakfast, we or rather the girls were making plans on how they would make sure I was never alone. I told them about what happened with Trevor before the bathroom encounter, I had to calm Kaz down. She swore she would teach him to ask for favors. I had to admit it made me laugh and it felt so much better that I could share some of it with them. But even with my friends being with me and on my side, I felt a bit alone. Secrets and lies tend to do that.
Everyone left late in the afternoon, they would get my homework from all my different teachers. I took a bath with my music on. I replayed some of the scenarios in my head, the way they treated me, the way people were looking at me, how guys would insult me and girls looked at me like I was garbage. I started crying, maybe I deserve all this. I couldn't even keep Chase happy; he was probably right I would never be enough for anyone.
I just wish I could get out of my own head and skin. I got out and took two of the strong pain pills the doctor subscribed and got into bed, at least I could be free from all the hell for a week.