Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 34

November 27th, 2019

I hadn't been to school in five days, and neither had Javi. There was no denying it: I was getting sicker and sicker. My body could no longer handle the constant abuse I'd been forced to endure this week. Ben had indeed come home last Thursday, and he had not been pleased. He'd beat me so bad, I hadn't been able to move for two days, though I'd been able to save Javi by taking all of the hits. 

Javi had clammed up, barely speaking to me at all unless he deemed it absolutely necessary. I felt awful. His childhood was disappearing with each and every day and I was becoming powerless to stop it. 

I also couldn't get Marcie's words out of my head. My night with Neo had been magical - as one's first kiss should be - but now I couldn't see anything but lies. I felt used. 

Same with Alan's story. He hadn't come back since he and Eli had come knocking, and I was glad. I didn't want to talk to him right now, I didn't think I could face him. The things he said were impossible, just some sick joke he'd tried to pull. I felt humiliated.

***

Another knock on the door brought me out of my trance, making my body freeze up in fear. Javi and I were currently alone, and Marcie had left days ago. 

I slowly made my way to the door, bracing myself to turn down Alan again, but instead, I found Neo waiting for me.

"Oh," I whispered, staring at him. He offered me a shy grin.

"Hey," I coughed, my body shaking from the pressure.

"Hi," I mumbled, my cheeks tinting red.

"I was going to ask why you've been out of school but I think I just answered my own question," Neo said softly. "Are you okay? You look awful," He suddenly cringed. "I mean, you look sick - not awful - you're still as pretty as ever," He stumbled over his words, blushing as he saw my amused expression.

"What are you doing here?" I asked gently, leaning against the doorway for support. He shoved his hands in his pockets.

"I wanted to check on you," he answered. "You never showed up to school. I got worried,"

"You worry about me?" I felt all fluttery again. He grinned shyly.

"Well, yeah. I worry about you all the time," His words made me melt.

"Well, thank you for visiting, it's really sweet of you," I told him with a soft smile. "And I'm sorry for leaving you that night. I shouldn't have run off,"

"It's fine really," His lips drew up into a playful smirk. "As long as you'll go out with me for real?" He seemed to hold his breath while waiting for my answer. I knew there was no way I could ever go out with him again, but I really liked him. I certainly didn't want to crush his feelings; so I lied.

"Yes, I'd love that," I plastered a bright smile on my face. "As soon as I feel better," He chuckled.

"Yeah, of course," Neo shifted his weight before glancing at me. "Is there anything I can do for you? I could bring you something, or maybe stay with you if you want," I smiled at his sweetness.

"As nice as that sounds, you probably shouldn't," I said softly. "But thank you for the offer," He nodded.

"Well, I should probably let you rest now, I just wanted to make sure you were okay,"

"I'm okay, I promise," I was lying left and right now, and I knew I wasn't even close to being done.

"Well I'll see you at school soon hopefully," Neo grinned. "Feel better, Mia," I smiled, waving shyly.

"Thanks, Neo," I closed the door as he left, letting out a sigh of relief. I had no idea if things would ever be the same between us. I desperately wanted to tell him everything and have him kiss me again, but I knew I couldn't. Not only for mine but for both his and Javi's sake.