Love scars

Chapter 6

The next morning, as Elanor walked through the school gates, she couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in the pit of her stomach. The memory of the vulnerability she had shared with Azrial was still fresh, a reminder that she was stronger when he was by her side.

As the morning announcements filled the air, Elanor glanced around the hallway, hoping to catch sight of Azrial. She knew that facing the day ahead was going to be a challenge, but the thought of his support provided a small glimmer of comfort.

However, the day quickly took a dark turn when Elanor found herself face to face with Sarah, Lisa, and Mark. The malicious grins on their faces sent a chill down her spine, and her heart began to race.

"Well, well, look who's here," Sarah sneered, her tone dripping with venom.

Elanor's hands clenched into fists, but she tried to stay composed. "Leave me alone, Sarah."

Lisa laughed, a cold, calculated sound that sent shivers down Elanor's spine. "Oh, we're not here to leave you alone, Elanor."

Before Elanor could react, Mark stepped forward, holding a pair of scissors in his hand. Fear surged through Elanor's veins as the realization of what they were planning hit her.

"Time for a makeover, Elanor," Mark said, his voice laced with cruelty.

Elanor's heart pounded in her chest as they closed in on her. She felt a rush of anger and panic, but there was little she could do to escape their grasp. As the first strands of her hair fell to the ground, her sense of vulnerability and humiliation intensified.

Tears welled up in Elanor's eyes as her long locks were mercilessly cut, her identity being stripped away by the very people who sought to break her spirit. The once-familiar sensation of hair falling around her shoulders had turned into a painful reminder of the cruelty she faced.

Amidst the taunts and laughter of Sarah, Lisa, and Mark, Elanor felt a surge of anger rising within her. But as she looked around, her eyes landed on Azrial, who had arrived on the scene. His expression was one of shock and concern, and their gazes locked for a moment, a silent message passing between them.

Azrial stepped forward, his voice firm. "Leave her alone, all of you."

The trio's mocking laughter faltered as Azrial's presence seemed to radiate a new kind of strength. Elanor's heart swelled with gratitude and courage as she realized that she wasn't facing this battle alone.

Sarah, Lisa, and Mark hesitated for a moment before finally retreating, their cruel grins replaced with uncertainty. Elanor and Azrial stood together, their bond stronger than ever, a united front against the bullies who sought to tear them apart.

As the hallway began to clear, Azrial gently approached Elanor, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

Tears blurred Elanor's vision as she stumbled away from the hallway, her heartache and humiliation overwhelming her. The sound of her own sobs echoed in her ears as she blindly made her way to the school's courtyard, seeking a moment of solace.

The courtyard was quiet, a sanctuary from the chaos that had just unfolded. Elanor found a secluded spot beneath a tree, sinking to the ground as her emotions threatened to consume her. She buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with each sob.

Azrial's words, the strength he had shown, were a distant echo in her mind. But right now, all she could feel was the pain of the moment, the weight of the scars they had left on her heart. The sanctuary she had found in Azrial's support seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the cruelty she had just experienced.

Time seemed to stand still as Elanor sat there, the waves of emotion crashing over her. She felt raw, vulnerable, and utterly alone. The once-familiar sounds of the courtyard were muffled by the deafening sound of her own heartache.

But then, amidst her tears, Elanor heard footsteps approaching. She didn't bother looking up; the pain was too fresh, too raw. However, when a warm hand gently touched her shoulder, she looked up to see Azrial kneeling beside her.

His eyes were filled with empathy, his expression a mixture of concern and regret. "Elanor, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. You don't deserve any of this."

Elanor's voice was choked with emotion as she tried to speak. "Why... why do they do this to me, Azrial? What did I ever do to deserve it?"

Azrial's gaze was unwavering as he replied, his voice gentle but determined. "Elanor, it's not about what you did. It's about their own insecurities and their need to make someone else feel small to feel better about themselves."

Tears continued to stream down Elanor's cheeks, but the weight of Azrial's words seemed to ease her pain slightly. She leaned into his touch, seeking comfort and understanding.

Azrial's hand gently wiped away a tear from her cheek. "You're strong, Elanor. Stronger than you realize. Don't let their cruelty define you."

Elanor's breath shuddered as she nodded, the connection she shared with Azrial a lifeline in her moment of darkness. She knew that the battle against the bullies was far from over, but having someone who believed in her strength made the burden a little lighter to bear.

As they sat together under the tree, Elanor's sobs gradually subsided. As the sun began to cast a warm glow over the courtyard, Elanor and Azrial found themselves lost in the cocoon of their shared space. The events of the morning had left them both emotionally drained, and the thought of returning to the hallways that held painful memories was too daunting to bear.

With the decision made, they settled underneath their familiar tree, the dappled sunlight offering a sense of comfort. Azrial reached out to touch Elanor's hair, his fingers gentle as he traced the shorter strands.

Elanor's heart skipped a beat at his touch, a mixture of vulnerability and tenderness washing over her. She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the gratitude she felt for his presence in her life.

"Thank you for being here, Azrial," Elanor whispered, her voice laced with emotion.

Azrial's smile was soft as he replied, his fingers still gently playing with her hair. "I'll always be here for you, Elanor. You're not alone."

A moment of silence passed between them, the weight of their unspoken connection palpable. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, Azrial's gaze met Elanor's. The vulnerability in her eyes mirrored his own, and in that instant, time seemed to stand still.

Without thinking, Azrial's hand cupped Elanor's cheek, his thumb gently brushing away a lingering tear. And then, as if guided by an impulse beyond his control, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her teary eye.

"Elanor...."