It's Not The First Time

♈ Part Three - Abused Instincts ♈

♍-♍-♍

I stayed in the cubicle for the rest of the day, not wanting to face anyone. But when the end of school bell rang, I uncurled myself from the tight ball and opened the door.

Standing at the sinks, were loads of girls, checking up on their make-up and hair, spritzing more perfume on.

I sighed in irritation, and finally found a sink that was unoccupied. Mascara tracks ran down my cheek and I grabbed a makeup wipe from my bag to clean myself up. I put on eye-liner to hide any evidence of crying, and dabbed on some clear lip-gloss.

Teasing my black hair up and trying to hide the cut, I smiled to myself but it didn't reach my dark blue eyes. My ribs were killing me, and I popped another tablet in my mouth and swallowed without any water.

The sunlight dazzled me when I walked out, and there, on my car hood, was Adrian. I smiled softly as he lounged, girls eyeing the sexy guy in interest.

"ADRIAN!" I shouted gleefully, and he flicked his eyes my way.

He waved at me and then motioned to come quickly.

I lightly jogged over, gritting my teeth in agony. He slid off the hood and hugged me to his broad chest, rubbing my back soothingly. He always knew what to do.

"Rough day?" he asked, a knowing glint in his brown eyes.

I nodded. "Art, I had to draw what I wanted most. I drew," I swallowed. "Jake."

"Did you break down in class?"

"No, at the end I went to the girls bathroom and stayed there for the rest of the day." I shrugged. "It's an improvement, I guess."

He kissed me, not as slow as this morning but it still held sweetness and friendship. His lips moved with mine, and I bit him gently before pulling away and hiding my face in the crook of his neck. My hand absently played with his messy blond hair, and I smiled.

The drive to the ice cream shop was slow, and I found myself wishing that I never had to get home. It was a wasted wish.

"Go and sit on the table over there." Adrian smiled, pointing to the little tables in the corner of the shop. "I'll order for you. Strawberry and mint, right?"

I nodded and did as I was told, staring out of the window at the busy street, cars racing through to try and beat the traffic. Minutes later, I saw the rusted Volvo that my Dad had, and he was speeding well over the limit of 40. I cringed, and my hands started to shake. If he had seen me, I would be dead, as well as Adrian.

I would never forgive myself.

"Ror?" Adrian asked quietly, staring at my shaky hands.

"It's nothing," I said, trying to smile but failed miserably.

He gave me a pointed look as if to say, 'Yeah right. Now what is it?'

"I just saw Dad." I sighed, looking at the table and drawing circles absently. "He was speeding outside. I was just thinking that if he had seen me, I'd be dead."

"Don't worry, Ror." he replied, grabbing my fidgety hands. "Let's talk about us instead."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused, biting into my ice cream.

"I mean, where do we stand in a relationship?" he explained, and I nodded in understanding.

"Where do you want us to be?"

"Well," he started nervously, and I frowned sadly. Does he just want us to remain as friends?

"Iwantyoutobemygirlfriend." he said really quickly, and I tilted my head in confusion.