Ella stares at the girl next to her. She knows something isn’t right and she knows there’s not much she can do to get the girl to talk. Or even eat some semblance of a breakfast, even if the school has shitty breakfast choices. Instead she tells the girl about herself to an extent. She tells of her nightly adventures. How she runs through town not just admiring the lights, but the people who inhabit the city. How she drowns drink after drink until every color blends together and she’s a blur of motion against a darkened canvas of buildings. All the things she considers amazing about her life. Including her recent suspension. Eventually the bell rings and she leads the girl to her first class, or follows her. She’s not sure which is happening. We’re in homeroom together? I really need to pay attention more. Then again I’m not sure she comes to school all the time. Both seat themselves in the back.

Marie sits with her legs pulled up to her chest and head lowered so her hair falls in her face. Occasionally, Ella tries to speak to her, but to no avail. It’s like talking to a dead person. When World History ends they go their separate ways. At least until third period Chemistry. This time they’re both forced to sit in the front by seating arrangements. Marie’s grateful that at least this period she doesn’t have to deal with the energetic vibes Ella gives off. She understands that the girl is just trying to be friendly, but she’s not in the mood for someone to suddenly notice her after all these years. Not when she’s been dealing with what’s happening her whole life. The boys are a different story. After all, she only ended up with them because she survived being run down. That and the second time Aaron insisted she stay with them. Despite her not wanting to. Maybe she has no right to be mean to Ella. The girls is only trying to help her. At the least she can be grateful. Except, it’s hard to do that when everyone has let her down.

Trust no one. They don’t love you. No they love watching you fall. You’re the last person they want to be around. Aaron and the others pity you. Alex knows though. He knows how pathetic you really are. How much of a waste of space you are. He’s not afraid to tell you to kill yourself because he knows just how worthless you are.

She’s not aware that she’s screaming in the middle of class. Or that Ella is trying to calm her down. Unaware of the teachers trying to pull her arms from around each other to stop her clawing. Doesn’t notice the dozens of kids freaking out as she’s dragged into the hallway. An attempt to get her to the nurse is made, but fails. Ella panics, not sure what to say. The person who left Marie with her didn’t give a name for himself. Her fear is that the school will call the other man. The one that terrified her classmate half to death. A frown distorts the her face as the younger girl thrashes against the cold hallway floor. The only way for her and everyone else to be safe. By now the whole school is aware of what’s happening. Staff and students alike lingering to try and see what they can.

Eijinn’s trip back to the house is uneventful except for his growling stomach. He arrives home only to find Alex and Aaron fighting in the yard. Well, in Alex’s case getting his ass beat. So, why hasn’t Bryant stopped our mass murderer? Laid off to the side and barely moving are two different bodies. Jumping out of the van he rushes over. Only for the two bodies to turn out to be Mitchel and Bryant. Both men struggling to breathe and looking as if they’ve been in a WWE vs Raw match. Before anything else he yanks Aaron up off the smaller, much more petite male. He’s pissed.

“Someone is going to tell me what happened to Mitchie and Bryant or so help me bodies really will hit the floor! I’m not fucking playing!”

Alex scoots himself as far back as possible, bright blues terror filled and on the verge of swelling. The man’s face is bloody, his lip busted in two places places, his peach colored tee is torn and stained. Signature pink jeans have holes on every side of them. Aaron’s only injuries include a few bruises some scratches, and a gash that cuts through his tattoo of a phoenix swallowing the moon. Eijinn knows he’s going to be angry when he sees it. Entirely pissed.

“If you must know, Alex is a piece of shit and maybe we should replace his dumb ass. Little fucking cock sucker.

“That’s not answering me Aaron.”

“After you Called this waste of space started talking shit about Marie. So, and much to my surprise, Mitch says something to him. And instead of being quiet like a good boy, he flips out, resulting in Mitch cussing him out. Right here in the yard. Amazingly beautiful, if I might add. The moment Mitch finishes and turns to leave, and I’ve no idea why he hought he’d get away with this, Alexander here yanks Mitchell back by his hair. Bryant comes out to see what’s going on to find Mitch curled up on the ground coughing up blood and looking like he’s been struck by a truck. Bryant literally loses his shit and does what I normally do. Beat Alex until he gets it. Well deserved. Except, I end up coming to separate them and dumb-dumb here jumps straight to choke Bryant. And then you know the rest.”

“And just where the hell is Jason when all of this is happening?”

“He’s smart. He stayed the fuck out of my way this time.”

As the sentence finishes, Jason comes out of the house, eyes set on Eijinn in what looks like a silent plea for assistance.

“Aaron, help Mitchie and Bryant into the house. Let Alex patch himself up. And speaking of . I am sick and fucking tired of your shit, Alex! I’m too fucking sober to deal with this shit! You need to learn when to fucking step back! Marie got us a fucking show and all you can do is talk shit to her and about her! The girls is struggling to live! Same as me and you! Go fuck yourself!”

Aaron sidles off and with Jason’s help totes both Bryant and Mitchell inside the house. Jason quickly comes back out, to Alex practically sobbing as Eijinn starts for the house. With a frown he walks up to Eijinn, a written note in hand and the color slightly draining from his face. Copper irises scan the note and he turns back to the van. An angry sigh leaves his lips . Before he can make it back to the vehicle, Aaron bolts out the front door and down the porch steps. Neither of the two say anything as they both go and climb into the van. Leaving Jason to deal with the mess made by Alex. Eijinn pulls out the driveway before Aaron can close the passenger door. The van moves swiftly down the road. Neither says a word to the other. Not that Aaron has anything good to say at the moment. Even if he did, Eijinn won’t bother to listen to anything.

Jason eyes his three companions sprawled about the living room. Bryant is laid out on the floor, auburn hair matted to his swollen face and breathing heavy. Dark bruises are on his arms, scratches on his throat, a couple scrapes, and fairly deep cut in his thigh. Mitchell is also out of commission, laid gently on the couch with his dark hair pushed up and away from his forehead revealing a nice sized lump above his eyebrow, a couple of deep cuts, and some scrapes. His arms are lightly bruised , shirt torn across the chest, and a bite mark on his left hand. This is not what he pictured them to look like ever in their lives. At least not when he met them. And maybe some part of it has to do with Marie, but even that isn’t enough to set everyone off. Well, unless you’re Alex he figures. A sigh leaves his lips as he begins tending to his injured friends. Starting with Mitchell. Bryant he knows could care less about any injuries he has, considering what he’s heard about the aforementioned male’s nights out. Alex may as well be used to the pain, considering the number of times everyone has had to pull Aaron off of him. It’s best to let the drummer do his thing before getting involved. At least from Jason’s perspective anyway.

This isn’t what either male is expecting when they get to the school lot. There are at least four police cars and an ambulance out front. The van isn’t even parked properly before the two climb out and head over to the scene. Immediately the petite girl Eijinn left Marie with comes up to him. There’s anxiousness on her face. Beside him Aaron eyes her curiously, green eyes trying to process what he’s seeing. He’s sure that the way she’s dressed shoudl warrant a suspension or an expulsion. Especially since his fighting had gotten him expelled. She doesn’t acknowledge him. Instead, staying focused on Eijinn.

“She started freaking out and I don’t know why.”

“Panic attack… Where is she?”

Finally, Ella’s eyes land on Aaron she takes a physical step back. Eyes raking over him in terrified fascination. He doesn’t even respond to it. Merely waiting for her to answer his question. At least until a stretcher comes out with the aforementioned girl strapped to it. Screaming at the top of her lungs. With haste he moves towards the stretcher. None of the officials move to stop him and the paramedics halt as he approaches. It takes everyone a moment to realize what’s happening as he leans over, unstraps her, and gently lift sher into his arms. However, she doesn’t stop screaming. Far from it actually. In fact she’s louder now, practically tearing eardrums. The green-eyed male doesn’t let up. Doesn’t pull his head back to save his hearing, or yell at her to shut her mouth. Not a single threat leaves his lips in her direction. Her body violently shaking doesn’t deter him from sitting on the ground with her molded to him.

Each time she jerks he gently whispers in her ear. Ella is shocked as she watches them. She herself couldn’t get Marie to calm down. Not that he has either. Just he’s managed to hold her without hurting her or getting hurt himself. Still, all she can see is a man who is constantly in trouble or always looking for it. Much like the other students always fighting here at the school. He radiates violence, the bruises that are visible tell her that much. It’s hard for her to fathom how someone like him can even remotely try to be a gentle giant.

Eijinn watches his friend closely. He’s never seen him this way. Yes, he knows Aaron is volatile and full of boiling anger issues. But not this. The way he holds Marie makes it seem like that part of him doesn’t exist. Not once since meeting Aaron has he seen him this docile. Mostly because Alex is always being a smart ass and pissing off anyone within a 100-mile radius. So, with a silent cocky smirk he watches. Nothing amuses him more than knowing he’s not going to let the drummer live it down. Not that he will care much. Aaron’s far from caring what anyone thinks of him. So long as no one says anything bad about the people he cares about. That’s the last thing anyone should do. There have been plenty of fights because of that.

It takes some time, but slowly and surely she calms down. Eyes remain closed as tears flow freely. Listening as her heart hammers an imprint of itself onto the inside of her chest. Shallow breaths fill what little space is left in her lungs. Each muscle aching from the spasms she’s had. When her eyes finally open she’s met with a pair of hazel ones. Instead of speaking the person continues to check her vitals. Instinctively, she jerks back and away from him. At least she attempts to. In the process, she startles the medic and Aaron, who tries to hold her in place before realizing why she’s reacting in such a fashion.

“If it’s okay with you I’d like to just take her home and let her get some rest. Today’s been eventful, to say the least and I’m sure she doesn’t want people watching her get poked and prodded. She’s not cattle after all.”

“We’d like to get her to a hospital. Check for any possible injuries besides the visible ones, she may have given herself.”

“Look if we find anything, we’ll check her into the nearest hospital. Right now, I’d like to just get her into something warm and into bed for some much needed rest.”

The man simply stares Aaron in the eyes as the broader male lifts himself and Marie from the ground. Like she did with Eijinn earlier she clings desperately to his arms as he leads her to the van. Once she’s inside both he and Eijinn turn to look at Ella. Something has been bugging the red-haired male for a fews minutes now.

“How did the school know to call us?”

Ella’s face goes beet red as she fidgets under his intense gaze.

“They asked if there was anyone I could call for her and I kind of went through her bag and saw a name beside a number and called it.”

“Well, considering Jason handed the note to him and not me I’m assuming you either got frustrated or gave a very accurate description of the drunk. Either way, it’s probably best the school didn’t call themselves. Although, I’m sure they made a call we’re not going to like. That much I know.”

For a moment Eijinn is confused, before swearing under his breath. Realizing now what Aaron is referring to.

“Thank you though. Don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been there for her.”

“It’s nothing. I would want someone to do the same for me if I were in her position.”

Both males nod in understanding.

“Even so, thank you. She’d be in a worse situation now if not for you. Especially considering we’re no her emergency contacts.”

Aaron nods again beside Eijinn, green eyes bold and daring in this moment. To Ella he’s still largely intimidating. All broad shoulder s, tattoos, well structured jaw line hidden beneath baby-like features, well toned arms, dark hair, and eyes set like stone. It’s as if he’s waiting to pounce. Waiting to tear apart anyone who would dare to oppose him. A warriors look if you will. Although, judging by the way he treats Marie, she assumes there’s more than meets the eye. For now though, she plans to keep her distance. Whether either of them have noticed, she’s not entirely sure. Her frazzled mind silently prays that they haven’t. Aaron kicks the dirt slightly, before turning to go back to the van. That is until his eyes catch on a black car rolling into the school lot. Lifting a brow he watches as the vehicle parks behind theirs. Almost touching, haughty nature kicks in. He goes over to stand just beside the rear of the van as two people climb out.

The driver a male with a striking resemblance to Marie. He’s taller with jet black hair and eyes.. Slender in figure but built well enough to defend himself. Or overpower a younger sibling. The passenger a female with auburn hair, light mocha eyes, and a model thin body. Her whole face is caked in makeup. She’s pretty if that’s what you’re into. It takes no time fore her to notice him. A poisonous smile snakes onto her lips. The kind that ruins lives and relationships. Even if they’re familial.

Eijinn takes a stand beside him, a scowl tearing his features apart. A growl rumbles deep inside his chest; low and heady. The male’s entire demeanor is threatening to say the least. Still, a subtle politeness and reservation lingers.

“Where’s my sister?”

“I’m Aaron, and you are?”

“I don’t fucking care who either of you are. This piece of shit dropped my sister off earlier and now I’m finding out she’s acting up in school.”

“No, no. Let’s get this right. I told you to fuck off because she wants nothing to do with your sorry ass. By the way, having a panic attack is not acting up. She had one because you refuse to realize that she’s terrified of you.”

“Gentlemen, lets be civil. I’m sure there’s a very good explanation for her attitude.”

“Shut your mouth. I don’t know who you are or what purpose you have for being here. What I do know is I have no intention of listening to another word that leaves your sleazy ass lips.”

The woman looks taken aback by Eijinn’s words. Someone clearly hasn’t told her to shut up before or even ever. He likes the effect it has on her. Right now, he needs to keep her venom to herself.

“I’m sorry, but if I’m not mistaken, everyone is taught to introduce themselves when meeting someone new for the first time. It’s simple etiquette.”

“It’s also illegal to kidnap.”

Aaron’s jaw twitches in anger as he restrains himself from publicly beating the shit out of someone. It’s taking every ounce of control he has to not do so. There’s only so much restraint one can have and he’s slowly losing his grip. People really like to test me and I’m not really one to be toyed with. This week is going to be hell for so many people.

“Look, my friend here has quite the fucking temper. I’d like to not have him arrested for busting your skull open. Besides, I’m sober and trying to be nice. I’m only ever nice when I’m drunk. So, take this as your chance to turn the hell around and not look back.”

“I think you’ve both lost your minds. I’m not going to let my little sister run around being a whore.”

“I’d give her more credit here it’s due. I’ve yet to see any of us fuck her. She dresses like we all have the plague or some shit.”

This doesn’t please their guest anymore than it pleases Aaron to be disregarded. A frown settles on his face as he watches Eijinn with narrowed charcoal eyes. The vocalist isn’t having it, however, and is mentally preparing for a fight.

“Look, just hand the filthy bitch-”

Aaron pounces, grabbing his throat and punching. It’s almost a shame that the cops and paramedics left. Keyword: almost. Eijinn makes no move to stop his friend. Hell he’s one minute from joining in. The dark haired drummer is all fists and red with rage. There’s blood and heavy breathing. Then suddenly, their unwanted guest has the green-eyed male pinned beneath him and is making an effort to beat him senseless. Not a moment too soon, Eijinn yanks Marie’s brother off the drummer. Tossing him aside where his head hits the pavement rather heavily. Without glancing back at Aaron he stalks towards the other male. Grabbing a handful of hair he slams the man’s head against the ground with just enough force to knock him out if the preceding drop hadn’t already done so.

Marie’s screaming draws his attention. I’m not against hitting a woman who isn’t defenseless. Neither he nor Aaron are given the chance to help. Instead, the young woman in the shorts grabs a fistful of auburn waves. Forcing the older woman to release Marie in order to keep from being punched and swung around by her hair. Except, even from where he’s standing he can hear the sound of her nose being broken.

Terror runs rampant inside of veins filled with the poisonous sting of words that don’t leave the mind. She’s sinking into the bottom of the ocean again. Not to drown, but to be poked and prodded by the vicious sharks that haunt her every nightmare. Merciless laughter etched onto faces that no longer exist. Words fashioned into pointed knives made to carve gentle flesh like a pumpkin. The ocean turns to nothing but empty space where a fire lurks, preparing to turn to dust that which is already ashes. Snakes linger in the nonexistent grass that stretches far beyond her reach. No sound moves from her frail body as she tries to escape the grip she’s found herself in.

Jason’s eyes peer over his friends. Alex is drowning himself in the workings of his cell phone. He’s been animate with it since his parents called to check on him. Must be nice. Having parents that check on you. Surprisingly, he didn’t mention the ass whooping Aaron gave him today. Bryant’s absorbed by the television, despite the fact that he’s going to have to cover his bruises by this evening. Mitchell is barely even conscious. It’s a wonder if he’ll even be able to perform tonight. Sighing, he continues to finish organizing the kitchen. Considerably easy when only one person uses it. On days like this though, where they have to use it themselves, the upkeep falters. He can only imagine how she’ll react when she gets home. As if on cue, the front door opens. Voices fill the living room. The first being someone screaming and another being a frantic Mitchell.

“Why is she freaking out?! What happened?! Why do you two look like you got into a fight?! And who is she?!”

“Hi Mitchell. Nice to see you too. How’s the concussion Alexander gave you?”

Aaron rushes by the kitchen entrance, Marie in his arms and a young girl behind him. Quietly, Jason follows, wanting to know why their newest addition to the house is screaming. Just who her set off like that? Gray eyes widen at the sight of her. She’s managed to claw her neck up to the point that it’s bleeding, even her lovely face is scratched up. Not only is it abnormal for her to be home early, but now she’s marked up. It even looks like getting her home was a hassle, what with the fresh bruise forming under her left eye. Her outbursts have been rare as of late, but this is by far taking the cake since she essentially moved in. How the hell are they supposed to take her to a show with them?

“Jason, move out of the way. Unless you’re going to be helpful in some way, shape, or form.”

It’s Bryant’s voice that pulls him from his shocked trance. Making haste, he pulls the strange girl out of the room and towards the living room behind him. There’s way too much going on for Eijinn to be bringing groupies home.

“Take her home. Now.”

“That was my original intention. However, little miss here wanted to make sure Maya got here safely. Although, I’m quite sure our little princess has never spoken to this girl in her life.”

“Where the hell are the rest of her clothes?”

“Same place your brain went when Marie moved in. Up your ass.”

“You’re the last person to talk about someone’s brain being up their ass when your entire fucking head lives in your dick. Surprised you can function at all.”

“Alex, for once, I’m going to tell you to shut the fuck up. Eijinn, can you not provoke him. I’d like to go to a show with as few injuries as possible. Bad enough Alex wailed on two of the others and Aaron reciprocated by fucking his life up and beating him into submission.”

Mitchell stares with an open mouth at their quiet member. It’s rare that he speaks more than a few words or even speaks full sentences. They’d written him off as mute by choice. What the reason is no one knows. However, he’s always chosen to not speak unless needed to. Everything around him seems to emanate and eerie silence.

“I don’t mean to interrupt your conversation, but just how many of you live here?”

“All of us… and just who are you anyway?”

“Oh, I’m Ella! I have a few classes with Marie. Is it really okay o leave her with someone with that kind of temper?”

“You go tell him not to look after her and see what happens. Besides, Bryant is in there. She’s safe.”

Ella looks taken aback by the harsh way the gray-eyed man speaks to her. Something inside her is set off. Something that tells her to stand her ground and not let anyone treat her different from anyone else.

“I only asked a simple question out of concern for her health. You can take the tree from out of your ass and treat me like a human being. Not like some type of disgusting insect. If you can’t manage that, then don’t open your mouth in my direction.”

“What did I just witness?”

“Shh, Aaron, let Jason take it in for himself. Let’s just get out of the way.”

Aaron and Bryant both disappear upstairs, chuckling to themselves as they go. Mitchell, Eijinn, and Alex all exchange quick glances before they too quickly disperse to their rooms. Jason remains unfazed by their behaviour. Rather he’s more perplexed by the fact that this girl spoke to him like she had the right to. It then occurs to him that getting mad at her will accomplish nothing. The best solution is to toss her out on her ass and hope she doesn’t ever come back. Maybe, she’ll learn some respect for those older than her, because it’s quite obvious to him that she’s lacking in that department.

Holes in varying shapes and sizes open up across the ground . She peers inside one, curious as to what’s inside. The result is horrifying. A pair of mutilated bodies lie side by side. Their faces unrecognizable to the eye. One female and the other male. They appear to have been hacked by a saw, but there are tell tale signs of it being an accident of come sort. Not far from the bodies is a demolished little Toyota. The license plate of said vehicle bent all out of shape. Why her eyes can’t pull away from the scene she’s unsure. Still her eyes watch the scene play out before her, as a pair of figures that look like her and her brother appear. The tinier version of herself begins to scream and cry. Begging for the lifeless forms to move. And suddenly she realizes what she’s peering into and a terror filled scream rips from her own lungs. Shattering the image and turning it into something darker and more terrifying. No longer are they motionless corpses. They point accusing fingers in her direction along with the tiny child-like version of herself. Stick fingers wrap themselves around her throat and squeeze. Hollow eyes burn literal holes into soft skin. Razor teeth tear at muscle and bone. Everything leaves a bloody mess.

Brown eyes snap open, terror illuminating every corner of them. Sweat dances along her face and hides in the strands of her hair. The nightmare lingers on the fringes of her mind, an attempt to consume what is left of fragile sanity. It takes strength she no longer posses to gather herself. As she does so, the bedroom door opens. A head full of red hair popping in. There are scratches on his cheek. Something about the way he’s watching her emanates relief. Not that she can be certain.

“How you feeling? Physically, I mean.”

“F-fine. Why?”

“No reason. Just curious is all. You know it’s not like you nearly destroyed your own neck.”

“Get out of my way, pervert.”

“Go home.”

“Like hell I’m leaving her alone with a bunch of pedophiles.”

“Get out of my house while I’m still being nice.”

“What’s going on?”

Marie’s briefly confused. Until the young girl from her class shoves her way past Eijinn into the room. Both look very agitated. An emotion she only associates with Alex. He must be having a field day. First me and now her.

“Did Mitchell hit her with the van too?”

“What? No! Do you not remember me and Aaron coming to get you.”

“I do, still thought I’d ask.”

“Ha ha. No wonder you and Aaron are close. For the record Mitchie doesn’t just run people down. He’s more responsible than that. Can you tell her to go home please?”

“She’s a girl amongst six strange men. Six pedophiles.”

“They’re no pedophiles and if you feel that way about any of them, you shouldn’t have helped them. Why are you here?”

“I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m safer here than anywhere else.”

“Can you leave now? Seriously?”

“Marie up?”

“Yes.”

“Good! You owe me an apology.”

“For what?”

“Hitting me! We’re supposed to be friends!”

“Alex is your friend too.”

“And you beat him up daily.”

Aaron squeezes into the room. Plopping onto the bed beside Marie. Eyes wide and bottom lip stuck out. Pouting like a small child. He only does this with her. Treats her like a younger sibling. At least that’s what Mitchell thinks. She’s not so sure that’s the case. Maybe something else. Possibly pity, but she’s no way to prove it. Besides, why would anyone pity me?

“Alex is a piece of shit. I’ve just been trying to beat some sense into him.”

“Right…”

“I don’t get you. You’re terrified of someone who’s violent and yet hang out with people who are just as violent. If not more so.”

“What she’s going through isn’t anyone’s business but her own. Yes, I have a temper, but you can ask anyone here and they’ll tell you I’ve never once laid a hand on her. That includes Alex.”

“Still it doesn’t make sense. Why put yourself-”

“Please let it go. I don’t want to talk about it let alone think about it.”

The room goes silent. Aaron sighs, gets up, and leaves the room. He doesn’t want to say something that would create tension. Lest he lose his temper again. Eijinn looks from his friend to Ella. Debating if he should say something.

“You should leave. Not just because technically we aren’t responsible for you, but your disturbing our peace. At least for some of us. Marie’s fully capable of deciding who she wants around her. If she thought it wasn’t safe or didn’t feel comfortable being here she wouldn’t stay. It’s not your place to decide if something is right for her.”

“I’m just trying to be a good friend.”

“Except she doesn’t even really know you. Nor has she ever talked to you before.”

“It’s fine…”

“If you say so. I’m going to go take a nap. You should too. You look worn out.”

Neither girl is given a chance to respond. The bedroom door slamming shut behind him. Marie turns her attention to Ella. Why is she still here? They’ve asked her to leave. Marie’s noted that most everyone has avoided her room. More so than when Alex does it.

“Why are you still here? They’re pretty sure they want you gone and yet you refuse to respect that. Why?”

“Honestly, it’s because I’m worried about you. To think we’ve been going to the same school and I never once noticed you. We’re both different and everyone else either thinks we’re crazy or psycho. When I look at you I see someone whose fragility and fear make her strong. Besides, it’s better if the black sheep stick together. Give them something to actually be afraid of.”

“I’m just a nobody. No one’s ever cared. I don’t see why anyone should start now.”

“Fear keeps us quiet. Fear can make the strong weak. And fear can make lions roar. It can instill emptiness in anyone. It can draw out the courage in some and the coward in others. Fear will either make us climb mountains or drown ourselves at the bottom of the ocean. Either we let fear control us or we become the fear in the hearts of others. I choose to let them fear me and stay who I am. You have no control over what you’ve been thrown into, whatever it may be, but you have the ability to use that as your shield from the ignorance of others. So why not show compassion to a soul lost in the darkness of a never-ending nightmare?”

Marie stares wide eyed at the girl before her. They’re close in age, yet she radiates a wisdom of someone who’s been through years of turmoil and strife. She never imagined that the rest of the world could be a dark and scary place, at least not entirely. This is new to her. Maybe, I’m not really alone.

"I’m going to call my dad before him and my brother freak out when school ends. Don’t want them to call the police or anything.”

Marie simply nods, watching the girl exit the room before lying down. It never seemed possible. At least for a long time it hasn’t. Because who wants to be friends with the girl who hardly shows up to school? And when she does she freaks out. Why be friends with the reason her parents are dead? Or the reason her brother is the way he is? No matter what anyone says, it truly is my fault. Yet, for some reason, there are people who think otherwise. People who actually think I’m friend material.