Tangled Love

CHAPTER 131

I grimace at the sight of me in the mirror. Dark deep bags circled underneath my eyes and my skin is blotchy and red with a pale undertone. I look unhealthily skinny due to my weight dropping vastly in the past few weeks. When I stretch, my ribs stick out sorely and I clench my teeth tightly, a glossy sheen covering my eyes. I look a mess.

The bandage still covers my gun wound and I don't dare remove it to unveil the ugly scar that lies beneath. I hear a knock on my door and I grab my bath robe, pulling it around me.

"Come in," I say quietly, taking a seat on my bed. The door opens and Pops glances around the door, giving me a small smile.

"Sleep well princess?" He asks me and I nod tightly, feeling terrible for lying to him.

"Good. Emily, you need to attend school today," he says and I groan, throwing a hand over my eyes. I'd completely forgotten about college. The thought of education right now is not appealing in any way, shape or form.

"Can I have the day off please?" I ask him, feeling my stomach tighten further knowing I have a chance of running into Jake. Right now, I want to avoid everyone, curl up in bed and watch Disney movies with a jar of Nutella.

"No Elly, you need to go to school," he sighs, opening the door a little wider. I nod grimly, knowing he's right. I can't hide away forever, no matter how heartbroken I feel right now. I give him a small smile —

"I'll be ready in twenty minutes."

"Good girl," he says brightly, his head disappearing before he closes the door over softly. I throw myself back onto the bed, my body instantly sinking into the warm covers. I nibble on my bottom lip as I try to

figure out a way I can avoid Jake. I don't have any lessons with him today so that's a plus however we always spend lunchtimes together with Ivory, Trish and a few other friends. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I groan once again as I think of Ivory. I hope Jake and I breaking up doesn't mean our friendship will go in the same direction. I view her as a sister and really don't want to lose her too.

I sigh heavily, pulling myself up off the bed an wince a little as a sharp pain jolts through my stomach. Take it easy. The doctors exact words.

Ha. The irony. . .

So much for taking it easy.

My thoughts turn back to Jake as I search for an outfit through my little belongings. I can't believe how icy his tone changed towards me. . . It reminded me of the first time I'd seen him.

Dangerous, piercing blue eyes and a glare to scare off even the toughest of people. I shudder before remembering how sweet he can be. Underneath his bad boy facade is a genuinely lovely, caring person and that's the boy I'd fallen so deeply in love with. Not the dangerous scary bad boy that had the town shake in fear whenever he was in their presence.

His words keep ringing through my head but I refuse to believe them. . . Maybe because I didn't want to believe them.

I am evil. It's who I am.

I've opted for a black hoodie that hung low ending just above my knees. Underneath I wear denim jeans with some black converse. My hair is pulled into a high ponytail and I wear little makeup, only using it to attempt to cover up my dark under eyes.

I sigh deeply as I look in the mirror of the college bathrooms. I still resemble a sleep deprived zombie and my eyes are as puffed up as ever.

I grab my bag off the floor and headed for my first lesson as the bell rings, signalling the start of the day. My feet drag against the floor and I feel exhausted, physically and mentally. My mind is hazy and I keep my head down, out of sight.

I bump into someone and apologise quietly, shrinking myself against the walls.

"Emily!"

I turn and my gaze meets Ivory's. She's waving through the crowd and I give her a small smile, waiting for her to catch up.

"Hey!" She says, approaching me. She glances at my outfit before her eyes reach my face, looking sympathetic.

"How are you doing?" She asks me, pulling me into a bear hug. I feel myself instantly relax, my shoulders slumping against her. I murmur a response into her hair and hold her tightly, feeling grateful to have such an amazing friend. She isn't treating me any different now that Jake and I aren't together. I pull back and smile tightly at her —

"How is he?" I ask quietly and she looks at me, chewing on her bottom lip.

"You don't know, do you?" She asks nervously and I frown at her. My heart begins to pick up in speed, beating against my chest.

"Don't know what?" I ask. She pauses for a few moments before pulling me closer, out of ear shot.