*Michael at the top*

(Edited)

Today I rode the bus to school because I couldnt walk for too long; my aching body wouldnt allow it. All the way there I just sat on the bus and played with my locked; that I never took off. For some reason, it comforted me and kept my mind off my excruciating pain.

When I arrived at school, I sent Emily a message letting her know I was there, and I headed to my locker to pack my bag. I couldnt help but feel like everyone was staring at me.

Maybe they are wondering why Im walking like Im an undead zombie freak looking for brains, in the meantime, Im actually an abused girl with broken ribs that can barely breathe. Life was a funny thing.

I turned away from the on-looking crowd and pressed my forehead against the cool locker door, hoping the cold would reflect onto me and remove the ache in my body. There was one thing I was a hundred per cent sure would relieve me of my pain, and I didnt mean death.

'Sick sense of humour,' Lilly commented drily.

I was referring to painkillers with a name I couldnt pronounce correctly. I knew who to get them from because Id gotten them before, quite a few times. How he got them was none of my business, but it was illegal. If it took away my pain, it could even come from planet Mars, and I still wouldn't care. The pills were so strong that you needed a prescription to buy them at the pharmacy, fortunately for me, this guy also specialized in forged prescriptions.

Before I could decide to turn around and find my meds-guy, my wrist was grabbed, stopping me. Facing a very annoyed Emily with beet-red cheeks, I couldnt help but appreciate her; she was always there for me even when I was being vague or closed off about my life.

Where the heck have you been? I've been worried sick! she asked, raising her voice but keeping in mind that we were in public, so she moved closer. With sarcasm, she continued. You dont call. You dont write.

I could feel the anger radiating off her, and I honestly couldnt blame her. I could have been dead, and she wouldnt have known it. Sharing and communicating had always been my problem; I sucked at it. I didnt have the strength or the willpower to listen to her scold me like a two-year-old. I caught her off guard, wrapping my arms around her and hugging her. Emily immediately stopped her well-deserved scolding and hugged me back, sensing that I needed this. We hugged until my body complained of discomfort and we pulled apart, walking towards our first class, slowly.

I made plans for us for tonight, she said, avoiding eye contact. I looked at her raising my eyebrows. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what she had to say.

Youre coming to sleepover at my house, she explained when we turned the corner. My heartbeat slowed down; it wasn't a bad idea. Also, were going to a party tonight. She rushed out, and I stopped dead in my tracks, pulling her backwards. She stumbled, glaring at me.

What was that for?

I scowled. Youre insane if you think Im setting foot inside a party. I crossed my arms and walked past her.

Emily followed, pouting. We need to get out. You need to get out and what better than a party. We entered our first class and took our seats.

Im sorry Em, but theres no way Im doing that. If you want to go, by all means, knock yourself out, but I dont have the strength for it. I whispered.

Emily gave me the puppy-dog eyes and begged. Please, it will only be for a few hours. If youre not feeling well, well leave immediately, I promise.

I stared at her, and even though I knew I couldnt be going out in my condition; I considered it for her sake. What harm could it be if I went, stood in the corner and let her have fun? I owed her at least that for being such a good friend to me.

Fine, I said, giving in, I turned and gave her a warning look. But you better not force me into anything that I dont want to do; Im not in the right state of mind. Our conversation had to end there because our teacher walked in, and there was a strict no-talking policy.

A few of our classes passed, and it was finally lunch. I wanted lunch to be over so I could be a step closer to buying my meds. Since I met Ashton, Emily and I have been sitting at their lunch table, per Mason and Ashtons request. To say that Michael wasnt happy was the understatement of the year. Jason, on the other hand, didnt mind Emily as much but ignored me completely. At least I knew he was a loyal friend.

I was totally distracted and walked past the lunch line without taking any food. When I arrived at the designated table, I sat down replaying the past few days over and over in my head. I was lying on my arm, drawing patterns on the table with my nail, when I felt someone plop down next to me. I did not attempt to see who it was, but my unspoken question got answered when an apple appeared in front of me. I stared at the pink manicured nails wrapped around the apple and smiled slightly.

Eat! Emily said, next to me. I didnt listen to her but accepted the offer, nonetheless.

Thanks, I mumbled and continued lying on my arm.

A few minutes passed, and Emily and I sat in utter silence, she, enjoying her lunch and me, playing with my uneaten apple when four figures took their seats around us. I switched from lying on one arm over to the next one and continued to roll my apple around. I could feel everyone staring at me, but goodness did this apple look interesting.

From my peripheral vision, I saw Emily going in to jab me with her elbow but stopped, quickly as if she remembered that I was battered and bruised, absentmindedly I sighed with relief.

A-bear, where have you been? Masons voice drifted with a question towards me.

I turned my head to the side so I could see him clearly- as clear as one could when you were slightly staring at someone upside down.

I shrugged. Sick!

The look on his face saddened me, deepening the pit in my stomach but I couldnt be frank with him about my life. The only option was to play it off, and if that meant upsetting him, then it was a chance I had to take. Emily looked at me with an understanding smile and turned to talk to Mason, trying to distract him from my lack of friendliness. Michael and Jason stood up from the table without saying anything, walking away. I gave Emily a where are they going look, and she shrugged, turning towards Ashton.

Ashton, I heard youre throwing a party. I hope it is okay that Autumn and I attend? She asked him, sending Mason a subtle smirk.

Ashton looked up from his phone for the first time since he sat down and smiled. Yap, no problem, I was going to ask if you guys were coming, anyway.

She smiled my way and said. Awesome, we cant wait.

I groaned and laid down on my arms, hiding the scowl on my face.

You okay, feisty? Ashton asked, I held up my hand over my head and gave him a thumbs-up.

***

The only reason I was standing in front of Emilys house right now was because of the mere fact that I had two painkillers in, that I went, and bought after school. I had been to Emilys house plenty of times before, but it never ceased to amaze me how beautiful it was. Emilys parents had put a lot of thought into the design and architecture of this house.

I walked up the front porch and listened to the resonating sound of my steps on the wooden floor. I stopped in front of the big double Oakwood door and rang the doorbell. An excessively loud noise filled the house; If my loud footsteps didnt inform anyone that I was there that bell definitely did. While waiting for someone to open the door, I couldnt help but look around me. The entire estate was so welcoming, so warm; it filled me with unexplainable peace just standing here.

I felt this precise reaction in the eeriest place; my schools basement when I went to buy my medicine. Surely it wasnt because of the basement, but maybe the person in it, the one who sold my meds to me, Dustin. I thought that today was a bit stranger than usual. Usually, he just gave me what I asked for, but today he had questions and concerns, and it freaked me out.

Maybe he was thinking about cutting me off or ratting me out. But why though, that would make him lose money?

Before my thoughts could run any further, the door opened behind me, the butlers voice startling me.

Good afternoon Miss, he greeted me with an apologetic smile and invited me in. I gave him a small smile in return and walked in.

Wheres the crazy, Robert? I asked with a chuckle, removing my bag.

Robert laughed, and the wrinkles on his face become prominent. Miss Emily is upstairs in her bedroom. She asked me to send you up as soon as you arrived, so up you go! He motioned me up the stairs.

I shook my head with a smile and ascended the elegant staircase. While walking up, I stared at all the family photos hanging on the wall. I had seen them about a hundred times before but couldnt stop looking. The sheer happiness flowing from them always took my breath away. It was something I was longing for but could never have.

I shook my head as if to make all the depressing thoughts disappear and knocked on Emilys door. I entered without waiting for an answer and found her lying on her bed on her stomach, reading a magazine.

When she looked up from the page and saw me, she squealed excitedly, throwing the book across the room.

Makeover-time, she said, her eyes widening. I took a deep breath and let her pull me into her walk-in closet.

oday I rode the bus to school because I couldnt walk for too long; my aching body wouldnt allow it. All the way there I just sat on the bus and played with my locked; that I never took off. For some reason, it comforted me and kept my mind off my excruciating pain.

When I arrived at school, I made sure to send Emily a message letting her know I was there, and I headed to my locker to pack my bag. I couldnt help but feel like everyone was staring at me.

Maybe they are wondering why Im walking like Im an undead zombie freak looking for brains, in the meantime, Im actually an abused girl with broken ribs that can barely breathe. Life was a funny thing.

I turned away from the on-looking crowd and pressed my forehead against the cool locker door, hoping the cold would reflect into me and remove the ache in my body. There was one thing that I was a hundred per cent sure was going to relieve me of my pain, and I didnt mean death.

'Sick sense of humour,' Lilly commented drily.

I was referring to painkillers with a name I couldnt pronounce correctly. I knew who to get them from because Id gotten them before, quite a few times. How he got them was none of my business, but it was illegal. If it took away my pain, it could even come from planet Mars, and I still wouldn't care. The pills were so strong that you needed a prescription to buy them at the pharmacy, fortunately for me, this guy also specialized in forged prescriptions.

Before I could decide to turn around and find my meds-guy, my wrist was grabbed, stopping me. Facing a very annoyed Emily with beet-red cheeks, I couldnt help but appreciate her; she was always there for me even when I was being vague or closed off about my life.

Where the heck have you been? I've been worried sick! she asked, raising her voice but keeping in mind that we were in public, so she moved closer. With sarcasm, she continued. You dont call. You dont write.

I could feel the anger radiating off her, and I honestly couldnt blame her. I could have been dead, and she wouldnt have known it. Sharing and communicating had always been my problem; I sucked at it. I didnt have the strength or the willpower to listen to her scold me like a two-year-old, so I caught her off guard, wrapping my arms around my friend, and hugging her. Emily immediately stopped her well-deserved scolding and hugged me back, sensing that I needed this. We hugged until my body complained of discomfort and we pulled apart, walking towards our first class, slowly.

I made plans for us for tonight, she said, avoiding eye contact. I looked at her raising my eyebrows. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what she had to say.

Youre coming to sleepover at my house, she explained when we turned the corner. My heartbeat slowed down; it wasn't a bad idea. Also, were going to a party tonight. She rushed out, and I stopped dead in my tracks, pulling her backwards. She stumbled, glaring at me.

What was that for?

I scowled. Youre insane if you think Im setting foot inside a party. I crossed my arms and walked past her.

Emily followed, pouting. We need to get out. You need to get out and what better than a party. We entered our first class and took our seats.

Im sorry Em, but theres no way Im doing that. If you want to go, by all means, knock yourself out, but I dont have the strength for it. I whispered.

Emily gave me the puppy-dog eyes and begged. Please, it will only be for a few hours. If youre not feeling well, well leave immediately, I promise.

I stared at her, and even though I knew I couldnt be going out in my condition; I considered it for her sake. What harm could it be if I went, stood in the corner and let her have fun? I owed her at least that for being such a good friend to me.

Fine, I said, giving in, I turned and gave her a warning look. But you better not force me into anything that I dont want to do; Im not in the right state of mind. Our conversation had to end there because our teacher walked in, and there was a strict no-talking policy.

A few of our classes passed, and it was finally lunch. I wanted lunch to be over so I could be a step closer to buying my meds. Since I met Ashton, Emily and I have been sitting at their lunch table, per Mason and Ashtons request. To say that Michael wasnt happy was the understatement of the year. Jason, on the other hand, didnt mind Emily as much but ignored me completely. At least I knew he was a loyal friend.

I was totally distracted and walked past the lunch line without taking any food. When I arrived at the designated table, I sat down replaying the past few days over and over in my head. I was lying on my arm, drawing patterns on the table with my nail, when I felt someone plop down next to me. I did not attempt to see who it was, but my unspoken question got answered when an apple appeared in front of me. I stared at the pink manicured nails wrapped around the apple and smiled slightly.

Eat! Emily said, next to me. I didnt listen to her but accepted the offer, nonetheless.

Thanks, I mumbled and continued lying on my arm.

A few minutes passed, and Emily and I sat in utter silence, she, enjoying her lunch and me, playing with my uneaten apple when four figures took their seats around us. I switched from lying on one arm, over to the next one and continued to roll my apple around. I could feel everyone staring at me, but goodness did this apple look interesting.

From my peripheral vision, I saw Emily going in to jab me with her elbow but stopped, quickly as if she remembered that I was battered and bruised, absentmindedly I sighed with relief.

A-bear, where have you been? Masons voice drifted with a question towards me.

I turned my head to the side so I could see him clearly- as clear as one could when you were slightly staring at someone upside down.

I shrugged. Sick!

The look on his face saddened me, deepening the pit in my stomach but I couldnt be frank with him about my life. The only option was to play it off, and if that meant upsetting him, then it was a chance I had to take. Emily looked at me with an understanding smile and turned to talk to Mason, trying to distract him from my lack of friendliness. Michael and Jason stood up from the table without saying anything, walking away. I gave Emily a where are they going look, and she shrugged, turning towards Ashton.

Ashton, I heard youre throwing a party. I hope it is okay that Autumn and I attend? She asked him, sending Mason a subtle smirk.

Ashton looked up from his phone for the first time since he sat down and smiled. Yap, no problem, I was going to ask if you guys were coming, anyway.

She smiled my way and said. Awesome, we cant wait.

I groaned and laid down on my arms, hiding the scowl on my face.

You okay, feisty? Ashton asked, I held up my hand over my head and gave him a thumbs-up.

***

The only reason I was standing in front of Emilys house right now was because of the mere fact that I had two painkillers in, that I went, and bought after school. I had been to Emilys house plenty of times before, but it never ceased to amaze me how beautiful it was. Emilys parents had put a lot of thought into the design and architecture of this house.

I walked up the front porch and listened to the resonating sound of my steps on the wooden floor. I stopped in front of the big double Oakwood door and rang the doorbell. An excessively loud noise filled the house; If my loud footsteps didnt inform anyone that I was there that bell definitely did. While waiting for someone to open the door, I couldnt help but look around me. The entire estate was so welcoming, so warm; it filled me with unexplainable peace just standing here.

I felt this precise reaction in the eeriest place; my schools basement when I went to buy my medicine. Surely it wasnt because of the basement, but maybe the person in it, the one who sold my meds to me, Dustin. I thought that today was a bit stranger than usual. Usually, he just gave me what I asked for, but today he had questions and concerns, and it freaked me out.

Maybe he was thinking about cutting me off or ratting me out. But why though, that would make him lose money?

Before my thoughts could run any further, the door opened behind me, the butlers voice startling me.

Good afternoon Miss, he greeted me with an apologetic smile and invited me in. I gave him a small smile in return and walked in.

Wheres the crazy, Robert? I asked with a chuckle, removing my bag.

Robert laughed, and the wrinkles on his face become prominent. Miss Emily is upstairs in her bedroom. She asked me to send you up as soon as you arrived, so up you go! He motioned me up the stairs.

I shook my head with a smile and ascended the elegant staircase. While walking up, I stared at all the family photos hanging on the wall. I had seen them about a hundred times before but couldnt stop looking. The sheer happiness flowing from them always took my breath away. It was something I was longing for but could never have.

I shook my head as if to make all the depressing thoughts disappear and knocked on Emilys door. I entered without waiting for an answer and found her lying on her bed on her stomach, reading a magazine.

When she looked up from the page and saw me, she squealed excitedly, throwing the book across the room.

Makeover-time, she said, her eyes widening. I took a deep breath and let her pull me into her walk-in closet.

VOTE AND COMMENT

who would you ship?
Autumn-Ashton
Autumn-Michael or
Autumn-Mason.

Let me know.