'Behind my smile is a hurting heart, behind my laugh I'm falling apart. Look closely at me and you will see, the girl I am, it isn't me...'

-From I Am His Punchbag

***

Axel's POV:

She lies so still, her face a mask of the utmost peace and tranquility. Looking at her now, you would never think she tried to jump off a bridge and kill herself. You wouldn't believe that under the blanket, bruises lie, slowly healing from the constant abuse she gets.

When I found out what happens, not only on school grounds, but behind closed doors, I was furious. A house is supposed to be a place you call home, but it seems Kelsey hasn't had that in a while.

When the doctors brought her in, they did a full physical analysis of her and found fresh and old bruises, scars and other various injuries. They freaked when they saw the giant bruise on her stomach, immediately running tests to check for internal bleeding.

I tried repeatedly to get a hold of a guardian, but when a woman finally answered, she totally disregarded what I was saying and hung up the phone. The woman was fine until I told her I was calling about Kelsey, she turned cold and refused to hear another word. Something tells me this woman is not what she seems. She probably is the reason Kelsey did what she did.

It's hard not knowing when she's going to wake up. If she even does. It's hard waiting for her fingers to twitch beneath mine or her eyes to flutter open and look at me. She just so still and unmoving.

Students at school somehow found out that Kelsey tried to commit suicide and some even came to deliver cards and flowers. Probably feeling a world of guilt. I don't understand how they could abuse or hurt someone as kind and innocent as her. Sometimes jealousy really is an ugly emotion that we have. It's sad to see the things that human do to our own species.

I want things to change and if I can't do it for everyone, I'll do what I can for the little angel that deserves the world.

***

I kick out my bike stand, turning off my bike and swinging off. Students stare as I pull off my black helmet, though I ignore the awed looks and make my way through the bustling entryway.

I've never been a fan of school. Some would label me as a trouble maker or rebel, but I genuinely don't care much for academics. I prefer the artistic side of things. Like strumming my electric guitar as I compose new music or finding a quiet place to draw whatever comes to mind.

People stare and whisper, gossip spreading like wildfire and I haven't even reached my locker yet. I just glare fiercely at those who refuse to look away, smiling internally at their shocked expressions. I know I haven't been here very long, but I've already started up my reputation as a Bad Boy.

If it keeps fake people away and stops any one from questioning me about my whole life story, I couldn't be happier. I'll make these people regret ever hurting Kelsey. She never did anything to deserve the pain and abuse she has received.

I unlock the metal door to my locker, rotating in the correct number sequence. 5290. Swinging the door open hard enough to slam into the adjoining locker, I stuff my belongings in, making sure my helmet is locker up safe inside the metal box.

Walking through the students, I make my way to my first class of the day, prepared for a long day of boredom and awed stares from fellow students. I wish Kelsey was here, I've already become so attached to her.

***

The bell rings for lunch period and I shove up from my desk, the sound of scraping chairs erupting all around me, as students leave the class. I follow behind, shrugging my bag across my shoulders, then stepping into the roiling mass of students flowing towards the cafeteria. All hungry for food.

Upon entering, I don't bother to stand in line for food, feeling too lazy to stand around for hours on end to get food. Instead I plonk down on a deserted table, pull out an apple and rest my elbows on the table as I eat, observing the rest of the student body.

I chew meticulously on my fresh green apple, a few trails of juice running down my chin, causing me to continuously swipe them away with the back of my hand. I watch with vague interest as various groups of students laugh and talk, some gossiping. I hear the passing name of Kelsey entering a few conversations, making my blood boil at what words spill from their mouths.

They know nothing.

I stand up swiftly, taking aim at a particularly rude person, their words twisting my heart at what they say about my sweet, innocent Kelsey. Kestrel Meyers. A notorious bully of Kelsey's and now I'm going to put him in his place.

I chuck my half eaten apple hard, watching it sail through the air like a missile before splattering upon impact. Bits of apple and juice spray on the people surrounding the large boy, creating a sticky mess atop Kestrel's head. A smirk coats my lips, satisfaction filling me as I watch his fists curl tightly, knuckles turning white as his back stiffens with rage.

"Oops," I drawl sarcastically, eyeing him with great humor, "Could've sworn I was aiming for the trash."

A few gasps and 'oohs' follow my sarcastic comment, all faces turned toward us, watching with wide bulging eyes and slack jaws. I grin maliciously at the furious boy, folding my arms across my chest, taking on a defensive stance as I watch Kestrel rise to his full height. Only an inch or two above me. I still have more skill at fighting than him, he's all bark and no bite. Just flab really.

"You shouldn't have done that new kid," Kestrel sneers, his face red with rage as he turns too face me.

"No," I shake my head, "Let me tell you what you shouldn't have done."

I pause and step up onto the table, garnering everyone's attention. I release a foul glare on the students before me, daring any to oppose me and what I have to say.

"Listen up and listen carefully," I warn, eyes cold as the flit across the sea of awed faces, "All of you in this room are cowards. You scorn and abuse the innocent. You sent a girl to the brink of death, pushed a girl to attempt suicide. If it wasn't for me, this school would be one number less than what it is. Some of you know who I speak of."

The room is silent, eyes dark both guilt and remorse as they listen to my words. They will repent to this girl,  they will grovel for the terrible deeds they have performed.

"This girl has deserved none of what you have thrown at her. She is kind and beautiful beyond words. If you could have looked past your own self pity and jealousy, you could have met a wonderful, talented soul. She's one of a kind and you broke her. For no reason at all," I glower at the people around me, my voice deep with countless emotions, "You don't deserve forgiveness for what you have done to the innocent."

I step down and storm out the silent cafeteria, over with this day and with this cruel school. I need to see Kelsey. I make sure to grab my helmet on my way to my bike, then zip through traffic and over to the hospital.

***

Sorry for the wait. Enjoy.

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LilMissImperfection xoxo