My Cursed Love

Chapter 8: School

-Elena-

As I was about to get out of my aunt’s car, she grabbed my arm with a grip so tight it almost hurt. Her eyes locked onto mine, filled with a fear I had never seen before. It struck me that I wasn’t the only one haunted by fears and traumas.

My aunt, who had always been my pillar of strength, was just as scared as I was. It broke my heart to see her so unsettled, knowing these fears were now a part of her life. But it also fueled my anger. These people had done this to her, transforming my kind aunt into someone who was constantly on edge. The hatred I felt for them was indescribable.

“Remember our deal,” she said, her eyes penetrating mine as if trying to burn the words into my mind.

I nodded slowly, and as I did, she released her grip. I instinctively pulled my arm close to me. She sighed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment. I could see her knuckles whitening as she tightened her hold on the steering wheel, the leather straining under the pressure.

When she opened her eyes again and focused on the road ahead, she said, “Very good. Then you better hurry so you won’t be late.”

I didn’t say anything in response. Instead, I got out of the car, feeling a bit dazed, and watched as she drove away. It took me a while to pull myself together. Only after she was out of sight did I turn around and face the stairs leading to my school.

“It’s good to be back,” I mumbled to myself, slipping in my earphones and pulling my hoodie over my head.

But my attempt to blend in was futile. People glanced at my still-bruised face and immediately began whispering to those around them. I didn’t always know who they were, but they all seemed to know me. The news coverage had made me a public spectacle. I even noticed suspicious cars driving by. At first, I feared they were here for me, but when I saw the flashes from cameras, I realized they were just paparazzi hoping to capture a glimpse of me.

I hated being the center of attention, but I suppose it’s what happens when you’re kidnapped, escape, and nearly die in the process. I still couldn’t wrap my head around how I survived, and I kept seeing those red eyes in my dreams. It was all so unsettling.

As I walked through the school hallways, every head turned to look at me. I cranked up the volume on “Monster” by Skillet, not that I usually listened to rock music, but it seemed like the best way to drown out the whispers.

I kept my head down as I made my way to my locker. Just as I opened it, someone grabbed my arm. I flinched in fear, my first instinct to pull away and strike whoever had touched me. But before I could react, arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me close to a warm body. Initially, I was rigid with anxiety, but the familiar warmth and the strong scent of lilies began to soothe me.

Erica?

I tried to pull away, still uncomfortable with close contact, even from my oldest friend. But she held on, her breathing uneven. Was she crying?

She finally moved me slightly away but kept a firm grip on my arms. I looked at her, confused and a bit frightened. Her mouth moved rapidly, but I couldn’t make out a word she was saying. She seemed to expect a response, but I had no idea what she was trying to communicate.

With a frustrated roll of her eyes, she reached for my face. I instinctively recoiled, scared of the contact, but she didn’t touch me. Instead, she pulled out my earphones, her expression showing annoyance.

“What?” I inquired, my confusion evident.

She rolled her eyes again. “I asked how you’re doing,” she replied, clearly frustrated that she had to repeat herself.

I shrugged. I really didn’t want to get into a whole “How are you?” conversation. I knew I’d be asked that question a thousand times today, if anyone dared to speak to me at all.

“Come on, is that all?” Erica inquired, finally releasing me and crossing her arms.

“What do you want me to say?” I replied.

She looked even more frustrated, sighing deeply and shaking her head. “You’ve been gone for five months, Elena. Five months! You were kidnapped, and now you come back looking like a skeleton. And don’t act like I don’t see the bruising around your eye and the cut on your lip!” Her voice cracked, and tears welled up in her eyes.

I stared at the ground, not wanting to see any more tears or sadness. I longed for the days with the cheerful Erica, wishing desperately to return to normal.

“I’m sorry, Erica. I really don’t want to talk about it, okay?”

“No! It’s not okay. This is serious, Elena. Do you know how worried I’ve been? How much I’ve hated myself for knowing it’s because of me that you were in that situation?”

The tears began to stream down her cheeks. She tried to wipe them away, but they kept coming.

Shit. Please, stop crying, Erica!

I sighed. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t know it would happen. I don’t blame you, okay? So please don’t blame yourself.” I reached out my hand, but I couldn’t handle the contact and pulled it back. “I’m back now. See, I’m right here!”

I pointed to myself and forced a smile. She looked at me in silence, but at least the tears had stopped.

“I’m okay. So don’t worry, alright? I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere ever again,” I promised, trying to offer some comfort.

It felt somewhat ironic. I was the one who had been kidnapped and beaten, yet it seemed like I was the one who needed to reassure everyone else that everything was going to be alright.

“Okay?” I repeated.

She studied me for a moment before throwing her arms around me again. Of course, I went stiff from the contact and didn’t return the hug, but she didn’t seem to notice. She simply rested her head against me, and when she pulled away, she smiled.

That’s my Erica.

“Can we go to class now?” I inquired, a hint of teasing in my voice as I realized we were the only ones left in the hallway.

Erica looked around, then back at me, and we both burst into laughter. It felt like old times again. After a good laugh, she nodded.

“Let’s get to class,” she said, taking my hand.

I quickly pulled my hand away from her grip and held it close to me. She looked at me with confusion, and I could only stare at the ground. When I finally mustered the courage to meet her gaze, I saw the sadness in her eyes. I hadn’t meant to hurt her. I just couldn’t handle the contact.

“If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late,” she reminded me, forcing a small smile.

She tried to break the silence that now filled the hallway, yet I remained silent, looking at the floor. Why did I have to be this way? Why couldn’t I just let her hold my hand? But physical contact was painful for me.

“Elena?”

I glanced up. She was waiting for a response, but I had nothing to say. I simply closed my locker and nodded, then continued down the hallway. She followed closely behind, silent. We walked in this uncomfortable quietness all the way to the classroom. Was it always going to be like this?

I didn’t know how to explain this to her, or to anyone, really. I hardly understood why I felt such pain with any form of contact. I was scared, but I hated that it was affecting my friendship with Erica.

No, I wasn’t going to let this ruin us. I was a fighter. I just had to keep fighting!