Chapter twelve
As I sat on the couch in the room, memories of my tumultuous past flooded my mind like a tidal wave. It was as if the ghosts of my childhood were still lurking, waiting to pounce on my sanity. I took a deep breath, letting the emotions wash over me as I began to recount the story of my childhood.
It all started when I was just a kid in basic school. I felt like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place, with the whole world against me. I was an outcast, a pariah, and the only girl in my school with hair that cascaded down my back like a waterfall. But instead of being admired, I was ridiculed and teased mercilessly. They called me "evil spirit," and I began to believe it.
I was a resident of the Haven of Love Orphanage Home, a place that was supposed to be a sanctuary for lost souls like me. But it was a living hell, where the teachers and caregivers seemed more interested in mocking me than in offering a helping hand. Whenever I tried to report the bullying, they would tease me even more, asking if I was telling tall tales.
As a result, I became a recluse, locking myself in my room every night, bawling my eyes out until sleep finally took over. Sometimes, I would sneak out into the dark streets, hoping that someone would kidnap me or put me out of my misery. I felt like a bad omen, a curse on the world, and I didn't deserve to exist.
But one day, everything changed. A girl named Chloe approached me in the bathroom, where I was crying my heart out after being humiliated in the school cafeteria. She handed me a handkerchief and promised to be my friend, to prove to everyone that I wasn't an evil spirit. For the first time in my life, I felt a glimmer of hope.
But it was short-lived. I later discovered that Chloe's friendship was a ruse, a ploy to get close to me and gather evidence of my supposed evil deeds. The truth hit me like a ton of bricks, and I was devastated. I barbed my hair, a symbol of my shame and humiliation, and my face turned pale whenever anyone asked me about it.
It wasn't until my parents showed up, claiming they had lost me during a concert and had been searching for me ever since, that my life began to take a turn for the better. My mom was a kind and nurturing person, and she encouraged me to open up about my past traumas. It took time, but eventually, I began to heal, to love myself, and to find closure.
As I looked at Alex, I could see the pain and trauma etched on his face. He was going through his own personal hell, and I knew exactly how he felt. I was determined to help him, to be his rock, his confidante. I wouldn't give up on him, no matter what. I would help him heal, just as my mom had helped me. The journey wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face it head-on, armed with the knowledge of my own experiences and the power of empathy.
I stood up, my eyes fixed on Alex's direction, where he stood with his back against the wall, his elbow touching the wall and his head resting on it, staring down at the floor. "I will help you ease your pain," I said, my voice filled with empathy. To be honest, I had no idea how to alleviate his suffering, but I knew that talking about it was the first step towards healing.
His response was like a slap in the face. "You can't fucking help me!" he yelled, spinning around to face me. His eyes blazed with anger, and his voice was laced with venom. "Young lady, you're leaving here and going back to your town first thing tomorrow morning!" He stormed off towards the stairs, stopping halfway to give me a cold, hard stare that sent shivers down my spine. His gaze was intimidating, making him look like a fierce lion ready to pounce on its prey.
I took a step back, my eyes wide with fear and confusion. "What's gotten into him?" I stuttered, my voice trembling. "What's happened to him to make him like this?" I muttered to myself, expecting no answer. "Who is he?" I asked aloud, my voice shaking as I looked around, trying to make sense of what had just transpired. My hands were shaking, and I clasped them together in an attempt to calm myself, but it was no use.
I took a deep breath and walked into my room, feeling like I was walking into a stormy night. As soon as I entered, I picked up my phone to call Mia, but then I changed my mind. Instead, I sat down on the chair facing the dressing mirror, looking at myself as flashes of my basic school days flooded my mind, bringing tears to my eyes. "I'll keep trying," I said, looking into the mirror and wiping away my tears.
I stood up to get my diary and write down what had happened that day and how I felt. After I finished writing, I stood up to freshen up, wearing my nightdress and getting ready for bed. But then, I felt a pang of thirst. I had to get up to get water from the fridge. As I walked towards the door, I opened it, and my heart skipped a beat as I jumped back, startled by the presence of the person standing in front of my room door.