Chapter 1
Content warning: This book may touch on depressions, physical abuse, bullying and eating disorders.
This is my first time writing, I hope you guys will like it.
Stephanies POV
“Guys wake up, don’t make me come up there?” My mother shouted from the downstairs kitchen.
“ I’m up already," I answered. I stood staring at my body in the mirror. I touch the small scar on my right hip. A reminder of that day. Pain shoots through me. Its not physical, but I felt it. My heart felt it, a tear wscaped my eye but i quickly swipe it away. No, I won't go there again. "Come on Stephanie, stop being stupid". I half shouted. " You got this!" It was the last day of school and though I'd rather spend the day binge watching Netflix, I knew my mother wouldn't let me. I started getting myself in order. Contrary to my moms belief, I was up since 6 today as I usually am. I wouldn’t tell her that though. I took that time to sneak into his office and spend some time there reminiscing the past, and truth be told, the nightmares wouldn’t let me sleep past six anyways.
As I walked into the kitchen and say a good morning to my mom knowing full well I won't get a response. She instead, like the robot she is, motioned to the fridge indicating i should clearly help myself if i wanted any breakfast. I decided on a slice of cake left over from moms office party and sat whilst she typed away at her phone.
“ Hi mom, Hi stupid” Will said as he kissed mom on her cheek.
I turned to look at my twin brother with annoyance. Honestly, I wish I could just tell him off but mom would get upset. No one’s allowed to be rude to her golden child. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t know that she favored Will over me. Though she didn’t say it out loud, her actions were evident. In all honesty, who could blame her. Though we were twins and we shared the same brown hair and blue eyes, our similarities ended there. Will was 173cm with a muscular build. He was outgoing and funny and everyone liked him. Me on the other hand stood at 168cm, no sense of style and socially awkward. Funny thing is, I wasn’t always this way. I used to do cheerleading and my life was a teeny bit better back then. Now I ate when I was sad and cried most days.
“ Are you guys going to be ok?”
“ Please don’t let me come home and see a repeat of last time”.
Mom was a lawyer so Will and I would be home alone a lot. After the accident, its just been us two since mom goes away on her business trips. Though mom and Will seemed to be grooving into life without him easily, I on the other hand just can’t seem to get myself together.
I still remember that night, the broken windshield, glass on the floor, the blood, so much blood….
“Guys, are you listening ?” Mom shouted, bringing me back from my train of thought.
“Mom relax, we’ll be fine, don’t worry, trust me. ”
If it weren't for Wills stupid party last time she was away, she wouldnt be so concerened. Will had completely taken advantage of the opportunity to host a big ass party. He was usually careful and mom never had a clue but this time he forgot the date she was coming back and she walked into a terribly messy house. Instead of punishing Will, I somehow was blamed for the whole situation. I was left to clean up everything while Will locked himslef in his room and played video games the rest of the day.
“ Hi Miss Johnson," i knew that voice anywhere. It was Phoenix James. The Greek God himself. I couldn't help but stare as he entered the room. Man was he handsome. He wore his football jacket over a fitted white tee that did nothing to hide his lean figure. I've always liked Pheonix. He was Wills best friend. I watched as he greeted my mom and admired the way his soft black hair fell on his forehead as he quickly passed his fingers through to comb back a couple strands. My my, a real life Eugene Fitzherbert. I only looked away as he turned to me, his light-golden brown eyes, though smiling, clearly hid sadness.
“ Hello Phoenix, how’s your mother doing ?”
"She’s ok, doing a lot better," he replied. Phoenix’s mom had been sick for a while. Cancer the doctors had said. So Phoenix has been taking care of his mom ever since. His dad on the other hand unfortunately seemed to have pushed himself into work as an excuse or a means to avoid the situation.
“ You guys ready?” He asked.
Yep I said as I followed him and Will out the door. My best friend Emily would usually pick me up but she couldn't today, so I quickly called Phoenix yesterday and begged him for a favour. Of course my brother was against it but luckily for me, it wasn't his car.
