I went back to school within a few days, wearing a long sleeve shirt, jeans, and a hat that covered most of my face when I tilted it down.

I didn't want anyone to ask about my scars, so I wasn't going to let anyone see them. The only person that knew anything about them was Cecilia...and possibly Nala. I wasn't sure if Cece had brought it up with her or not. I hope she didn't.

As I piled my books into my locker, I felt someone poke my shoulder. I cringed and pulled my hat low over my eyes. "Yeah?" I asked, not turning around. "Isaac?" Cecilia poked me again, this time more insistent.

I sighed and slid the rest of my books into my locker. "What is it?" I still didn't turn around. "Why don't you face me when you talk to me?" Cecilia's voice was tight. I flinched.

I hadn't spoken to Cecilia since the hospital.  She had been grounded once she got home, her mother had been upset with her for staying there so long...at least, that's what she texted me. I never texted her back, I wasn't really in the mood for it. Either way, she probably wouldn't have had her phone.

"Can you just say what you need to say, please?" I snapped. Then I bit my tongue, hard enough to draw blood.

I didn't want to snap at Cecilia, but for some reason, I couldn't seem to just respond to her in a kindly way. I wasn't angry at her, or anything like that. I guess, in a sense, I was angry at myself. I was confused. I felt lonely, even though I knew I was anything but alone.

I felt trapped.

Being depressed really sucks. You can't work out your feelings about anything. You're trapped, confused, sad, and angry all at once. It's a truly terrible feeling.

"Isaac, you need to stop hiding."

I could tell that Cecilia was starting to lose her patience with me. "I'm not hiding, I'm covering up." I responded stubbornly. I was starting to get a bit fed up myself.

"Look at me."

She spoke this like a command. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, and then faced her. "What?"

"Why are you so ashamed of your battle scars?"

What kind of question was that? I choked down my anger and made a fist with my right hand. "These aren't battle scars." I said coldly, turning and attempting to walk away. Cecilia grabbed my shoulder and spun me so I was facing her again. We locked eyes.

"They certainly are battle scars." She said tightly. "Because they are the result of you warring with yourself."

I shook her hand off of me. "I'm sorry, Cecilia." I said, my voice shaking as I tried to contain my frustration. "I just need time."

I walked away from her as fast as I could. I was halfway to my class when I realized two things.

1. I had made a serious mistake.
2. I forgot my backpack in my locker.