Arlo stayed with me and slept on my floor that night. I honestly think that I'm in love with this boy. He's been there when no one else has. He cares. I couldn't ask for a better best friend.

I dangle my legs over the edge of my bed and see him still sound asleep on the floor. He's so peaceful. I stand and tip toe to the bathroom so I can get ready for school.

I get to the bathroom and decide that since I showered last night that I'll skip it this morning. I decide to throw my hair up into a cute bun. Now for makeup. I put on my regular foundation and pick out my black eyeliner and mascara. I swipe the eyeliner across my eyelid in one quick motion and take a little extra time on the wings. Lastly, I put on some mascara to complete it.

I walk out of the bathroom and into my bedroom to grab some clothes. I pick out a black and white stripe high-waisted skirt and my crop-top with the Oasis logo on it. I'm super scared to see how I look with them on.

I walk back into the bathroom and strip off my sleep clothes. I accidentally catch a glimpse of my body in the mirror and quickly look away. Not today. I must be strong for Arlo.

Thankfully the skirt covers the cuts on my thighs. The top also covers my tummy. Then I see my wrist, remembering last night. Damnit, Gwen!

I rummage through my jewelry box and find some bracelets to wear to cover it up. I also find the cheesy best friend heart necklace that Arlo got for me for Christmas last year and decide to wear it as well. It makes me smile. I admire it in the mirror when Arlo walks up behind me.

"I see you still have your necklace," he says with a big grin on his face.

"Of course I do," I smile back at him.

I then turn around and wrap my arms around his torso. He's about 5'11" to my 5'6". He returns the gesture by holding me tighter. I breathe in the smell of his cologne without him realizing.

After a minute or two I let go and walk out to let him get ready. I get out my converse high-tops again because I'm the girl who wears sneakers with her skirts. I slip on my socks and shoes. I pack all of my stuff into my bag and am soon all ready to go.

Arlo then walks out of the bathroom. He looks amazing. He throws on his shoes, and we head downstairs.

Mom never came home. She's probably with some guy. It's been like this since Dad died.

"You can eat whatever we have, Arlo," I tell him.

"I'm more concerned about what you're eating."

"I'm not hungry."

"Stop lying to yourself, Gwennie."

"I'll have an apple. No more."

"Thank you."

He then goes and picks out some cereal. Rice Krispies. His favorite. I pick out the smallest apple we have and starting munching on it.

Once we finish we head out and start the great trek to Hell, which is also known as high school. I think about grabbing his hand but decide against it. I'm so awkward.

We walk in the big front doors of the school, and people are already staring at me and whispering. That's when I realize that I forgot to cover up my black eye, and the bruises on my arms and fat lip are still completely visible. I look down at my legs and see that they, too, are covered in bruises.

I put my head down and start walking quicker. Arlo is trying to keep up. I bolt up the stairs to my locker. Once I get there I fumble with the dial a few times and start getting frustrated and hit my locker.

Arlo then shows up. I hadn't even realized that I lost him.

"Why were you running, Gwennie?" he's panting like a dog.

"They were whispering about me," I say, oh so quietly.

"Who gives a shit what they say? You're gorgeous no matter what."

"Yeah. Right."

"I mean it, Gwennie."

"Sure you do, that's why I have hundreds of boys lined up at my door," I reply sarcastically, "I'm the last girl any guy would want."

The warning bell rings after I say that, signalling that we should get to class.

"I'll see you later, Arlo."

He looks away, a sad look in his eyes, "Bye, Gwennie."

Author's Note ~

Sorry for not updating the past couple of days! I was busy with family yesterday and stayed at a friend's Saturday. Thanks for reading, lovelies! Stay beautiful!