Fake Love

Chapter two

Hailey woke up the following morning at seven o’clock on the dot like every morning. After attempting to sit up but was halted by her injuries protesting. Instead of sitting up Hailey unzipped the sleeping bag and rolled out of the bag until she lay on her stomach. It hurt but not as much as sitting up. She pushed up on her hands and knees ready to stand up fully.

I hate this, it hurts so much I can barely breathe.

I took two slow deep breaths, squeeze my eyes close tightly and stand.

My stomach hurt so much as if someone has kicked me with steel toe boots repeatedly. Well, it could have been worse, so let's just get through another day then I can rest over the weekend hopefully.

With another deep cleansing breath, I go to my dresser to pick out my outfit for school. Feeling a bit fragile I opt for something comforting, I decided on black jeggings, soft plain long sleeved navy turtleneck and my favourite navy hoody. It was one of two comforting outfits I like to wear after heavy beatings and of course to hide the evidence of my abuse. After carefully changing into my bra and outfit I head to the bathroom stealthily. I brush my teeth wash my face and pull my hair up into a ponytail. A quick check of my reflection to make sure my neck is fully covered. I’m glad to see the slap did not leave any marks which means no make up is needed, not that anyone would care.

Satisfied with my appearance I use the toilet wash my hands then head to the kitchen. Hailey made herself a bowl of cereal along with apple and cinnamon herbal tea. I devoured my cereal while sipping the soothing herbal blend. After I finished, I washed my dishes I put away the ones from last night and grabbed my lunch from the fridge.

At least I don’t have to cook them breakfast during weekdays, thanks to school I only have to cook dinner. Yet they use that as another excuse to hurt me because I am not “pulling my weight” and for being a “burden”.



I can’t help but sigh at that, they used to be so loving and caring towards me. Now they hate me wholeheartedly but what hurts the most is that I still hole hope that they will love me again like they used to which makes me a fool for hoping so.

Once again, I sigh, I sigh a lot these days, but it cannot be helped since day by day I’m slowly losing the will power to keep fighting on

UGH!! WHAT AM I DOING! It is far too early to for these types of thoughts and feelings. Enough lets just get this school day over with.

And now with an even gloomier mood I tip toe back to my room to pack my bag.

Hailey returned to her room sombrely, she packed her lunch along with her phone, charger, and homework. Grabbing her hoody, she threw it on along with her black converse then snuck out to school. It was an hour long walk from the house to the school, Hailey never considered the house as her home it was more of a shelter from the elements and a place to rest her head in her eyes. She began her walk to school by leaving the quiet neighbourhood, it was small and a little run down suited for those who had next to nothing. However, on a more positive note there was no crime because everyone that lived in the area was simply poor with nothing of value, most residents would be lucky if they had a sofa to sit on.

Hailey trudged on to school trying to clear her mind of negative thoughts, she found it difficult to purge her mind of such things when each step she took filled her with dread knowing on her way she would have to pass the train yard. The train yar is home to a thirty something year old homeless man who tends to follow Hailey every morning bore and every afternoon after school until she leaves the area.

“Good morning flower.” Said a deep voice in my ear making me jump. “M-morning Henry.” I stuttered. I was so out of it I didn’t see him approaching me. “Sorry my bad flower I did not mean to scare you.” He grinned, for a homeless man he was always clean, clearly using the shelters to maintain his hygiene. “That’s ok. I was in a world of my own.” I say smiling sheepishly. Henry creeps me out because of how close he gets sometimes but mostly because he follows me through the train yard. He started doing that two years ago back then he would trail far behind me. Only when I confronted him about it, which was scary because I thought he would hurt me but didn’t thankfully. But ever since then he started walking by my side instead. I have tried asking him the reason why he follows me but I’m too afraid he might become aggressive about it. He gave me a warm smile which always makes me blush I look away and stair at the many trains instead. He may give me the creeps but in all honesty, he is quite handsome in a charming way all things considered, which is why it’s confuses me that I react to simple things like his smile. I personally blame the teenage hormones. He has milk chocolate coloured hair long on top short at the sides, gold tanned skin, sharp nose, thick lashes that fanned over his ice blue eyes, soft pink lips surrounded by stubble and a soft defined jaw. He stood about 5.9 so about six inches taller than me, lean with slight muscle definition.

Today he had on one of his four summer outfits a black leather jacket, blue jeans, black sneakers and black t- shirt. He has four outfits for each season each different every year, but I must admit black suits him tremendously. “Are you doing well petal? You seem down today more than usual.” He asked face full of concern. I sigh internally because as much as he creeps me out his voice sooths me somehow. His voice deep, rich yet smooth as honey, it is so frustrating how can a single person bring you calm and comfort you while simultaneously putting you on edge and creep you out? I give him my best fake smile that I know will reach my eyes, “Yeah. Everything is fine I just do not want to go to school today.” I shrugged as I explained, his expression softened eyes full of understanding. Outside of school he is the only one who knows how badly bullied I am in school aside from my parents, but they don’t care so there is no point in including them. Hi concern is touching though which it cheers me up a bit. A genuine smile crept up my face but does not last long because the ground suddenly comes up to greet me as I trip over the track we were crossing.

My eyes clamp shut while I brace for the impending impact, but it never came even the chilly wind rushing past me stopped. Warmth replaced the cold it enveloped me like a blanket and for the first time in years I felt safe and fully relaxed. Even my injuries that stung me like tiny needles as I walked was numbed by this strange warmth. After letting go of the breath I forgot I was holding I smelt something amazing. Vanilla and mint invaded my senses, a sudden craving to smell more of the heavenly aroma made me lean closer to inhale deeper. As I inhaled deeper the warmth started vibrating followed by someone chuckling. My eyes bolted open I looked up to see Henry with an amusement plastered on his face then it dawned on me that I was in his arms, and he just witnessed me smelling him. Heats erupted from my face, and I knew it must have been redder than a tomato as a tsunami of embarrassment washed over me. Backing away slowly while covering my face in an attempt to hide from him then the apologising began.

“Henry I am so so sorry. Please don’t be mad please. I don’t know what came over me. I’m sorry.” I almost burst into tears when embarrassment faded into fear, fear that he would hurt me. My body started quivering as I watched him, I waited for him to become angry like all the others, but it never came. Instead, he looked……shocked then worry replaced it. “Flower it’s ok. There is nothing for me to be mad about. Why would I be mad?” He spoke as if he was speaking to a frightened animal, his silky voice somehow chased the fear away calming me almost immediately. Felling a bit more grounded and less panicky I gave him an honest answer and to be fair to him he did not rush, he let me take my time. I took a couple of deep breaths then answered. “I’m sorry, most people who are physical with me like hugs and stuff like that tend to be angry with me. and because I smelt you, I thought you would be furious. Again, I am sorry, it is not polite to do things like that but for what it’s worth you have a very nice scent.” I added at the end feeling like an i***t. His reaction surprised me, he was…..smiling. “Listen Flower, I don’t mind that you gave me a sniff I take it as a compliment specially since my deodorant it unscented. He said with THE biggest grin on his face with a wink. It was infectious I could not control me responding grin. Maybe now would be a suitable time to ask him, summoning whatever confidence I had I asked him the two questions I needed answers to. “Thank you for catching me, Henry.” He just smiled and nodded in response saying it was nothing. “Henry why do you call me flower or anything to do with flowers and why do you walk me through the yard every time? Please answer me and tell me the truth this time and do not dismiss the question like you normally do.” I said determined to find out.

He staired down at his hands twiddling his thumbs contemplating something. After a few minutes of silence, he looked up at me ready to explain. “Alright I will tell you but just know you have nothing to worry about anymore.”

What do I have to be worried about other than school and my parents?

“When you first started passing through you were being followed by a group of guys. There were three of them, but they never did anything, so I paid them no mind until one night in the shelter I heard them planning to jump you. I won’t elaborate further than that so don’t ask me to. Anyway, the next morning I followed them to the spot they planned to wait for you. I confronted them about it, but it escalated into a fist fight which I won. I warned them to never go near you again or else. And I haven’t seen them since, they left the shelter after they were discharged from the hospital. But just in case they decided to come back and try again I started following you. I never told you because you looked so fragile and hurt so I kept it to myself. I didn’t want to frighten you or have you stressing about potentially getting jumped, that’s why I dismissed you every time you asked.” He looked down rubbing the back of his neck looking shy.

If I wasn’t so shocked from his confession, I would be melting internally at how cute he looked right now, he really did not look like a man in his thirties.

WAIT! So, he has been protecting me all this time. Come to think about it I haven’t seen those men for a long time now. I think they disappeared for like four days before Henry started following. Wow I have been creeped out this whole time, but it all makes sense now except for one thing.

“So, what was the reason for walking uncomfortably close some day?” please don’t let it be a creepy reason.

“Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, I did that because there were drug dealers around at that time. I have hung around the yard for years and I have seen how violent those drug deal can get. So, I thought if I stayed close to you, I could get you to safety faster if things escalated.”

Oh my god. I don’t know how to process this newfound information.

“And the reason I call you Flower or other related names is because I saw you in the park one day walking several dogs. You were sat on a blanket by yourself making a flower crown and you had your hair down that day. When you were done you placed it on your head, you had the sweetest smile on your face. You reminded me of a delicate flower and I kind of dubbed you Flower from that day on.” He said shrugging sheepishly his cheeks stained red.

Before I knew what I was doing I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest silently weeping. I was overwhelmed emotionally and started shaking like a leaf and no matter how much I tried I could not stop crying. It felt like all my suppressed loneliness poured out of me through my tears like a flood. Henry rested his chin on top of my and circled his arms around me, he swayed us side to side and rubbed my back to comfort me. “Hush Petal. I won’t let them come for you, I promise.” He cooed.

I don’t feel so alone anymore.

Unsure of how much time had passed but I finally stopped crying and gained control over myself. Removing myself from his embrace a bit I looked up into his eyes. “Thank you for looking out for me when no one else has.” I croaked, a few more tears fell from my eyes, but he wiped them away with his thumb and smiled at me. “I should be thanking you. If you hadn’t taken this route, I would never have decided to protect you instead I would still be angry at the world and blaming everyone for my problems. So, thank you for being here.” I didn’t know how to reply to that, so I hugged him again. We embraced each other a little longer his warmth felt so good it was gently lulling me to sleep.

“Come on we need to get going or you’ll be late for school.” He chuckled.

Crap I completely forgot about school.

The thought of going to school feels alien to me now as if it was part of a fantasy. Grabbing my phone from my pocket I check the time. It showed eight o’clock, I didn’t realise our moment of madness had taken up forty five minutes of my time. It should work out fine after all I am fast walker. I put my phone away then turned my gaze towards Henry as if seeing him for the first time. I felt a newfound respect, understanding and closeness towards him after his confession. I made a silent promise to myself, starting today I will make an effort to get to know Henry properly since he’s basically my guardian.

We made our way out of the train yard towards the town centre passing the sleeping trains quickly to make up for lost time. When reached the town I gave Henry a hug goodbye, he returned my hug wished me a good day at school and said he’ll meet me here same time as always after school. Nodding my head, I turned and sprinted the rest of the way while trying my best to ignore the aches in my body. The streets were desolate because it was so early in the day which meant next to no traffic meaning I didn’t have to stop.

I arrived right on time despite the searing pain in my torso, by the time I reached the gate I was panting and due to my injuries, it took me a little longer than usual to recover. But it’s nothing I can’t handle. After composing myself I straightened up my clothes and wiped the sweat from my brow then headed straight to my locker to collect the books I needed for today. I reached my locker swapped my books around then headed for first period, I prayed I wouldn’t bump into Rebecca or her minions on my way. Thankfully no one notices me walk by no one bothers to notice or bother me unless the popular kids are around, typical sheep mentality. As soon as the room came into view my pace picks up and I entre the room and head straight to my desk at the back of the class on the left-hand side. After taking my seat my mind wonders back to Henry and everything, he told me while I wait for school to officially start. A smile spreads on my face instantly at the memory of our counter this morning, I have no doubt that he was telling the truth because I used to run through the train yard when I notice three men following me every day. The difference between them and Henry was that whenever I sped up, they would too whereas Henry kept the same pace but never took his eyes off me. The thought of what they planned to do to me sent a blood freezing shiver down my spine making me colder than ice. I wished he was here to embrace me in his warmth.

Mmmm he is so warm and his scent heavenly hehehe. I wonder what his life was like before he became homeless, but first priority is to find out how old he is. I think he’s thirty if not early thirties maybe late twenties, it won’t make a difference how old he is really, but curiosity is my weakness.

Hailey sat there daydreaming about her new idol Henry. She was now extremely curious about her new knight in shining armour and wanted to know everything about him, so she made a mental list of questions in her head that she wanted to ask him. Hailey became giddy over the notion of learning everything about him and getting to know Henry better. With this in mind her mood improved dramatically and now she could not wait for school to finish to see him because for the first time in a long time she had something to look forwards to.

The classroom started filling with students, but Hailey was so engrossed in her thoughts while staring out the window that she was oblivious to the group of girls looking at her in pure disgust. They started planning a way to humiliate her in front of the whole school during lunch. Their faces were covered in sinister looks with evil glints in their eyes as the group of four girls started to laugh in Hailey’s direction. She was blissfully unaware of their schemes of humiliation since her focus was purely on Henry.

“So, we will get Seth and Brian to trap her at her usual table while we prep the hot sludge.” Said their leader Rebecca with a grin.

“And when it’s ready Jason and Greg will carry it to the balcony to pour it on her Carrie style.” Giggle Martha.

“But don’t forget we have to pretend like we’re going over to stop the guys from giving her a hard time to keep her at the table longer.” Said Sarah adamantly about the important detail.

“And while you’re “helping” her, I will be filming the whole thing hehehehe. I can’t wait to wipe that smile off her face.” Gushed Isabelle clapping her hand in glee.

“Wait just one thing how are you going to convince Jason to help? He doesn’t know that we bully her which means he’s either really dense or he really doesn’t care.” Asked Martha. Rebecca smirked as she looked into her compact mirror.

“No need to worry I have someone else in mind to help out. He’s new to the football team a little nobody but I have him wrapped around my finger already. As for Jason I have bigger plans for him, but I still have other things to sort out first before going ahead with that plan. And trust me when I say that Hailey Morris will never be able to show her face in public again, but I won’t say anything yet until the time is right.” She said after touching up her makeup.

The girls grew excited and curious at this secret plot against Hailey. They enjoyed her misery even though she has done nothing to any of them.

The room was now full of students who chatted amongst themselves for a few minutes more when a woman walked just as the first bell went off. She had raven coloured hair up in an elegant bun and dressed in black ankle boots, smart black trousers with a long blue and white flora print shirt topped with a blue cardigan. Her skin was olive colour with light brown eyes, perky lips and an oval shaped face which gave her an aura of elegance and authority.

“Good morning class.” Greeted Mrs Willows, silencing the class instantly.

“Good morning, Mrs Willows.” they said in unison. This snapped Hailey out of her bubble her full attention now on the teacher.

“First thing first. Everyone please place your homework on your desk, and I will come around to collect it.” She instructed the class. I opened my bag took my English homework out and my books for the lesson and placed them on my desk. I love English class I can be very creative here and we get to read different novels for certain subjects, so I get to escape reality every now and then. And despite the fact that most of the teachers hate my very existence and don’t care about my wellbeing thanks to Rebecca, Mrs Willows is the main one out of a handful to actually show concern for me. ever since she caught me tending to a cut I made on my arm, not to mention that she was the one who found me dying in the basement. Plus, she has a no nonsense and is firm but fair which is why she is respected by pretty much the whole school. Even the popular kids show her respect which they do not extend to other teachers since they think they are above teachers included, except her.

The lesson went on as it does normally with no interruptions of any kind. Halfway through Mrs Willows made her rounds collecting our homework. I made sure not to make eye contact with her for fear she examines me closely and realise I was hurt yet again. Only this time the injuries sustained were not made by me this time. She approached my desk collected my paper as she passed without pausing, my body relaxed the moment she back behind her desk at the head of the room. Unaware of how tensed up I was hoping she did not notice. Maybe I should check? Using what little backbone, I had I peeked up from my notebook to check if she was glancing my way. To my relief she had her head down, full attention of marking the homework she collected. This made me happy, last thing I needed or wanted was someone to find out about the abuse I get at the house to then be taken out of one crap home to an even crappier one. I know I should tell someone about the abuse, but I am too afraid and too ashamed to admit what has happened, so I choose to suffer in silence.

Something caught my attention from the corner of my eye. Turning my attention to the source I see Rebecca waving at me for some reason. Her seat is on the opposite side of the room from mine along with her minions sitting in a neat row in front of her. Refusing to acknowledge her existence I turn back to my work. All I have is my schoolwork and if I am lucky, I could get a scholarship into college abroad. So, I cannot have any distractions no matter what. Suddenly I feel my anxiety creeping up my spine, my body feels cold as paranoia starts to set in.

Oh no she’s planning something again, that’s the only time or reason she ever acknowledges me.

I can’t breathe all of a sudden, fear grips me hard overwhelming my senses from the memory of what they did to me last time.