Renee’s Love

Chapter 2 | Home/school

(TW: blood, language, abuse)

I woke up with light shining in my face from the window, I got up out of my bed and went to the bathroom. I looked dead, to be honest, and my eyes look dull, no longer having the gleam they used to have. I did my business took a hot shower and it was like bathing in lava because of all my deep cuts from my father's beatings.

I got out and went into my walk-in closet, just because my father beats me doesn't mean he wants people to know that he does it so I have relatively nice clothes and a nice bedroom. We also have a pretty pleasant house too. I put on black jeans with a white turtle neck sweater and some black boots, I leave my long brown hair down do my makeup and I'm ready for school today.

As I'm leaving my bedroom I hear my appalling father yell " GET YOUR SLUTTY ASS DOWN HERE NOW AND MAKE ME BREAKFAST" I flinch at his harsh tone, I hastily run downstairs while trying not to hurt myself. I see my father with whiskey in his hand *like always* I thought. He walks up to me slowly, a look of distaste written clearly on his face.

I just stand there in fear of what he might do to me if I move. He looks me up and down, looking at my clothes he gives me the most revolting look I've ever seen, and then he turns and walks away *thank god* I walk into the kitchen and get out the eggs, bacon, and I also make waffles. I don't eat because I'm not allowed to.

I put his breakfast on the kitchen table and grab my bag, quickly listing its contents to see if I missed anything, and I start to walk out the door as my father says " You're walking home today, I don't feel like picking you up in those slutty clothes." and with that, I close the door behind me "I have to walk home in the rain that's awesome!" I grumbled to myself. Notice the sarcasm.

I progress up the steps of the bus making my way to a seat, but not without someone having to put their foot out and trip me, making me fall face-first into the metal floor of the bus. Everyone starts laughing at me calling me clumsy Ren yes they call me that. My gaze makes its way up to a familiar face and then I realize who tripped me. It was Alec, that jackass one day I'm gonna beat the f**k out of him. I climb up, using a seat as support, and sat down in the seat closest to me, but farthest from him.

No one sits next to me and I'm thankful for that. I get to school and I have my accustomed classes. Math, Science, AP Calculus, PE, free period, lunch, then physics. I hate them all except PE and my free period, I like to run my frustration out and chill in the peace and silence.

I get through most of my classes without running into Alec and his squad, but unfortunately for me, I run into them during my free period. What does the universe have against me? They walk up to me and smile like the idiots they are.

I stare at the ground, too fearful to look up at him. Alec then forcefully grabs my chin and makes me look at him "look at me when I talk to you b***h!" He says with an almost animal growl. I look at him and just know he's gonna hit me, he raises his hand and slaps me with so much force that I hit the ground like I just fell from a window. They then begin to kick me in the stomach, at least three times each I turn. I start coughing up blood from Alec smacking me, apparently biting my tongue as he did so. and still the only one who never touches me is Elias. He just stands there and looks at me with pity in his eyes as I endure the blows. I cry out, calling him a bully bystander because he doesn't help, he does absolutely nothing to help me.

All four of them stare at me with disgust in their eyes but in Elias's I just see pity and something else I can't quite determine. Jackson pulls me up by my hair and whispers "you'll always be trash just like your piece of s**t mother!" He hurls me to the concrete, surely leaving a bruise, and to make matters worse I scraped my knees on my landing. f*****g asshole my father is gonna kill me! Ugh

I look up at him and give a loathing glare, they can't believe my daring act. I get up and brush myself off, feeling the already forming bruises on my body, then I look at them "you will all pay for this one day, you'll see. Karma is going to bite you square in the ass." they look at each other and start laughing like I just made the funniest joke they ever heard, a bunch of dogs I swear!

I'm surprised I'm even standing on my own two feet, they walk away from me, their fading laughter echoing in my head. I take my chance to walk to the bathroom and clean myself up before I have to go and eat lunch in the cafeteria full of....people. It's the loudest place to be. I hate school. I get to lunch and I start my way towards the tables outside, thinking that I might be able to sit in the peace and quiet. lucky for me they are empty I smile at that.

I get halfway through my lunch. I was just sitting there enjoying my lunch until I hear a ragged scream, splitting the silence like a knife. The direction it was coming from was at the back of the school. I look up in terror, the feeling of dread finding its way to my stomach. On instinct, I start running towards the agonizing scream. I turn the corner and my eyes land on a girl who seemed about my age retreating from the woods. I hastily get to her and she looks at me, pleading for help with her tear-stricken eyes, cold sweat trickling from her forehead. "what's wrong, what happened to you?" "I...I'm" she stutters out, unable to say anything at the moment, just standing there trembling. I just sit there and hold her until she had a somewhat tranquil look in her eyes. Her body just couldn't seem to stop trembling.

When she was calm enough she sat up and starts to talk, fatigue was clear in her shaking voice " There were these huge animals chasing after me. I was t-terrified, I ran as fast as my legs c-could carry me but I almost didn't make it out of there with my life" I look at her in pure worry, shocked at her experience that happened just moments ago. Then I myself peer into the woods and see nothing but the trees swaying from the wind.

"Well I think you're safe now, just avoid the woods, and if you do decide to go, just don't go by yourself. Honestly, what were you doing in the woods, if you don't mind me asking?"I inquired in a gentle voice to not startle her after her experience. She glances at me then to the ground wondering if she should actually tell me. she smiles at me then says "You know, even though everyone despises you, I genuinely think you're a very nice person." She avoids the question, trying so dearly to not make it obvious. Well, she failed, but despite that, I just smile and let it pass. I simply say, "Thank you, your very nice yourself." We just stay seated there for a while until class starts up again and we take our departure, exchanging goodbyes.

After physics I head home, trying to get there before it starts to rain, but of course, my efforts proved futile as it starts raining. I start to run faster without breaking something, obviously, and then abruptly I ran into something very hard and land on my ass! "Oh my god, I am terribly sorry!" I immediately hear a man's voice. I look up in horror at the man's tall stature." I-I'm sorry I wasn't looking where I was going." fear evident in my voice. He looks at me in confusion as to why I'm so frightened "Ma'am, I was the one standing in the way while you were walking obviously in a rush." He says in a slightly nervous tone and his eyes averted away as he seems slightly embarrassed. "please don't call me ma'am I'm only sixteen." I state with apparent annoyance dripping from my words like venom. It annoys me when people call me ma'am.

The man looks at me in pure bewilderment while I just stood there confused "Sorry about that, you look older than what I thought." I looked at him a little annoyed "Maybe don't go around assuming people's age?" I question still partly irritated. He smiled then nodded. "Well, I hope you have a good day...." He looked at me expectantly. "My name is Renee" I looked down at my feet "Have a good day Renee" I nodded and walked away looking at my phone. I realized I was late, I'm supposed to be home by 3:30 "s**t! It's almost 4:30" I dash home hoping my father is in bed or at a friend's house.

I get home and go inside as soundless as possible. I take my shoes off and turn around and flinched. My father is just standing there looking at me in the living room and he is enraged. He strides toward me and grabs me by my hair and drags me into my bedroom. He throws me to the ground with a loud thump, I just so happened to land on the already formed and purple bruises. He bellows

"Were you out w*****g around??HUH!!" I gape at him, sheer desperation and horror-struck on my face like lightning. "N..No f-father I...I wa...." I can't even get out enough words to speak, "I'll show you how a w***e is treated" he starts to kick me in my stomach, bashing at past scars. New bruises started showing, old and new scars opening. He continues as I just lay there in a fetal position, somehow managing to stay conscious. Blood started seeping through my clothes,* it's going to be a pain in the ass to get the blood out...* I thought, my vision getting hazy. A large *c***k* sound hung in the air, the horrid sound of a bone-breaking. He seems to be satisfied with the sound and silently decided that he was finished, and tells me to clean up the mess.

After cleaning up the shards of glass from the bottle that he struck my back with, I get up and take a shower washing off all the blood. I look in the mirror inspecting my wounds, a large gash on my back from where the bottle had contacted my skin, leaving a large wound. I sighed as I disinfect and wrap my new open wounds, wincing with every sudden movement. I quickly inferred that I had broken one or two bones. I stumble slightly as I put on a pair of black shorts and a t-shirt that's a little big on me. After I get dressed I walk to the laundry room with a slight limp and put my bloody clothes in and start it.

I go up to my room hoping to get the long-needed sleep I deserved. I lay down on my side carefully to not hurt the wound on my back. I couldn't lay on my stomach because of the broken ribs. The pain was numb which made things much easier. I sigh as I fall into a deep sleep. I open my eyes, which had a blurry haze to them. I look around and see that I'm in a forest, trees around me blocking my vision of what's beyond. The smell of fresh air and pines fill my nose, making things seem even more nostalgic. I sluggishly get up, a small headache interfering with my thinking. I listen intently and I picked up the sound of fast padding feet of what seemed to be...a large animal? I narrow my eyes, straining to peer around to see where the noise was coming from. To my dismay, a large beast came into my line of sight, padding its large feet towards me. It was...a wolf?? How could a wolf be that big? I just stared in shock and it stopped and seemed to stare back. In what felt like an eternity of us staring at each other, I averted my eyes, confused on why it wasn't attacking me. I notice that this beast had striking white fur that seemed to glow in the moonlight. Its fur looked like it was the softest thing to touch. It also had streaks of black fur that just seemed to make it look more beautiful. It looked...serene, peaceful even. Yet it still looked terrifying.

I jolt awake in a cold sweat, a frown found its place on my face. "What the hell was that.."I said in a hushed voice to myself. I get up and make my way to my bathroom and washed my face of the sweat that profusely beaded my forehead. I realized that I was slightly panting. My gaze reaches the mirror and I take a great look at myself. To my surprise, I look...alive, even though I'm still slightly sweating. I don't feel any pain from my father's beating not that long ago, nor the gash from the bottle...the pain just, wasn't there."That's weird" I say slightly shaking from confusion as I touch my stomach knowing he must have broken a rib or two but no pain at all like...it never happened?

My cuts and stuff usually heal fast but my broken bones healed in a matter of hours, this is possible how? I just brushed it off and left myself with the thought of it as being lucky, even though deep down I knew this wasn't just luck. Whatever it was it would have to wait. I took a quick hot shower and got dressed. I decided to wear a pink cropped long sleeve shirt, blue jeans with polka dots some pink shoes to match. I grabbed my black bag that had little flowers on it, and then did my makeup and put on some lipgloss, and did my hair.

Lucky for me I woke up before my father so I reluctantly made him some breakfast. I made omelets with eggs, onions, and sausage on the inside since it was my father's favorite before my mother died. I smiled at the memory of my mom that passed when I was ten and the happy memories I used to have with my father. His kindness had withered like a balloon and my hope along with it. I miss my mother. She was the glue that kept everything together, everything was perfect. Well, it used to be for a while, and as people say, people change.

I got a small amount for me hoping he wouldn't notice the small amount that had been taken. I then started walking to school, I had woken up so early that I have time to walk, what a treat. My mother was the most beautiful person in our little town. Her brown hair bounced behind her back, her blue eyes sparkled like the stars were painted in her eyes. She lit up a room when she walked in and had a million-dollar smile that would make even the most cold-hearted person get filled with joy. Unfortunately, after my tenth birthday, she fell ill and was soon bedridden. My father was always by her side reassuring her and carrying her palms and just enjoying their time together in general. A couple of months had passed and she wasn't getting better, her eyes had lost their gleam little by little. She had cancer she had died in April the year after two months before my eleventh birthday, and when she died my father screamed the most shrill and agonizing scream, so loud, as his heart had literally shattered and put the intensity into his voice as he grieved for his wife.

I was outside waiting for my father with a sullen heart because they wouldn't let me in. After a while, my father came out and he looked broken. His eyes were pink and puffy from crying, dried streak tear marks were shown on his red cheeks. It was like someone had grasped his heart and shattered it not leaving him any room to even speak. None the less he picked me up and said in a soft tone"It's gonna be okay Hunny bun." He always called me that, with a small smile shining on his face. I smiled at my old nickname but I guess one day he couldn't handle my mother's death any longer and started to take his pent-up anger, guilt, and sadness out on me. He always said that I deserved it, but why?

I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts and looked around and I realized how tranquil and quiet it was. It was soon broke when I heard someone ahead of me. I slowed down not trying to get involved in anything so early in the morning. I tried not to listen but my body went against me and listened so carefully that I could hear male voices. I once again had to strain my ears to know where the voices were coming from. I continued walking and heard the voices, but more clearly this time. I came to an abrupt halt when I realized it was Alec and his friends they seemed to be in a very deep conversation.

"She's the most beautiful girl I've seen in my life and she's my MATE!" I looked at them, confusion settling in my head "What's a mate?"I heard another boy inquire. It was some boy I didn't recognize saying this he was so handsome and tall, at least 6'5 and he wasn't a stick no, he had muscles. What was I thinking I'm an ugly girl and he's hot and would never notice anyone like me. He would probably abuse and bully me too or just stand and watch just like the others.

I continued to listen, fully aware of the risk I was taking, and heard Alec say "I'm happy for you Xavier!" and slapped him on the back "Xavier.." I said his name in a small hushed voice and it was like wine as it rolled off my tongue. I tried to get closer but to my dismay, I stepped on a stick and they all turned to look at me. To say I was petrified was an understatement. I hastily ducked into the bushes as fast as I could, a few thorns making scratches evident on my face.

I heard their footsteps coming toward me in a fast manner and so I made a decision that should've never happened, I ran. I ran faster than I've ever run before but I could hear them right on my tail as I ran with my life. I was getting tired, sweat beading my forehead, but I kept running and then I rapidly climbed into a tree and stayed there for a while I heard the Xavier guy say " That girl that was running, she's my mate." I looked at them in utter shock, I was so confused and shocked, I'm his.....mate? Alec turned to him and the look of surprise on his face but fear in his eyes. That's odd, why is he scared. I kinda giggled at his fright.

The branch I was sitting on started to snap. I scrambled and tried to climb higher but I couldn't keep a grip on the higher branch and the branch broke with me on it and I, of course, fell. "s**t!!" I cursed out as I was falling I closed my eyes preparing for my hard landing. I was confused when it never came, I expected a sharp pain or even a dull thud! I opened my eyes and there were big arms holding onto me. I put 1 and 2 together quickly and I realized who it was that was holding onto me as if..well my life depended on it. It was Xavier and I jumped out of his arms, a look of shock and utter fear seeped into my being. I would surely get hurt by Alec and the others "P...please d..d..don't hurt me" I say putting my arms upon my face as a futile attempt at a shield. I must've looked like a scared mouse, you could see the confusion on Xavier's face as he glanced at the others and then back at me. "Why would I ever hurt you? You're my world!" I looked at him, a headache searing my head. This is all just too confusing! Your world?? Mate? Aaahhhh "I don't know who you are." I said in a small exhausted voice. He looked at the others and it looked as if they were having a conversation with each other. When they were done he looked back at me and smiled, it was too bright. "Sorry I don't know what came over me, do you wanna hang with me at lunch?" I looked at him then at Alec and back at Xavier. Before I could even process what I was about to say, the words poured out of my mouth"s..sure I'd l..like that" I said with a small smile.

I started to leave but Xavier grabbed my arm and said he'd drive me. I flinched but he must not have noticed."Ok." I say with a monotone voice. He walked me to his car opened the door. I cautiously got in, and he closed the door and walked to the other side, and got in himself. We drove off, an awkward silence filling the air. I could feel him staring at me like he was drilling holes in my head. "Take a picture, it'll last longer," I utter in an exasperated tone. I look at him and notice the red tint of his blushed cheeks and he looks away with embarrassment. *He almost looks like a puppy* I think to myself. " Sorry, you're just so beautiful" I look at him abruptly, cracking my neck as I did so. My vision suddenly gets hazy, and I feel my cheeks getting wet as I realized that hot tears were making their way down my face. I was crying *what the hell?? STOP NOW!* I thought as I couldn't stop.

Xavier looks at me with a worried look and his shoulders tense up. "What's wrong, did I do something?" He started to rub my back it was a weird sensation that I flinched under. "no, no... it's just been... so long since someone complimented me on something or how I looked" I say, my face scrunched into a frown and I hastily try to wipe my tears with my palms. He gazes at me, confusion noticeable on his features. "can I... ask you something?" he asks with a placid tone. I look up and nod my head, still trying to wipe the hot tears off my face. "why did it look like you were so scared of Alec and them?" I look down and have a small argument with myself to see if I should tell him or not. "I'm afraid because...," I hesitate and sigh giving up. "Alec, he's my bully and so are Jackson and Miles but Elias just sits and watches it happen"

I look over at him and he is visibly shaking in his seat "they are your WHAT!" I flinch when he raises his voice. "Calm down it's not that big a deal" I touch his arm and he seems to calm a little "sorry I just hate bullying, it irritates me to know that people do that" I'm sure that isn't the only reason why he got so mad "can I ask a question?" He nods his head and so I ask him "what's a mate?" He stops the car abruptly "you don't know?" I shake my head no he looks away "I'll explain later" I look at the road and nod my head he starts to drive.

We soon arrive at the school and we get out and I quickly walk away and to my first class, Math. I stride in with a hunched posture trying to make myself look as small as possible, and sit down in the back. Soon other students start to file and in the crowd of students piling in, I spot Xavier. He's never been in my classes before when he walks in he looks directly at me and starts walking toward me and takes a seat down right next to me."Hey, why'd you walk away so fast?" I glance at him then back to my shoes, thinking of a quick lie. "I wanted to get to class" He nods and looks back at everyone coming in. "Yeah I guess that's reasonable." "So what's your full name?" I ask shyly " My full name is Xavier Smith," he says giving me a smile. Classes go by quickly, but unfortunately, I have no free period so I go into social studies. I decided to skip lunch. It goes by smoothly, almost too smoothly. I get up and walk my way towards PE, lost in a daydream. I head into the girl's lockers and put on the gym shorts and the shirt. I get done quickly and walk out to the court. PE ends and we start getting ready to go home. Then I see the girl from the other day and I decide to go up to her. "Hey, it's me from the other day." She looks up and smiled like a switch had clicked in her brain" Oh hey! where do you live? maybe we could walk home together!" She responds with a bubbly voice. I smile and tell her where I live and then we leave the school and start walking.

"So why doesn't your dad pick you up?" I look at her "he's always drunk so he really can't drive" I look at her and shrug my shoulders, not believing that I'm telling her this." To me, it's better if I walk or ride the bus" she smiles a supportive smile "well I hope you're alright when you walk and there aren't any creepy people!" There usually isn't any." You are a nice person would you..." she looks at me expectantly, smiling wide." would I what?" "Wouldyouliketobemyfriend?" I say it so fast I don't know if she understood me she bursts out laughing and I start to chuckle along with her "of course I'll be your friend" I smile yay my first friend.

"Oh by the way my name is Anna, Anna Lane" I smile "my name is Renee, Renee Jones," I say quietly.

We get to my house exchange numbers and we go our separate ways.

A/N: Hey everyone I decided to make this chapter longer, I hope you all like it. I wonder who Xavier is? Why she heals fast? I don't have a clue keep reading to find out ?❤️