Severed Bonds
Chapter 4- The moments we regret

When I step out of the stall a man with a big build that blocks my way gives me a penetrating glare. I shiver and my heart begins to race, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. My breathing is heavy and I swallow hard,

"If you leave now, I won't report you." My voice is a bit shaky, maybe he just wandered here on accident? I listen closely to any other sounds in the bathroom, maybe someone is in here and they can call the cops? I hear nothing, why is he just standing there like that? He starts to move forward, "L-last chance! M-my dad i-is a cop a-and he-e'l se-send y-you t-to ja-jail." My eyes begin to water if I try to call the cops he might kill me. There's no one in here and even if there is their probably to scared and shitless to do anything.

"This is his warning." He finally spoke, his tone was deep and menacing. He hovers over me;my body is frozen in place. I want to kick,scream, run something! I can't move! He slides out a knife, my lip trembles. I whimper as tears pour out my eyes, I try to scream but he covers my mouth forcefully. He rolls up my sleeve and brings the cold blade to my arm the piercing blade cuts through my skin I scream and and cry. But it's muffled under his hand blood drips out on my arm to the floor it stains the floor underneath a dark red. He releases his hand but brings the blade to my throat,

"You tell anyone else about this they'll die." He takes the knife back and walks out I fall on the back of the wall and slide down to the floor. I huddle my knees and and sob so much my arms start to shake. What just happened? I shakily move off the floor and hold my arm over the sink. I let the water run down the cut. I wince as I hold my arm over the water, blood pours out all over the sink. I yank down a paper towel and wrap it over my arm, trying to wipe off the blood. I pull my sleeve down to cover the cut and exit the bathroom. I wipe my eyes with my sleeve and walk out of the bathroom. I don't think I can pretend to smile and laugh around them.

"Took you long enough!" I sit beside Lola.

"The wings already got you huh?" I smile.

"What's wrong?" Lola looks at me worriedly,

"I have to go, Dad just texted me to come home."

"Why? He seemed okay with it." It sounds fishy to Justin.

"He said it's important." I add.

"Oh.." Lola frowns. Justin looks at me for a while,

"Sorry guys maybe we can hang out longer next time." I put on another smile.

"Aww it's okay Han, come on we can drop you off." She gives me a hug. We walk out of the restaurant and leave a tip on the table. Justin walks behind us as me and Lola walk in front. I slipped in at the end of the car. Justin slides after me. The ride there is silent. I sit there staring at the window, doing my best not to cry. I bite my tongue every time I feel a heavy sob about to shake me. The lump in my throat burns more every minute, until eventually it becomes more difficult to swallow. Lola stops the car at my house, Justin exits so I can get through. I wave goodbye to them and thank them for the meal. Before I can head to my house Justin yanks my arm, I wince my arm back. He looks at me oddly,

"Is everything okay, Hannah?" I bit my lip, I hate lying to him, I do my best to smile,

"Yeah, everything's fine." I wave from the front of my house and watch them drive off. I raise my hand to knock on the door the door bursts open. My father stands there with a mortified expression, he pulls me in for a hug. Tears bursts out my eyes as I sob into my father's arms he pulls me inside and sits me down at the table. His phone vibrates from his pocket. He looks at me with a sad expression.

"I have to take this." He slides the phone out and raises it to his ear, "Yes, she's here with me. She just got back, I don't know when it happened. Tonight! No, at least give her a week." He hangs up, I stare at the table and remain still replaying the moments over and over again.

"Hannah, stay home tomorrow." No, I can't let my dad take off work when we need the money. I don't think I can handle being alone for half the day.

"I'll think about it." I get up from the table and look at him, "I'm going to my room."

"Allright call me if you need anything." I nod and walk upstairs to my room. Once I turn the knob a wave of fear hits me. What if he's there? I take in deep breaths and open my door as quick as possible. I check around for any signs of force entry or anything missing. I sigh a breath of relief when I'm assured no one has been here. I change into comfortable clothes, switch off my lights and go to sleep. In the morning I fumble through my drawers and pick out the first thing I grab, get changed and warm up some bacon. I eat three strips of bacon out of the six, I just don't have an appetite.

"Hannah, are you staying home?"

"No." I shake my head softly, he walks over and places his palm on my shoulder.

"You sure?" I look up at him and nod again.

"Allright, call me if you change your mind." I nod again, I want to go to school that way everything stays normal and unchanged. He drops me off in the front and asks me again, this time I put on a smile. I head to my locker and take my stuff out slowly Justin and Lola stumble behind me. Funny, I thought if I was here the memory would just vanish somehow... The pain in my arm still stings acting as a reminder of last night's events. At school I try my hardest to concentrate on lectures. I even try to get some of my work done, anything that will rid my mind from the ongoing nightmare. As horrid as my teacher's voice is, it does nothing to tune out the echoes of my screams in the memory. When the bell rings, I gather my belongings to meet up with Lola, who waits for me outside patiently.

"Hannah, stay after class." I give Lola an apologetic smile, I sigh and walk towards my teacher. Soon as all the desks are emptied she motions for me to sit on a seat in front of her. I take my seat grudgingly and begin to prepare myself for an ongoing lecture. "You're very quiet today, usually I have to tell you more than once to pay attention."

"Isn't that good then?" I shrug staring down at my feet.

"Is something wrong?" I jolted up. The lunatic man's words pop in my head, "If anyone else knows about this, they're dead!"

"No, just tired."

"You can talk to me Hannah, I want you to know that." No, no I can't.

"Thanks for the concern teacher but is that all this is about?" We lock eyes on one another for a few seconds.

"Yes, that's all. You can go now." I get up from my seat and search for Lola,

"What was that about?"

"Oh, nothing just to be on the lookout for tutoring." She shakes her head at me, we walk together to the cafeteria. I take my seat and try to engage in their conversation, something about a trip? The day finally ended, I thought I could go back to school and everything would be normal. It feels like I'm still there- with that man. I shudder at the thought,

"So... Lola told me about you needing a tutor." I turn behind me and see Noah standing there.

"It's not that I don't get it, I'm just lazy..." He smiles.

"Well, let me know when you're stuck."

"Thanks." I say softly.

"No problem, plus I owe you." He nudges me, butterflies begin to fill up my stomach.

"Right." I tease.

"See ya." He smiles again and walks off. Once I see my dad's car pull up I head outside, when I hop in my dad looks at me as if he's going to say something. I wait patiently, he says nothing and looks ahead.