Tangled Love

CHAPTER 9

"Three fifty please."

I nod and reach for the coins inside my pocket, handing them over. The lunch lady smiles at me, pushing my plate of steaming hot pasta and garlic bread towards me.

"Enjoy your lunch sweetheart."

"Thank you," I smile, taking it from her and walking towards the table in the far corner. Trish is already seated with a few other girls and several boys. She's chatting away loudly, occasionally pausing to laugh or giggle. Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

Her eyes land on me and she grins widely, patting the seat next to her. I sit down, grimacing as a jolt of pain flares up my side. It takes a few seconds of inhaling and exhaling deeply to get the pain to subdue. Trish fishes around for something in her bag, noticing the discomfort in my face.

"Here take these. It works wonders for period pain. Like seriously, your uterus will forever thank me."

She placed two tables in my palm and I nod weakly at her, going along with it. I can't tell her that it's not period pains, I don't even have periods anymore due to the beatings.

My periods are irregular, sometimes on for weeks, off for months. It's hard to establish whether I'm bleeding from a period or from the abuse.

"Thanks Trish," I mumble quietly, pushing my pasta around on the plate. I suddenly don't have much of an appetite left for food.

"Carbs are your best friend on a period Emily. Why are you neglected that plate of carby goodness?" Trish asks me, making light of the situation. I can see the worry flash through her eyes and I plaster a faux smile on my face.

"I'm just not very hungry, that's all."

Trish nods, leaning over to give me a quick hug. As I return her embrace, my eyes locked with a intense stare from the opposite side of the room. I immediately feel my heart stop for a second as he tilts his head, studying me. The blue of his eyes burns through mine and I can't tear my eyes off him. His expression remains emotionless and I watch, wide-eyed as he stands from his table. He takes several strides towards us, his steps smooth.

Trish follows my gaze and she frowns as her eyes land on Jake Melvin. Everyone around the table silences, the conversation coming to an abrupt stop. Jake doesn't seem bothered by the reaction, his face remaining expressionless as he walks right towards me. I can feel my heart thumping wildly against my chest, threatening to burst through. The entire time, Jake stares directly at me, searching my eyes for answers.

"Can I talk to you?"

I simply stare back at him, my mouth slightly parted. His scent immediately wraps itself around me, causing my thoughts to turn hazy and blurred.

"Um—"

"It's important." He shoots back instantly, ignoring the burning stares he's getting from everyone around the table. I swallow the lump in my throat and nod, pushing myself up. Pain shoots through my side from the sudden movement and I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to not let the pain show in my face.

"Emily?" Trish asks me uncertainly, glancing warily between me and Jake. I gave her a re-assuring look.

"It's okay Trish, I'll be right back. Mrs Wilkins wants me and Jake to set up the science class for the next group of students." I explain, hating that I'm lying to her. I can't tell her the real reason. Trish silently searches my face for a few moments before nodding.

I wave at her as I leave the canteen, heading for the doors with Jake following me behind. I can sense his presence, it's causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up pin straight.

"You could have come up with a better excuse than that Wentworth."

"I'm not exactly a professional at lying to my friends at such quick notice." I hit back, annoyed at him. I push through the doors, heading towards the school corridors that are deserted during lunch hour. Jake silently follows me behind, his hands stuffed inside his jacket pockets.