I stood there frozen. I didn't know what to say... or even think. I'm sure I looked at her as if she'd grown an extra pair of limb or something. And for a moment, she looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

The sleeves of her jacket had slightly rolled up. And there it was... the last thing I'd expected to see... on HER wrist. I knew she was planning on walking away before I could process anything. But before she could make a move, I grabbed her arm and pulled her with me.

I practically dragged her... outside the school building before coming to a halt, as she had finally managed to shake her hand out of my grip after struggling for a long time. I don't even know which emotion played on my face when I put both both of my hands on her shoulders, to make her look right at me. Her chocolate brown orbs gave out an emotion which was almost incomprehensible.

Her face was a battlefield of emotions. I didn't even know how to react. I knew that I had on a PokerFace when I spoke barely above a whisper, "why?" Just then her gaze averted down towards her feet, as if she were guilty. But the next second, her head snapped up, almost taking me aback and she let out a bitter laugh, "are you done? Because I have other things to do."

She shrugged off my hands from her shoulders. And I realised that I was frowning and a pained expression had marred my PokerFace. I watched dumbly as she walked away without uttering a single word. I just fucking stood there with my mouth slightly open. It was too much to process.

A million questions clouded my mind as I dumbly gaped at her tiny frame walking away. I wanted to stop her, but I just... couldn't. I started walking away too. As my stagger started gaining pace, I just zoned out. The sight of the multiple ragged cuts laying across her wrists constantly flashed in front of me. It was almost painful to even watch.

I do remember there being some fresh cuts as well. But through it all, I just couldn't understand.... why would she do something like that to herself? I mean we're talking about Caméllia Jordan here- the girl whom people described as 'nothing but perfect'. What could possibly be the reason.. or reasons? I had never in my weirdest imaginations, thought that out of all the people- SHE would do that. I mean she always wore the brightest of smiles.

Always had that loud but somehow melodious laugh. Would always greet everyone so politely (I know. Me being the exception). But the thing is... how could a girl like her... do that? I still couldn't believe it. I don't care how much we despise each other, or how much we annoy the hell out of each other anymore.... because I will find out what is wrong with her.

Because I don't think I can take this suspense anymore. I know I'd definitely go nuts by over thinking about this. She might be my 'sempiternal foe' but right now, I don't think I can let anything wrong happen to her... especially when I'm aware of the damage that can be caused.

Maybe... just for the sake of humanity.

Really? Just for the 'sake of humanity'?

Can't you be fucking serious for a teeny-winy while?!

Easy. Gee easy..... I just think it's not "just for the sake of humanity".

Oh you nut crack! Just stop thinking altogether! That'll settle it.

Don't blame me. That's kinda like my job.

Ugh...

Just then, I was brought back into reality by the loud horns of a car. Where was I? Oh wait. I was on my way home. Another blow of the horn, made me flinch and turn around in the direction from where it was coming. Then an all too familiar voice filled my ears. "Gee, were you sleepwalking or something?! Come on now man! Don't stand there like a fucking pussy, get inside the car!"

It..was.. Frank. I rolled my eyes and quickly got into the passenger seat. He wiggled his eyebrows at me. I gave him a confused look, "what?" He gestured to my side, "seat belt." I rolled my eyes and fastened the seat belt. And plopped down my school bag on my lap.

He turned the ignition on, as the car roared back to life. He drove speeding up, and I noticed that he had drove past the street that lead to my home. I furrowed my eyebrows and turned to him, "Frank, where are we going?" And before he could answer, I continued, "plus how did you find me?"

He turned to me with his pearly whites on display, "okay... so you see I called Mr. Jackson and he said you'd be leaving 30 minutes early. So with my 'frank-tastic' calculation skills, I figured you wouldn't have walked off too far. And yes, you hadn't." I gave him a cheesy smile, "okay now where are you taking me?"

He smirked, "a date. To a strip club. Owned by Sara." My eyes widened, even though I got the sarcasm dripping through his voice. I smacked his arm playfully and he rolled over into laughter. Just then I noticed that Frank's hands had been removed off the steering wheel in the process. I yelped, "shit face! Grab the god damn steering wheel!"

He did, but still kept laughing. I feigned hurt and spoke in the girliest of voices, "is this why you bought me with you Frankie? To kill me? I would've gladly sacrificed my soul, if you'd just ask for it. Why conspire?" He laughed harder this time, considering my girly voice did it's job.

Then he struggled to say between his fits of giggles, "Aw....Geebear! How could I do that to you? Are you hurt baby?" I went along with the crap and pretended to be angry. Frank almost purred, "aww... babe don't worry. If you want then we can have make up se-" Just as he was about to finish his sentence, someone cleared their throat, and I swear I jumped out of my skin.

Frank pulled the brakes the same instant. We both turned around and there they were..... Mikey, Bob and Ray in all their glory. I gasped loudly, "Holy fucking mother of pancakes!" And with that everybody burst out into laughter. I did too. After a good few minutes, I managed to say, "What heck were y'all doing here?"

Mikey gave me a bored look, "isn't it obvious 'geebear'.... we were... you know, sitting." And they all laughed.... again. I just rolled my eyes, "you bloody motherfuckers, at least you should've made a sound indicating you were here!" Ray piped in, "uhh you're wrong there, you see. Because we just did." I gave them an angry diva look, "You scared the shit out of me!"

Frank retorted, "it's not our fault that you're a pussy." Yes, that earned him a smack. On his head. Not at all playful in any sense. He gave me an annoyed look and rubbed the sore spot. So there it was... another round of laughter. He began turning the ignition back on while I questioned, "okay so now, would anyone fucking tell me where we're going?"

Mikey replied, still with that bored tone, "duh. Frank's." Then I noticed that Bob had been avoiding speaking this whole time. I looked at Mikey and Ray, then at Bob, and then back at them as if asking 'what was up with him?" Ray caught on, but then started grinning like a maniac, "Oh you see... he has a date. We're dropping him off on our way."

As if on cue, Frank pulled over in front of what seemed like a fancy diner. Bob gave all of us a small smile before getting off of the car. We gave him a thumbs up and waved before driving off from there. I asked no one in particular, "so are we picking him up as well?" To which Frank replied, "No he'll probably hire a cab. He was just so nervous, so we said we'd drive him. I guess the 'laughing session' we had, worked well for him " I smiled and nodded.

---

At Frank's, we played video games and ordered a pizza. The conversations were again clouded by our bouts of laughter and Frank's dirty jokes. His parents weren't home, so we spent a little more time than usual at his. Then we ordered another pizza, extra large this time, and devoured it until only a few strands of mozzarella stuck to the cardboard box.

I know we're one hungry specie of fabulous pig-joys! Then we had a horror movie marathon. Weekends or not, like I mentioned previously, we had shitloads of fun! But amidst all the fun we had, I still couldn't shove away those flashing sights of her disfigured wrist.

And every time I imagined it, a shiver ran down my spine. And yes, many times I found myself zoning out. But I just faked a smile, every time I was caught. I knew it. I knew I wouldn't be able to get that off of my mind so quickly. But I need answers. And I'm gonna get them.

Notes