abused!bullied!readerXspain part14

your pov~~~
The bell signals the end of the day and I bolt from my spot in last period, practically racing the Brit to my locker. It's a shame he disappeared back to the start of the hallway about halfway there. It must be hell, being a residual for all of eternity; doomed to repeat your last moments forever.

I feel that little speck of dread re-enter my head. Now I have to leave one hell hole to go to another.

....This sucks. Especially now that I know my uncle survived.

"Oye chica!" I duck as Toni carefully glomps me.(not sure how he managed that, i think quietly)

"Hey." I mumble in response and he backs off, his trademark smile morphing to a concerned frown. I don't think he forgot what I told him earlier today about the call.*cringe* I mean, with something like that hanging over your head, how would you?

" You know, chica, I could ask Señora Meyer if she'll let you spend the night. I'm sure she doesn't hate you that much." He says it so non-chalantly that I almost don't hear the bit that still makes me cringe. She hates me. She'd never let me. "Aww, ___. Don't get that look on your face. You'll be ok, ok?" He smiles at the apprehension that flashed through my head. I take a moment before nodding my head slowly; deciding to believe him rather than face my fears back at the house.

I marvel at how fast he regains his happy demeanor: it's as if there was no serious moment in the first place. I find myself wishing that I could be happy like that.

I scoff inwardly. As if that could ever happen.

"Vamos, chica." He grabs my hand playfully, leading me cheerfully to what is slowly becoming my safe-haven.

~*~*~this flash forward sponsored by Cafe España: "its just instant, but still."~*~*~

"FRATELLO!!"  There's a blur of auburn and white before Toni gets flying tackle hugged by one very hyper-active Feliciano. "I missed-a you so much-a. I thought you weren't-a coming back. I was-a so scared-a."

Toni simply laughs at the little goof. " Hermano, don't you ever listen to what I tell you every day?"

"I sure-a dont." The boy with the white flag looks up happily before his eyes find me. He gasps in suprise. "BELLA!! You didnt-a tell-a me you were-a coming! Que magnifico! I'll-a go tell-a Signora Meyer to-a make extra pasta!"

"Make extra pasta? For who, Feli?" Oh bleep I recognize that voice before I even see her. Mrs. Meyer walks into the room, immediatly  eyeing me with caution. "And why are you here?"

"I-"

"Señora, she got lost on her way home and I offered her to have dinner with us." Toni beats me to the point with a sunny smile. Mrs. Meyer stares for a second before caving.

"Fine, she can stay. But please," She looks straight into my eyes. "Try not to break anything."

--Her face suddenly morphs into that of my uncle and U jump to look the other way. "Yes sir." I hear myself mumble under my breath. I can feel him looming over me, threatening to bash me over the head or yank my hair from my scalp--

"Chica?" The room stops spinning and I see that she is gone; Toni standing in her place. nervous shivers wrack my body. What was that? And how can I make sure to not let that happen again?

"Sorry, Toni. I...just tired, I guess." I look away from him the entire time, fixing my gaze to a picture somewhere behind his head. I can't stand how concerned he is for me. Guilt makes me take a breath as I try to keep my story straight. "You have any coffee?"

Now it's his turn to look around carefully. " Better than that." He whispers quietly in my ear. "My friend Gil sent me some super strong energy drinks. I have them stashed in my room. Come on."

I nod. He sounds like a kid at Christmas time, with the way hes talking right now. He grabs for my hand again and practically drags me up the stairs. Closer to the top I trip on something that bolts away. I see the end of a brown tail fly around a corner and realize what I did.

" Stupid cat." I whisper under my breath.

" What cat?" I wince ruefully at Toni's follow up question.