"I'll be okay... at least the bruises aren't THAT dark this time." Helga thought to herself as she got up from the floor. She was 15, About to start her sophomore in High School, and still suffering from a shitty family life. Bob escalated over the years and converted to drinking after his business fell through thanks to todays MePhone that everybody now owned.
Helga limped up the stairs and into her bedroom. She walked into her bathroom and got in the shower, not bothering to take her clothes off. "Might as well get the blood off them now." After a minute of letting the hot water burn her already hurting skin, she began to undress and scrub. As much as it burned, it could never take away how much it hurt to be beaten and battered by her own father. Her own father hated her, every night he would slur his hateful comments to her, throw various items at her, and would remind her she is a bastard and will never be wanted. After suffering years of the abuse, she finally believed him.
Her own family never loved her, Arnold was never around, Phoebe was dating Gerald and she knew Phoebe was ignoring her because Gerald hated her, but she would rather see her best friend happy than talk to her about Boy Problems.
When High School began, her life changed. The gang got split up from their classes, and everybody began hanging out with their own cliques. Sid was average, Stinky and Lila were Honors AG students, Rhonda was a Fashion Diva and Queen Bee of the school, Phoebe was an AP Student, Sheena and Eugene were Theater Students, Gerald was captain of the Basketball team, Harold was captain of the Football Team, Arnold was captain of the Baseball team, and Helga stuck with Writing.
Helga was now quiet and reserved. She wore long sleeve shirts and lots of make up to cover the bruises. Sometimes teachers would ask and she would make up stories about how clumsy she is bumping into a door, or tripping up the stairs. Teachers knew better, but unless she confided in them- there was nothing they could do. Her teachers took pity on her, but wouldn't make it obvious. Helga worked 2 jobs and saved up as much money as she could. Nobody understood her struggle. She had less than 3 years to earn enough money before she was kicked out of the house she lived in. She didn't mind. She was reminded of how much she was unwanted here and would rather be somewhere else anyways.
She never talked to Arnold anymore. She missed him a lot. Her crush on him mellowed out, but she still held a torch for him. She just knew better than to get her hopes up about being with him.
She got out of the shower and got dressed for bed. Tomorrow was her first day of Sophomore year, and she didn't really care.
"Goodnight Helga… I Love You" she whispered to herself, hoping deep down inside, someone actually did care about her. She kissed her wrists, covered with razor marks and bruises, and fell asleep. She wished she could dream of a happier life, but all she dreamed about were the nightmares that ensued her every day life.