What do you do when you're stuck between a hard place? You push through and do what you think is best while praying to God that everything goes the way you want it to go. So why is it so hard for me to ask for help when I need it? I don't know, but here I am trying to survive my first week as Matt Donovan's girlfriend. On the bright side, the cheerleaders backed off. Though they taunted me, saying that I was getting what I deserved, they still kinda felt sorry for me. Also, I could talk to Caroline. Now that I was "officially" back in the inner circle, I was allowed to know about Caroline and talk to her about everything. But still, I rather not be in this situation.
Bonnie has been getting closer to Stefan. Which is a good thing, I think. I would like her to be near me, less likely Matt will do anything in front of her, but also want her far away, so Matt won't do anything to her. Damon has tried his best to to avoid me, which is annoying. Maybe he thinks that if he plays hard to get, I will want him more, but I just find it infuriating. Caroline and I agree that Niklaus and Damon are a must have, but how to slip away and get to KNOW them is the problem. Ever since they enrolled, Tyler and Matt have been keeping a tight leash on us, like they know something but won't tell us.
By the end of the first week, Matt had successfully taken me away from Bonnie and Damon. Though Damon happened to be in my PE class, the only class that all grades mashed together, I tried not to make eye contact with him. I didn't want the beatings it would entail. Matt hadn't laid into me yet, and I wanted to keep it that way. By Friday afternoon, the whole school knew the hottest couple at Mystical Falls High was back together and stronger than ever. I hated it. PE was my last class and I was happy to know football practice was closed to students and I could go straight home and not worry about pleasing Matt for at least a few hours. The only bad part is that I have to deal with Damon hitting on me with Matt grabbing my attention every five minutes. Also, all my friends, even Stefan and Niklaus, were in this class. It was an emotional struggle just not to break down and cry in a corner.
"Hey Lena," said his voice.
I sighed and turned to look at Damon. "Hello, Damon. I told you to leave me alone."
"What with the aggression? You seemed to like me when I got here."
"Things change," I snapped. "I'm with Matt, and I'm very happy to report that I am so glad to have a real," barfing on the inside, "man to be by my side."
Damon burst out laughing. "So I've heard. But how many times do you have to tell yourself that before you believe it yourself?" With that he walked away.
"I'll never believe it," I mumbled under my breath.
"Okay people line up!" called Coach Mason. "Partners! I'll call them out. If you don't like the partner-" he eyed Matt. "deal with it."
He called out partners Caroline was partnered with Bonnie, Stefan with Niklaus, Matt with Tyler, and Damon with me. Yeah, the last two and Damon was instructed to go easy on me. Coach Mason always had my back. I suspected he knew what Caroline and I went through, but since he had no proof, he always tried to keep us away from our abusers. Tugging and my long sleeve, wishing I could put on a tang top, I squared up with Damon, who was wearing his usual smirk.
As Coach Mason was giving instructions on how to tackle a assailant, Damon was digging for information.
"So," he said casually, "why is it that only you and Forbes wear long sleeves and pants?"
"Just comfortable," I said as evenly as I could. I lunged at him and missed. "Helps us sweat more and keep our weight steady. We like to eat, and this is just one way to make sure the fat stays off."
Damon didn't look like he believed me. I glanced at Matt, who was too busy trying to take down Tyler. "Rumor is that Tyler and Matt abuse you and Caroline." I froze. Damon took the opportunity to take me down. I went down and hit my bad shoulder, where Matt and shoved me into a locker not too long ago.
"Why would you say that?" I asked, failing to hide my panic.
Damon stared into my eyes as he grabbed my hand and pulled me up. "Tell me the truth."
Without thinking, I said something stupid. "It's true. I have it worse though. Caroline is just there to take punishments. I get raped."
Damon sucked in a deep breath. I blinked a couple times.
"Please, don't tell anyone! If Matt finds out-" tears fell. Shit, he's gonna know.
I ran out of the gym. As fast as I could. I went home, just bailed on class not caring that I still had an hour of defense learning to go through. Luckily Jenna was on campus today doing some research on her Doctorate degree. Going into my room, I stayed there for the rest of the night. My phone didn't go off, only once and I was grateful. Caroline fed a line to everyone saying she talked to me and Damon just brought up my parents' death. She knew that was a sore spot for me, so many it would work. Matt is probably out drinking and not caring if I was okay or not.
Hell just got worse.
Hey Guys! I'm back and looking forward to writing some more after a much need mental break. I have been dealing with a lot, including getting engaged and trying for a baby, and a busy season a work. Hope you guys enjoy the new chapter!
