Chapter Four: And Do You Think I'm Wasting My Time

Rico walked into school the next day. Everyone stopped and stared at him. He couldn't blame them. He had a black eye, cuts on his cheek and forehead, a bruise on his neck, and AC bandages wrapped around his arms. He stared at the ground as he walked to his locker.

Miley's POV

"OK, see you guys later." I said to Lilly and Oliver as I turned down another corridor. I saw Rico by his locker and decided to stop by for a visit.

Since his mom left him and his dad, he was acting really weird. And I always see him with some kind of bruises or cuts or something. It's getting me worried.

Anyway when I got to Rico's locker, I gasped. He looked horrible!

"Rico, are you alright?" I asked.

"Fine." he said distractedly.

"How-how did you get those-"

"They're from the fight." he cut me off.

"Are you sure? I mean-"

"I'm fine Miley! Just leave me alone!" he snapped.

My eyes widened and I took a step back. "Sorry." I whispered.

"I-I'm sorry." Rico said. "I gotta go." he grabbed his stuff and ran into a classroom. Sighing, I leaned on a row of lockers. I had to figure out what was wrong with Rico.

-

Rico's POV

Why did I snap at Miley? Why was I such a jerk? Sighing happily that I was the only one in the classroom, I shut the door and sat at a desk. I laid my head down, painfully might I add, and sat there thinking.

I had to get away from Dad. He was going to kill me if I didn't. but no one else knew my secret. And I can't just tell anyone…

Can I?

I know Miley probably suspects it, but I'm not risking anything. I'm tough. I can handle dad.

The day went on. Classes were such a blur.

-

I got on the bus to get home. When we arrived at my house I walked in to see dad sitting on the couch.

I'm tough. I can handle dad. I thought.

I swallowed thickly. He had a cigarette in his hand. He took a long drag and smiled at me. A very creepy smile. "C'mere boy." he said. Slowly I made my way to him. Then in one quick movement, dad grabbed me and twisted my arm behind my back. I was stuck. He took his cigarette and pressed it against my neck.

I screamed bloody murder. I felt nothing but searing, overwhelming pain.

Dad let go of me and I dropped to the floor.

"What…did…I do?" I asked between breaths.

Dad bent down and got close to my face. "You were born." he whispered grimly.