Chapter Four- Beginning to Realize

As I watched Marissa enter the Cohen's backyard and head toward the pool house I literally panicked.

'Why isn't she home getting ready for Cotillion?'

Since I was still recovering from the "tiny" incident with Luke earlier, I didn't feel like understanding anything. I sprung across the room to unlock the door, and as I walked back toward my bed I stopped at the mirror and just starred at myself.

"What's up with you, Chino?"

'Yeah. I was definitely talking to myself now. I definitely lost it!'

'Did I just call myself Chino? Damn this place is getting to me'

Thinking, waiting, and more thinking were all I did in those few seconds before she knocked. I quickly looked at the mirror once more, and noticing that the gigantic bruise over my ribs could most definitely be seen through the beater I was wearing I trampled over the crap on the floor and grabbed a short sleeve jacket thrown over the chair.

As she knocked on the door I tried to move, to collect myself, but neither was possible.

"It's unlocked!"

I knew it was Marissa, but I sort of jumped when she said "Hello" softly.

"Hey" I managed to say as I turned around to face her.

"What's Wrong? I noticed her eyes were red, as if she had been crying for a long while. Although I tried to sound completely unconcerned, it was just never my strong point.

She almost immediately became defensive, and blurted out "Nothing!"

Her tone of voice made me feel strange, like her crying was my fault, that her pain was my fault. I didn't like that feeling, I never had.