"Visiting day? What the hell is that?" I asked, readjusting the way I sat on the couch. A pain shot through my ribs. I groaned quietly, trying to act nonchalant. Kate and Keith sat next to each other on the couch across from Ben and I, their hands connected. Apparently Keith confessed his love for her the day those Tauros attacked us. It's been about a week and a half since then. To my surprise, I haven't seen Felix at all. Maybe I can finally leave my past behind me. But now that I think about it, that day I got called to the principle's office, it might have been to warn me about my father. After all, he did break out of jail and is now back leading Team Explosion. I don't know if I'll be able to face him if that time ever presents itself. How can I look at the man that killed my mom, beat me, and drove our family apart in the eye without trying to kill him myself? I hate him and Felix. So much..

Ben rested his hand on my shoulder, startling me slightly. "You okay?" He whispered. I nodded my head unsure. I know he thinks I'm lying, which I am. I've yet to tell him about what happened to me. My lip healed and the bruise is gone. But those idiot scientists' little experiment fucked up my rib. The nurse concluded that it healed wrong. Figures.

"and then there will be this awesome dinner!" Kate finished. Wow I missed her entire explanation. The bell rang loudly, startling all of us. Ben groaned. "What's wrong with you, pouty eyes?" She laughed.

All of a sudden, Ben hugged me tightly. "I just don't want to leave my love!" He laughed. I scoffed, pushing him away and standing up. I crossed my arms and walked towards the stairs. "Alright Sweetheart, I'll see you last period!" Ben called. I smiled to myself. I just don't understand how he always manages to make me smile even when I'm in a shitty mood. He just.. there is something about the idiot. Every time he hugs me or calls me 'Sweetheart', I get these Butterfree in my stomach and it makes me melt. But then I end up hitting him so I don't reveal anything. I can't let my guard down. Bad things happen when I get close to people. I don't want him to get hurt because of me. Especially since my dad is out there now. It's a whole new ball game now.

"Hand on hand combat. Now I will assign each of you a partner and you both shall face off. First one down for five seconds loses. No jabs to the face or stomach. Remember your training and shielding. Good luck." The instructor said. The class gathered around the giant circular mat in the middle of the room. I watched as Lillian and Mary faced each other. I watched in amusement as Lillian grabbed Mary by the arm and flung her over her shoulder. Mary landed on her back, completely out of breath. Five seconds. Mary lost. She walked past me angrily to which I smiled. Stupid bitch. Class continued on, students facing off against each other. I was the last to go. I stood on mat, looking at my opponent.

Jared grinned at me, winking. My hands balled to fists by my sides. "You ready Sweetheart?" He said coolly. Anger bubbled in my stomach. I breathed in deeply and let it out. The whistle was blown. He charged at me, swinging his leg at me. I jumped back, keeping my balance. His fist swung at my face. I ducked quickly, gasping. What the hell? He can't hit my face! His other fist went for my face again. I dodged but he knicked my shoulder. The instructor said something but there was a ringing in my ears. His foot flew towards my face. I stumbled back, not ready at all.

I cringed slightly. There was a sudden tweak in my rib. I clutched it, still trying to dodge his attacks. I think the instructor blew the whistle but I can hear nothing but ringing. Jared landed a kick to my chest. I stumbled back, trying to keep my balance. Jared advanced on me, standing right in front of me. "This, is for earlier." His fist connected to my rib. I cried out, leaning forward. My hands clutched his shoulders, trying to stay on my feet. "This is for later." Another jab. A pain groan escaped my mouth, my head falling onto his chest. I could hear him chuckle. "Don't underestimate me, Sweetheart." He took a step back. I fell to both my knees, grasping my rib.

The instructor ran to him, screaming at him and pointing to the door. He kept that stupid smirk plastered to his face. Painfully, I stood up, still slightly hunched over and walked out the door. Once again, I walked to the nurse's office.

"Back so soon? Is it hurting again?" She asked, motioning me over. I pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it on the bed, leaving me in just my bra. If those two idiots barge in again, I'll have to kill them. The nurse held my arm above my head and examined my rib cage. She poked some ribs, then poked the one Jared assaulted. I cringed painfully. "Sorry." I looked to the mirror across from me. A giant blue bruise was already forming. "There is no fracture which is good. But it is pretty badly bruised. My advice to you is to skip your last two periods, go to your dorm and ice it. I'll send an email to your teachers excusing you." She handed me an ice pack after I slid my shirt back on. I nodded and thanked her, walking back to my dorm.

When I finally got to my bed, I pulled my shirt off and got in bed. The ice pack stung my bare skin, sending chills through my body. I picked up the egg I found in the forest a while back and placed it next to me. I ended up going back to get it. If only it would hatch, I could figure out what it's supposed to be. The sound of thunder startled me slightly. Rain pattered the window in a soft rhythm, luring me to sleep.

"Felix, where are you going?" I asked groggily. He froze, turning back to me. He wore a jacket and a baseball cap. A backpack rested on his back. He looked like he was going somewhere. Arguing could be heard in the next room.

Felix walked to me, kneeling in front. He wore a sweet smile and rested his hands on my shoulders. "Sums, what are you doin' up? It's real late. Go back to bed." He whispered. I shook my head. There was a crashing sound. "Come here." Felix pulled me to him, covering my ears with his hands. My eyes squeezed shut, waiting for it to pass. He let go and hugged me. "Felix has to go. I'll come back one day. Just do as Mom says and you'll be fine. I love you, Summer. You'll always be my baby sister, right?" I nodded my head, watching him as he left out the front door, closing it quietly behind him.

My dad suddenly stormed into my room, yanking my arm. "Why are you awake?!" He barked. He paused for a second, scanning the room. "Where's Felix?!" He bellowed. I cried out when he pushed me down.

"Stop!" I shot upwards looking around the room. A rippling pain made me curse. The bruise on my rib is worse.. That asshole. I laid back down slowly, closing my eyes, trying not to think about that terrible dream. That was the night Felix decided to leave me with that monster.

I heard the door open, not even bothering to see who it was. I heard footsteps approach me. "Erm.. this is awkward." Ben's voice chuckled. I opened my eyes groggily, glaring at him. "Holy shit! What happened to you?" He knelt down next to my bed, gaping at my bruise. He rested his hand below the bruise on my hip. My breath hitched at the contact. He looked at me then to his hand, which he quickly tore away. "Sorry.." He mumbled embarrassed.

"Just.. grab me a shirt." I sighed, pulling myself upright. He went to my dresser and pulled out a baseball jersey. I poked my hands through the arm holes and began pulling it down. Ben suddenly stopped me. The shirt covered my face. "What are you doing?" I barked. His hand skimmed my back. Stop. I pulled the shirt down the rest of the way, moving his hands away. I looked out the window, avoiding his gaze. "They're old, okay? They don't hurt anymore. Just let it be." I stated, still gazing at the rain drop splattered window panel. My back isn't the prettiest of sights. All those damn scars ruining it.

"Summer.. I-" He whispered.

I cut him off, lightly taking hold of his hand. "You shouldn't be in here. If someone catches you, you'll get beat worse than I was." I smiled sadly. My stomach rumbled loudly. "Now help me up so we can go eat." He smiled softly, and did as told. We walked out the door and a growl formed in the back of my throat.

Mary sat with her legs crossed, smiling at the two of us. "How's your rib, Summer? I hope Jared didn't beat you up too bad." She stifled a laugh. Ben turned to me, his eyebrows furrowed.

Ben looked at me confused, "Jared did that to you?" He asked. I ignored him.

"How's your pride Mary? You got beat in five seconds flat. To Lillian, no less. At least Jared was cheating when he beat me."

She did her fake laugh. She got up and walked to the stairs. "Learn to bite your tongue before that attitude gets you in trouble." She smiled, turning and walking down the stairs. I took a step at her, clenching my fists. What a bitch. I can pummel her.

Ben grabbed the nook of my elbow, pulling me back to him. He shook his head. Maybe Ben is right. She isn't worth it.

"Mom! Dad!"

I sat on the ledge of the window sill, my legs spread out across it's length. The window was cracked, letting the breeze blow through my hair. I looked down at all the students reuniting with their parents. Kate ran to a little girl who looked nearly identical to her. I smiled softly. She really missed her little sister. Keith stood next to them with his family. But Ben was no where in sight.

All of a sudden, the door burst open. Ben barged in, grabbing my hand and helping me to my feet. "What! What are you doing?" I barked, trying to pull my hand away.

"Come on! I want you to meet my family!" What?

I stopped harshly, my mouth slightly open. "Ben, I couldn't possibly. You're supposed to enjoy this time with your family." I informed.

Ben just laughed. "Sweetheart, I always enjoy myself when you're around. Besides, I want you to meet them. It'll mean a lot to me. " He pleaded, giving me puppy eyes. I groaned loudly, earning a smile from him. He pulled me down the stairs and through the filled hallways of parents and siblings. He lead me out the front door towards Kate and Keith. A stunning woman stood next to a fairly good looking man. A little girl with brown pigtails jumped up and down next to them. "Mom, Pops!" He called, continuing to hold my hand. A blush crept to my cheeks as we stopped in front of them. "This is Summer. The one I've been telling you all about." He smiled toothily.

"Hello dear, my name is Melody." She held her hand out to me, which I shook firmly. "I've heard much about you. It seems Ben has taken a liking to you." She laughed. Ben's cheeks reddened.

I laughed with her. "Well, I've taken a liking to him as well, ma'am." I blushed. I saw the corner of his lips tug up.

His father held his hand out. "I am Alazar. It is a pleasure to meet you." He smiled as I shook his hand. The little girl with brown pig tails jumped up and down, pulling on Alazar's arm. When he bent down to her level, she whispered something in his ear. "This is Ariel. She is too shy to say anything."

I bent down to her level and smiled sweetly. "Hi Ariel. I'm Summer. It's nice to meet you." I held out my hand, wondering if she would shake it. To my surprise, she latched onto my abdomen, hugging me tightly. I nearly cried out from the pressure on my bruise. I hugged her back though, trying to contain the pain.

"How odd. She is never this polite when meeting new people." Melody said. My hand went to my rib as soon as she let go. Ben gave me a worried look, squeezing my hand tighter. "Summer dear, where is your family? I would love to speak with them."

What do I say? Ben looked at me then to his mom. He opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. "They couldn't make it today. Unexpected business trip." I said unsure. She looked disappointed but nodded her head.

"Ben, can we talk?" She asked politely. He nodded and let go of my hand. I hadn't realized how tight I was gripping his. The two of them walked off.

I looked back to Alazar. "It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you sir. Can you please tell your wife the same. I have a lot of things to do so I really should be heading off." He nodded and shook my hand once more. "Goodbye, Ariel. I'll see you some time soon." I smiled. She waved with a wide smile spread on her face.

I walked towards the back entrance to the dorms when I heard two people talking. "I like her very much. She is so much sweeter than that girl.. what was her name? Molly?" Wait.. Jared was telling the truth? He wasn't lying about that girl? "Ben.. this girl is perfect."

Someone, I'm assuming Ben, sighed. "I know mom.. I know. It's just-"

"It's wrong to eavesdrop. You know that Sums." A cold voice warned. I growled slightly, turning to face him.

He stood leaning against the wall, his hat low to his face. "Oh gods. Not you again, Felix."

Alrighty. Hopefully everyone enjoyed. And by the way. I made a Pokemon Christmas story so be on the lookout for that! Thanks y'all ! -A