ChloeI tiptoed up the stairs quietly, careful not to wake anyone, especially my stepfather. Thankfully, I reached my room without a sound and tossed my bag onto the bed. After undressing, I treated myself to a long, relaxing bath, cleansing both my body and mind.Once refreshed, I changed into comfortable clothes and hydrated myself with water. I climbed into bed, feeling the fatigue wash over me as I drifted off to sleep, still clutching a pack of fruit snacks in my hand.When I woke up, it was almost eight, and panic immediately set in as I realized I was running late. Hastily, I scrambled around, trying to get ready. Despite my efforts, it was already nine by the time I was prepared, and I muttered a curse under my breath before rushing outside. As I sprinted down the sidewalk, I heard a car approaching from behind. Glancing back, I realized I didn't recognize the vehicle. Just as I was about to take off running, the horn honked, and the window rolled down."Come on," called Jake
ChloeI took this opportunity without any objections, not being able to hide the smile that graced my lips. Taking the keys from him, I made my way off of the court and toward the parking lot.I sat in his car, surrounded by the smell of my food and his air freshener. I ate quietly, enjoying the music playing smoothly from the radio.Sighing contently, I watched as he skillfully dribbled the ball on the court, his face unusually serious compared to the others who were laughing and smiling.Every now and then, he brushed his hair out of his eyes, sweat clinging to his forehead. Finishing my meal, I turned off the radio and stepped out of the car. I walked over to a nearby bin and discarded the empty container before making my way to the bleachers.Just as I was about to sit down, I heard my name called, and I looked up to see Leah and the others approaching. I was relieved they came to me instead of making me go to them.Kai and Leah greeted me with a hug, while Lilly rolled her eyes a
ChloeI stared at the person in the mirror as I slipped into my shoes, taking in my appearance. With long black hair and round cheeks that others often criticized, I appeared happy on the outside while battling inner turmoil.But it was time for me to mature and confront my fears, even though it was easier said than done. Sighing, I straightened up and examined my outfit-a leather high-waisted skirt with stylish buckles, a black spaghetti-strap top, and a mesh long-sleeve top. I completed the look with trendy black sandals.Initially feeling out of my comfort zone, I reminded myself to focus on the present after taking my medication. After placing my new phone in my black purse and stashing a few pills in a small compartment, I left my room and headed downstairs. As usual, no one else was home. I sighed, entered the kitchen, and poured a glass of water. Just as I was about to take a sip, I heard a knock at the door. I groaned, setting the glass back on the counter and going to answer
SlimI sat next to her on the cliff, handing her a cup of water. Surprisingly, my nerves relaxed as her fingertips unintentionally brushed against mine, and I resisted the urge to sigh in frustration. There was something intriguing about her. She exuded an aura of tranquility wherever she went, and it was slowly affecting me. She smiled at me, but her eyes didn't reflect the same joy. I could tell something was weighing heavily on her mind."Thanks," she said, her voice shaky with the impact of her thoughts. I could sense her anxiety consuming her."Hale," I called, looking at her, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the calm waters below."Chloe."Sighing, I placed my drink down beside me. I shouldn't be drinking, considering what lay ahead of us tonight. I had some reservations about bringing her here, as the outcome could be dangerous. I gently placed my fingers under her chin, turning her face towards me. The furrow in her eyebrows clearly indicated her distress."What's bo
ChloeWhen I finished changing, I stumbled back outside on my shaky legs before collapsing onto my bed. Hayden leaned against the corner wall, and I glanced over at him. His silver eyes sparkled under the soft glow of moonlight seeping through the cracked curtain."I'm leaving," he said, nodding at me, and fear immediately gripped me again."Hayden?" I called out, and he paused, turning his head slightly to the left, silently acknowledging that he was listening."Can you... stay? Just until I fall asleep," I asked hopefully, and he remained silent for a while. The sober me could never make such a request. Then he sighed and walked over, slipping out of his shoes and lying at the bottom of my bed."Thanks," I said quietly, yawning as I looked down at his face. He appeared emotionless and unfazed by the world.I wished I could be like that. My heart pounded harshly in my chest, and my hands shook violently as I recalled the events from earlier. He had been so cold, and it scared me. He
Chloe The door swung open in the middle of another question, and both of us looked up to find an obviously angry Hayden entering the room. He was dressed in black sweatpants with a single white line on each side of the legs. He paired them with a matching black shirt and jacket, adorned with lines along the sides of each arm. A black beanie with a single white Chinese symbol rested on his head, and his hair was neatly braided into six plaits that cascaded down on either side of his head. Silently, he approached the couch where I was seated, not acknowledging anyone's presence. The therapist smiled and greeted him, but his eyes snapped to hers with a cold gaze."Good Morning." The Therapist greeted him."It's really not," he replied, causing her cheerful smile to fade. I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at her reaction, and she sighed before handing him a paper."I need you to fill this out for me," she said, placing the paper and a pen at the edge of her desk. He glanced over at
ChloeI knew I would be late for my next class. I had dozed off while waiting for my first class to end, and strangely, I didn't mind. I felt drained and weak, overwhelmed by depression and anxiety as I walked down the empty hallway. Maybe I should call my brother to come pick me up, but he had classes of his own. Sighing, I looked down at my feet while walking, but I stopped abruptly when I noticed a pair of pink heels in front of me. I looked up and took a step back as my eyes met the green gaze of our school's biggest bully, the Queen Bee. Behind her stood two of her friends and her boyfriend, the quarterback of our school's team, who carried himself as if he had been crowned Miss Universe."Hey, Chloe. I have a desperate question for you," she said with an innocent face, and I looked down, feeling uneasy."What's your diet plan? I really need to start doing whatever you do to look this fit," she told me, and I frowned."Fit? More like fat," her boyfriend chimed in, and I sighed."
ChloeI strolled down the street, making my way towards my house. As I reached the front door, I entered and securely locked it behind me before heading to the refrigerator.Opening the refrigerator door, I began clearing out all the junk food I had stored there, just in case I found myself sinking into a sad place. I realized I needed a new approach to remedy my emotions.Gathering all the items, instead of tossing them in the trash, I decided to carry the bag over to my neighbor's house for her kids.She gratefully accepted it, and I returned to my room, clearing out the stash I had hidden there as well. Finally, I grabbed my laptop and signed up for a membership at the downtown gym."Well, Chloe, this is it. There's no turning back now," I said to myself, gazing at my reflection in the mirror.I changed into a skater skirt and a tight white spaghetti-strap top. Then, I retrieved some money from the pantry, which my brother had hidden there to keep it away from my stepfather. Steppi