THE ONE WHO SAVED ME

“What’s that from?” Daniel says, lifting up my sleeve a little more to reveal the obvious bruise.

Shit. I forgot about that one.

“I have to get to class, but I’ll meet you at lunch. My treat,” I say, running off to class.

That was a close one.

“Can we work on the project at your house?” Christine, my assigned partner for this lame project, asks.

“Um, I’m actually not allowed to have anyone over. Stupid family rule,” I say, rolling my eyes and laughing a fake laugh.

“Okay, I’ll just check with my parents when I get home. I’ll text you and let you know,” she says. I nod and walk away.

As I’m walking out of Crystal Valley School, looking for my keys, I bump into someone. It knocks me off my feet.

“Shit, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t paying attention—I was looking for my keys.”

“Yo Daniel, what are you doing? Let’s go!” I hear a bunch of guys call out.

I finally look up to see none other than Daniel Green.

“No, my fault. I apologize. Here, let me help you with that,” he says, gathering the papers scattered across the campus floor.

“Thanks. It means a lot,” I say, pulling down my sleeve to cover the big purple bruise.

“I’m Daniel. And you’re Kisses, right?” he says. I nod, shocked that he knows my name.

“Um, yeah… How did you know that? I don’t believe we’ve ever talked,” I ask, a little confused.

“You’re that crazy horseback rider. I live right next to Crystal Stables,” Daniel explains. I nod just as my phone beeps with a text from my father.

“I—I have to go,” I say, running to my car.

Father: Get me McDonald's on your way home.

Me: Do you want a soda or anything else?

Father: Cheeseburgers (5), french fries (2), apple pie, Diet and regular Coke (large), chocolate chip cookie, two orders of chicken nuggets (20 pc).

I start the car and drive to the nearest McDonald's, quickly placing the order—ignoring the weird looks thrown my way.

My parents don’t cook for me, so the only meal I usually get is school lunch. I’m a little on the slimmer side, and since I’m ordering all this food… well, you can put two and two together.

I grab the food and struggle to open the car door, checking the order twice. Last time it wasn’t perfect and it didn’t end well.

Two notifications pop up. One from Christine, one from my father.

Father: Where are you with our food?
Me: I’m coming now.

Christine: Hey, it’s Christine.

I plug in my phone, start my playlist, and drive home.

I take a few deep breaths, preparing myself for the worst, then grab the food and head inside.

My parents are on the couch, surrounded by beer bottles. I hand them the food and go upstairs to change into my work clothes.

I work at Starbucks. My parents don’t provide anything for me, so I have to buy everything on my own. I’m also saving for college. Thankfully, it’s close enough to walk from school—back before I had a car.

As I head down the stairs, my father is waiting.

“You forgot the sauces,” he growls.

Before I can respond, I’m doubled over on the floor.

“Now get out and go to work,” he adds, kicking me before turning back to his food.

I quickly get up and head to my car.

Tears blur my vision, but I blink them away as I pull up to Starbucks.

I check to make sure the bruises aren’t visible and that nothing is bleeding, then walk in.

“Hi, what can I get—oh. Hi. What would you like?” I ask, surprised to see Daniel standing in front of me.

“Hey Kisses, can I get a black coffee and a word?” he says, smiling.

I pretend not to hear the second part. “What size would that be?”

“Large. And a word,” he repeats, looking at me intently.

“I’m sorry, we don’t sell that here. Try Family Feud,” I joke, making him chuckle.

“That was good—but I’m serious.” He looks at me with concern.

I sigh and give in. “Fine. Meet me after work at five. I can talk then.”

He mouths a “thank you” and moves aside.

Work drags on like usual—painful and exhausting.

Eventually, I sit down with a drink and start working on homework while waiting for Daniel. I feel safer anywhere but home.

The chair across from me pulls out. I don’t even need to look up.

“Okay, so what is it that you needed so desperately to talk about? And how’d you find me?” I ask, finishing a math problem.

“Why did you run off before? You got a text and just disappeared. Did I do something?”

“I come here all the time. You just never noticed me, I guess,” he adds.

“Oh, that? My father’s really strict and wanted me home right away. Sorry about that.”

He nods, understanding.

“Yo Dan, what are you doing here? And why are you with her?” a guy—Daniel’s friend or some football guy—says.

“Shut up. I’m talking to someone. Go away,” Daniel snaps.

I jump in. “Um, no—I actually have to go,” I say, gathering my things.

“Do you need a ride?” Daniel asks.

I shake my head. “No, but thanks.”

As I stand, I stumble and fall to the floor.

“You’re such a fucking dick, Kurt,” Daniel says, pushing him.

He grabs my arm to help me up, and I wince at the pressure on the fresh bruise courtesy of my father.

“Oh my god, did I hurt you? I’m sorry,” Daniel says, pulling his hand away.

“No, it’s from earlier,” I say, laughing a little as I gather my papers and stand.

“I’m gonna go,” I mutter, running out the door to my car.

I wait until Daniel and Kurt leave Starbucks before going back in to finish my homework. I stay until about 9:00 PM, when my parents usually go to sleep.

Once done, I order a strawberry refresher and head home.

The house is just as I left it. I sneak in through my bedroom window so I don’t wake them and get in trouble.

I quickly change and get ready for bed.

It’s only 9:30, but school starts at 7:00 and I get up earlier for work.

I lock the door, say a quick prayer, and drift into a deep sleep.