Pain. Red, hot pain. That's all there was, was pain. My eyes shot open as the worst pain I had ever felt crashed through my body.

My mistake was thinking it was a dream. It didn't go away as my eyes opened, it seemed to get worse.

I gasped out loud as the pain got even worse. Something was burning inside of me, begging to come out. I ripped off the sports bra and booty shorts I was wearing as pajamas, and laid in my bed naked. I wiggled around on my bed trying to make it go away.

I let out a silent scream as the pain peaked. By now, my eyes were watering and my breathing was labored. The water spilled down my face as I let out a cry. I tried to stay quiet to make sure that I didn't wake my parents.

My breath came out as pants and I held my stomach, where the pain seemed to be emitting. The burning increased, and it felt like I was on fire. I let out another sob and had to put one of my hands over my mouth to muffle the sobs.

All of a sudden, the burning decreased. It still hurt like a bitch, but my panting slowly became normal breathing and my eyes stopped crying. I slowly relaxed from my tense position as the burning subsided. I took my hands off my stomach and mouth and wiped the tears off my face.

I curled up in the fetal position, whimpering from the pain that I had felt. I stared out into the darkness of my bedroom, when I realized what time it was.

12:17

The blue light from the alarm clock shone out against the darkness of the room. I had been asleep for three hours. Three hours of sleep is not enough, but I found I could not fall back asleep. I laid there, waiting for pain, sleep, or something completely strange. I found none of these.

2:34

My eyes would not shut. My brain would not turn off. My body never relaxed from the fetal position. I didn't know what I was waiting for, or even if I was waiting for something.

3:53

My eyes finally started to fall asleep. My brain took a break form over-thinking everything. My body stretched out to a more comfortable position. I let my eyes fall asleep and I prayed for no more surprises.

I shot up out of bed, and sighed. It was only my alarm clock. No more pain, hopefully. I hopped up out of bed, and felt the results of my five hour sleep as the blood rushed to my head. I held my head in my hand as I walked to the bathroom.

Once I got there, I gasped at what I saw in the mirror. My head was the least of my problems. I had forgotten that I was naked, so when my eyes landed on my body I was surprised to say the least.

Bruises. Deep black and purple bruises covered my stomach and thighs. I turned around and saw that there were a few bruises on my lower back and butt. My mouth wouldn't close as I turned in a circle to see the whole damage.

Where did these come from? Did I hold myself too tight last night? Are these the aftermath of that burning feeling? But, I was pretty sure that the burning feeling seemed to be coming from inside of my body.

I rushed back into my room, making sure my parents did not see me. I didn't bother with a shower and instead used my time to unpack to suitcase filled with my clothes. While I was unpacking I found today's outfit. I didn't bother dressing up nicer than I would normally.

I picked out a light blue t-shirt that had the Hollister logo in the corner, and and pair of dark wash jeans. I finished unpacking and noticed that I had a little less than thirty minutes until I had to leave in order to not be late for school.

I quickly got dressed, wincing when I moved to fast and hurt my bruises, and ran a brush through my hair. I didn't bother straightening it or putting it into an up-do. I decided to also not put on makeup, I liked to go natural anyway. I grabbed my backpack and walked to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I then ran downstairs and grabbed a Nutrigrain bar. My mom was already in the car so I slipped on my black flats and went out into the car.

I slid in the car, closed the door, and she took off. I sighed loudly in my seat, almost dreading today.

"So, I didn't really see you yesterday since you took off to your room after school. I wanted to ask you how your first day went." Mom asked, glancing at me through the corner of her eye while trying to drive.

I sighed again. I was working so hard to avoid that topic of my horrible first day. It's not like I can tell them what actually happened. I looked at my mom, a lie coming to my mind.

"Well, I didn't talk to many people because I had a bunch of stuff to catch up on. But many people said hello so I'm sure to make a friend or two today." I forced a bright smile to go along with my lie. She looked satisfied with my answer and smiled as she drove the rest of the way.

We pulled up and I took a deep breath, now knowing what I was stepping into. I opened the door and got out of the car with my backpack on one shoulder. I walked straight to the school again ignoring everyone.

I walked straight to U.S. History acting like nothing was wrong. Truthfully, I was terrified. This was my first class with Ashton, and as much as I hate admitting it, I was greatly intimidated.

Once I got to my class, I quickly put my backpack down next to my table I share with Ashton. I took out the extra reading assignments and walked up to Mr. Holland. I smiled as I handed them to him.

"Ah yes. Thank you Evie. I hope that provided a brief background to this course?" He asked at the end.

"Yes. It was very informal." I responded, a little to kiss-ass-y.

"Okay, well. I don't think you will need to do any more extra work, seeing as you understood everything in the extra readings." Mr. Holland said looking at all the assignments I gave him. I smiled and walked back to my seat.

As I sat down, the bell rang. Immediately, the class came in and my heart lurched, knowing who was soon to come in. And come in he did.

Ashton swaggered in with what seemed as two of his friends who also had this class. A blonde and brunette seemed to notice him as soon as I did. They both got up from their seats and went straight for them. At a closer look, I noticed the brunette was the same one who called me a bitch yesterday. I immediately scowled at her.

As much as I seemed to dislike her, Ashton seemed to love her attention. I watched as he whispered something in her, likely sexual, and she giggled. I made a disgusted noise in the back of my throat.

Shit. They both glared at me. How the hell did they hear that? I ducked my head, my cheeks probably a deep red color. I glanced at them out of the corner of my eye and saw him grabbing her ass while they had a mini make out scene.

I heard her giggle again and say, "Okay, I'll see you tonight." Only a stupid person couldn't guess what they were planning on doing.

The chair next to me scrapped the floor and I felt a wave of heat as he sat down next to me. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, knowing that he saw me staring at him and that brunette. He was giving me the cold shoulder, which I had no problem with.

The class started and Mr. Holland started droning on about history stuff that no one really cared about. I tried to listen, but found it very hard because I could feel the raw hate coming from Ashton. Why was it hate, I have no clue.

I continued to look forward trying to act like I was listening. I looked at the clock, thirty minutes to go. Wow this class was taking forever.

As I was looking at the clock, Ashton elbowed me in the stomach. I didn't know if it was on purpose or not, either way, I hissed out in pain. My hand immediately went to the bruise that he just elbowed. I massaged it a little trying to be inconspicuous about it.

I slowly unclenched my jaw and moved my hand away. I turned toward him and gave him a glare. I regretted it as soon as he returned my glare with one that would have the devil running back to Hell. My eyes widened in fear and I quickly turned toward the front.

That seemed to be the wrong thing to do because as soon as the teacher turned his back, Ashton grabbed my side with his hand and turned me toward him. I let out a gasp of pain as I again looked into his eyes. His hand was holding right were some of the worst bruises were.

"Listen," he said in a dark voice that had me shivering, "I demand respect. And I suggest you don't provoke me or there could be some serious problems." His hand tightened around my side.

I whimpered softly in pain, "Please let go of me." My hands were clenched and my eyes glanced down at his hand then back up to him. I was sure my eyes portrayed my pain and begging tone.

Ashton looked down at his hand on my side, then back up at my eyes. He smirked and tightened his grip quickly, then let go and turned back to the front.

I let out a breath that I was holding and I slowly unclenched my hands. The slight pain from his grip slowly died down until it was just a slight throbbing. I didn't dare look at him again.

About twenty minutes later, the bell rang and released me from hell. I sighed and put my stuff in my backpack. By the time I stood up, Ashton and the brunette were back in their make out session. I didn't make a noise as I passed them and left the room.

I walked to math, remembering that there was a test today. I decided to study last tonight so I could try to take the test. Once I got to the class, I walked straight to Mrs. Flemington's desk.

"Hi Evie. How are you doing this morning?" She said happily.

"I'm fine thanks. About that test today," I said getting straight to business, "I would like to try and take it today."

"Oh, okay." Mrs. Flemington looked surprised at my bluntness. She still handed me the test, which I then walked to my desk and immediately started it. I was so absorbed in my test, that I didn't notice someone was trying to get my attention.

"Hello?" He was waving his hand near my face. I looked up from my test and at the boy who now had my attention. He looked somewhat familiar but I couldn't place him.

My cheeks turned pink as I realized he was smirking while I was staring at him trying to recognize him. I squirmed in my seat and looked down at my test. I wasn't even checking him out.

"Hi." I said quietly. My mind was racing trying to figure out why he was even talking to me in the first place. He was still in front of me.

"You're in my seat." He said pointing at the seat I was sitting in. I blushed and started to get up. "Not that I have a problem with that." He finished taking the seat next to mine. I settled back down in the seat.

"I'm sorry, but you look really familiar. Do I know you?" I asked him, turning to face him.

"Oh yeah. I'm in your science class. I sit at your lab table. Name's Josh." Josh introduced holding out his hand for me to shake.

"Evie." I smiled and took his hand and shook it. Josh smiled at me, a dimple showing up on each cheek. Our hands split apart as the bell rang signaling class was starting.

"Alright class, you know today's a test day. So lets get down to business." Mrs. Flemington started to hand out the test that I had already started. Once the whole class had the test, Mrs. Flemington again sat down at her desk while the class started the test.

I continued my test as soon as the silence settled over the class. The only noises that were heard were pencil scratchings and the occasional cough.

I finished my test and sat back. Looking at the clock, I had twenty minutes of class left. I glanced around to find only a few other people who had finished their test. One of them happened to be Josh. I looked over at him and made eye contact.

'Was it hard' he mouthed. I shook my head no and pointed to him trying to ask him if it was hard for him. He must of got what I was trying to convey and he shook his head no. I sighed quietly to myself looking at the clock. Now it looked like eighteen minutes to go. I slumped down in my seat and started doodling on the back of my test.

A butterfly, flower, and two eyes later it was finally five minutes until class ended. Mrs. Flemington stood up from her desk.

"Alright class. Time's up for today. Please pass your tests forward. If you didn't finish, please keep your test and talk to me after class to find a time to finish it." Mrs. Flemington explained. I gave the girl in front of me my test and looked at Josh.

After the class passed their tests up to the front, the silence disappeared and talking started up again. I was still looking at Josh waiting to see if he would still talk to me. I was curious as to why he was talking to me because it seemed like everyone didn't like me.

"So," Josh started.

"Why are you talking to me?" I blurted out. My hands snapped over my mouth and I felt my cheeks turn a deep red. I didn't mean to be so blunt but now that it was out, I was curious as to what he would say.

Josh chuckled, "Well there's a way to start a conversation." If possible, I blushed even further.

"Anyway, " he continued, "honestly, you seem pretty cool. I mean, I'm sort of a loner myself and I kinda picked up the same vibe from you."

"You, a loner?" I asked shocked. Josh seemed, like he said about me, pretty cool.

He smiled, "I know it doesn't seem like it. I'm awesome obviously, too awesome for anyone here," he said sarcastically, "but seriously. I'm not one of those antisocial loners or anything. Everyone's nice to me and whatever, but no one really likes me enough to actually hang with me anytime."

I was shocked. I didn't know what to say. Should I say that I'm sorry or that understand? My mouth opened and I planned to respond but was cut off by the bell.

"Hey, I'll see you in science, lab partner." Josh said as he stood up from his seat. My lack of response didn't seem to faze him. I picked up my backpack and headed out of math class and to communications.

Once I got to communications, I decided to sit in the same seat I sat in yesterday. Luckily, it was still open. I sat down and took out Romeo and Juliet. Since I had already this play, the work was easy for me. Class started and Mr. Johnston announced that he had put us into small groups to discuss the first act.

I inwardly groaned at the small groups. I was better at working individually. None the less, he put into our small groups and let us discuss and fill out a packet with our groups. Since no one really knew me, my group decided to do a mini get-to-know-you session where we all introduced ourselves.

In my group were three girls named Rachel, Michelle, and Katherine, and two guys named Danny and Grant. Immediately, I knew that I would not get along with Rachel, Michelle and Danny. As soon as I said my name was Evie, they each gave me a spiteful glare and proceeded to avoid talking to me in anyway possible. Katherine and Grant however were very nice to me despite the obvious tension. We worked together as best as possible considering we were basically split into two teams.

Class ended and I was extremely glad to get out of there. However, my joy was cut short as I realized that lunch was next. I was smart and brought my lunch again. Leaving the classroom, I again decided to go eat in the library.

Sitting in a back corner, I realized why Josh got the loner vibe from me.

The bell rang signaling lunch was over. I packed up my lunch and headed to French class. Another easy class. I was one of the first people here so I quietly took my seat. The class filled in and soon enough class started. I sat back and was only half listening as Madame Cooper explained what we would be learning today.

Class was a bore and passed quickly. The bell made me jump as I came back to reality from my half dream state. Madame Cooper quickly handed out the homework as we all left.

My spirits raised as I realized that my next class was with Josh. I leave French class with a smile on my face as I walked to science. Once I get there, I see Josh is already sitting at our lab group.

"Hey." I say as I sit down. He looks up and smiles at me before pushing whatever he was working on to the side.

"Hi. How was your day?" He asks.

I chuckle, "Better than yesterday." Except for history.

He laughs back, "Why? How bad was yesterday?"

"You don't wanna know." I respond, trying to avoid it. I break our eye contact and stare at the table like it was th most important thing in the world.

"Hey," Josh says softly, "it's okay. You don't have to tell me. I meant it as a joke." I looked up at him to see sincerity in his eyes as he looked at me. I smile as a response, not wanting to respond.

Luckily, Mr. Koll decided to start class, so the awkward silence between us didn't stretch on. Today, like yesterday, he handed out a lab that we were supposed to work on with our lab partners. He let us go immediately and told us that whatever we didn't finish was homework.

Josh and I dropped our conversation and immediately started working on the lab. We finished quite quickly and had about ten minutes left of class. The day was almost over, with only one more class to go.

I sighed out loud. Gym was definitely my least favorite class, even worst than history. I frowned, remembering how yesterday's gym class ended with me getting smacked in the face.

"What's wrong?" Josh asked, noticing the frown on my face. I looked at him, debating if I should tell him what happened yesterday in the last ten minutes of class. I figure, what the hell. I need a friend here.

"I have gym next. And if yesterday is preview of what's to come, then I have a personal devil." I say, waiting to see if he is actually curious or just wanted to start a conversation.

Josh seemed surprised by my answer. "Wow, who's the 'personal devil'? And what happened yesterday to make it so bad?"

"I'll give you the quick version, " I started explaining, "it started yesterday when I ran into someone. They obviously didn't like me and told me that a couple times. His 'followers' also told me. Anyway, yesterday in gym, we were playing dodgeball. I wasn't paying enough attention and let's just say I left with a very red face."

I finished my little story and waited for his response. He looked somewhat stunned.

Josh seemed to make up his mind on what to say. "And you're not making this up?" I gave him my best 'are-you-stupid' look and he held up his hands in surrender.

"Okay, so who is it?" Josh asked. For a second, I debated to tell him. I wasn't sure if this would backfire on me or not. It all depended on how much I trusted him.

The bell made my decision. I started putting my stuff back into my backpack. Josh didn't move, he kept watching me.

"I'll tell you tomorrow." I said as I stood up. I started walking towards the door when I felt a tug on my arm. I turned back and saw Josh holding my arm back.

"What?" I asked him, curious on how he moved so fast.

"Evie, who is he? Do I know them?" He asked me seeming very concerned and nervous. I tried to tug my arm back but he only held on tighter.

"Josh, I don't want to tell you right now. I'll tell you tomorrow." I tried again to take my arm back, with no avail.

"Evie, promise me you will tell me tomorrow." Now he seemed very nervous about my answer.

"Josh, let me go please." I insisted, still trying to take my arm out of his iron grip.

"Promise me Evie." Josh stared into my eyes with a very serious face.