I woke up with a pounding headache. God, it felt like a truck had hit my face. I sat down on my bed and drank the water that was left on my nightstand. I grabbed my phone. I vaguely remember i had plans with Sam and David today.

My memories were quickly restored when i saw several text messages from both Sam and David. I opened their messages.

S: Morning suckers, what time do we want to meet?

S: And where??

D: I'm fine with whatever, Rachel?

D: I think she's still asleep she was having a wild night

S: Oh god, okay well let's wait until she wakes up

I groaned. I rubbed my eyes. I jumped at my own touch. I felt a stabbing pain in my face. I totally forgot about the wound that was still on there. I took a deep breath.

R: sorry guys just woke up, can we meet at my place in like an hour?

I put my phone away and walked to the living room. My bag and some other stuff were still laying on the couch. I scratched my head. I couldn't figure out how i even got home.

I walked up to the kitchen when i noticed a small piece of paper laying on the counter. I picked it up.

Good morning Rachel,

I hope you slept well and i hope you recovered from last night. Can you please let me know if you're okay? I'm still worried. You can reach me on this number: (902) 361-8174 .

Ava

All the memories from last night suddenly made its way back into my fried brain. I cringed so hard at my behavior. I needed to sit down. Not only did i make a giant fool out of myself, i also told her every single thing on my mind and even tried to flirt with her.

I wanted to bang my head against the wall. I needed to do some damage control but i honestly didn't even know where to start.

I grabbed my phone. Hesitant to text her. I really didn't want to, but i didn't want to have this conversation at school with her tomorrow.

R: Hi miss, i am so sorry for last night. I was a complete mess and i acted really inappropriate. I'm sorry, it will never happen again. Just texting to let you know i'm fine. Thank you for everything you did, and again, i'm sorry.

I pressed send. Suddenly i remembered that Ms. Lopez had brought me home, meaning my car was still down at James his place. I couldn't believe myself. The last thing i wanted was to go anywhere near James. The thought of going there already made me feel sick.

R: Hi sammie, can you take me to James' place later? I left my car there and i really need it back

Sam texted back right away.

S: Sure thing! But how did you get home with no car?

R: I'll tell you all about it when you get here

I quickly got ready. I took a shower and changed into comfortable clothing. I decided on shorts and a top. I couldn't bother to dress up for just David and Sam. My bruised face was gonna take away any effort anyway.

I heard the bell ring. I opened the door to two happy faces staring at me.

"Omg rachel what happened to you?" They both yelled in union. I let them inside before saying anything. "Do you guys want something to drink?" I asked. "I only want to know what happened to you." Sam said in a serious tone. I knew i had to tell them, so i sat them down on the couch and sat myself down on the chair next to them.

I decided to tell them everything. I told them about James and how he had been abusive for months. I told them how much i was struggling with my mental health. I told them about my encounter with Ms. Lopez yesterday and how she had taken care of me. I told them everything.

I was surprised at myself. I had never told someone all this out loud, not sober at least. But it felt good. It felt good to finally be able to talk about it without feeling ashamed, because that was the hardest part for me. The shame. I knew i had no reason to be ashamed but i still felt it, and it was hard to ignore.

David and Sam both pulled me in for a hug. I couldn't help but smile. I don't know why i had never told them before. It felt nice that they finally knew.

I got up. "Now don't go soft on me, i'm not some charity case and i am not some sad puppy. I'll get the help i need soon." I said. I hated sympathy.

David smiled. "Don't worry, we won't, but i do want you to know we're always here for you, okay?" Sam nodded, probably wanted to say the exact same thing. "I know guys, thank you, i really appreciate it."

"So, now tell us more about Ms. Lopez because that's some juicy shit right there." I laughed at Sams comment.

"Guys i don't think i can ever go to her classes again. I totally embarrassed myself. Not only did i dump all my trauma on her i was also high as shit and flirted with her. AND on top of that she literally had to bring me to bed, like a goddamn baby. That's so embarrassing." I cringed at myself again.

David and Sam both bursted out laughing and i couldn't blame them. "I can't stop picturing her literally carrying you into her car, that's the funniest thing i've ever heard." David said. I rolled my eyes but i couldn't help but laugh.

I checked my phone. I had 2 messages from Ms. Lopez. I could feel my hands getting sweaty.

A: Hi rachel. Don't you worry at all, i'm glad i could be there. Good to hear that you're alright. How's that face of yours? It looked pretty bad.

I texted her back.

R: Thank you again for everything. My face still hurts but it's fine. Did it look that bad? Are you saying i'm ugly?

I laughed at myself.

A: Oh don't be silly, you could never look ugly. Get some rest. Will i see you in class tomorrow?

R: Are you flirting with me Ava? I'll be there tomorrow

A: Now don't make me regret helping you last night

I blushed. I'm glad she could take my jokes. I had to cope with the fact that i totally humiliated myself in front of her in some way, and humor is the best way to cope.

I put my phone away and returned my attention to Sam and David who were both visibly staring at me.

"What? Why are you looking like that?" I asked. Sam giggled. "Who were you texting? You looked a little too happy to be texting someone random." I laughed. "Oh just Ms. Lopez."

David and Sam looked at me in disbelief. "No way you're texting her?! You're definitely gonna fuck later." I giggled. "No silly, she just wanted to make sure i was fine after last night." David looked at me with a grin on his face. "We'll see about that."

Sam and David had left and the loneliness started to set in. Sam and David picked up my car for me. They understood why i didn't want to be anywhere near James right now. I had a really good day with both of them. I finally let them into my life a little bit more and it felt good. We talked a lot, cooked together and watched a movie together. They left around 10 and now i'm getting ready for bed.

My room was dark and lonely. I had put on a light to make it better but i couldn't escape the cold feeling. I wanted to text Ms. Lopez but i don't think she'd appreciate that. I closed my eyes instead, hoping i wouldn't fall into a nightmare.

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kind of a short, less exciting chapter today, but i might write a longer, better one tonight! as always, thanks for the support, can't wait to see what you guys think.