Page 4 of On Broken Wings

“Screw you, Darrin,” I growled as I pushed the door open and climbed out.

When I turned to slam it shut, he chuckled humorlessly. “That’s the problem, Jen, you won’t.”

I put as much force as I could behind it, causing the car to shake. I ran up the steps and into the house, ignoring the squeal of tires from Darrin racing away. My heart was falling apart. I didn’t think he could hurt me any more than he already did, but the next day proved me wrong.

Chapter 2

Jenni

When I first opened my eyes this morning, I almost forgot that last night really happened. I’d cried myself to sleep, and my red, swollen eyes were the proof of it. I rubbed them, before slowly climbing out of bed. I was tired, and going to school was the last thing on my mind.

“Honey?” Mom called from somewhere down the hall. “Breakfast is ready. You’re going to be late.”

“I’m coming,” I called back with very little enthusiasm. I trudged over to my closet, grabbed a pair of leggings with an oversized tee, and quickly ran a brush through my hair. I didn’t feel like going, let alone fixing myself up. After twisting my hair on top of my head, I grabbed my backpack off the floor, and headed for the kitchen. “Can I borrow the car today?” I reached for an apple on the counter, all the while refusing to look my mom in the eyes. I knew that as soon as she saw my face, she’d know something was wrong.

“Sure, but I thought Darrin was picking you up this week.” Mom stopped what she was doing and turned to face me.

This was it, the moment of truth. I slowly lifted my gaze to meet hers. “Not anymore.” I sighed as I closed my eyes and willed the tears to stay away. “He won’t be giving me rides ever again.”

“Did something happen?” She stepped closer to me.

“We broke up last night.” I sniffed.

“Oh, honey.” She pulled me into her arms, and as soon as my face felt the softness of her chest, the tears fell freely.

“He’s a jerk anyway,” I cried, “but why does it hurt so bad?”

“First loves always hurt the worst,” she soothed as she rubbed my back. “Do you want to talk about it?” she probed.

“Not really.” I sniffed as I pulled away, wiping my eyes in the process. They hurt, and every time I started to cry again it made it that much worse. “I’m just gonna ignore him,” I squared my shoulders, “and maybe one day he’ll see that he made a mistake.”

“Here.” Mom handed me the keys. “We’ll figure out the car situation soon, but you can drive my car to school this week.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I hugged her once more before turning to leave.

oooooooo

When I pulled into the school parking lot, I parked near the front where I usually did with Darrin. I didn’t see his car yet, and I sighed in relief as I climbed out. I grabbed my backpack, and rushed toward the door to head to my locker. I wanted to avoid running into him. I was already going to have to sit with him in chemistry class; that would be bad enough.

Just as I heaved the heavy door to the school open, I heard his laugh. Anger boiled inside me at the fact that he was laughing when I felt like I was dying inside. How dare he be happy about this! I tamped it down as I weaved through the students milling around the hallways waiting for the bell to ring.

When I approached my locker, my best friend Kenzie was standing there waiting. “Hey.” I waved as I worked to keep my voice even.

“So, it’s true. I can see it all over your face.” Her eyes softened as she moved to the side while I worked to open my locker.

“What’s true?” I dropped my backpack on the floor, and began stuffing its contents in my locker.

“Jenni, it’s me.” I felt her hand on my shoulder. “He’s a dick.” She shook her head when I glanced up at her.

“He’s an asshole who only wants to get laid,” I growled. The anger was starting to take over and replace the hurt.

“Good.” She gave a quick nod. “Get mad. He doesn’t deserve your tears.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“How am I going to survive chemistry class? We’re lab partners.” I grabbed the books I’d need for my first class and then stood, slamming the locker closed in the process.

“Ignore him, and ask for a new partner.” She shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I think you should tell everyone why he’s such a jerk, too.”

“I’m not telling the whole school that I’m a virgin,” I whispered. “I’ve been with him for almost two years. Everyone thinks we’ve been doing it.”

---