Eighth (1/1)

Mom kicked me in the stomach, making me yelp. The expression on her face was furious.“You really are worthless! How could you do so poorly in your exams!?” she screamed for the thousandth time that night. I was crying miserably, since there was really nothing else I could do.“I’m sorry! I tried my best! I really did! I don’t know what happened!” I yelled desperately. She kicked me again.“Your best wasn’t good enough!” She grabbed my arm and pulled me up from the floor. She dragged me to my bedroom, and threw me onto the bed.“You are not leaving this room for the entire summer!” She exclaimed, leaving my room and banging the door behind her. I heard her lock the door so I couldn’t get out. I sat on my bed, tears spilling from my eyes. My arms were bleeding from mother’s heavy handling.  What am I going to do now? I thought to myself. I heard my phone buzz.From: DanielHey Marie! Is everything alright? Haven’t heard about you for a really long time.I smiled weakly. He was so concerned about me, even though it was actually only about four days since we last met.From: MarieHey, oppa! Yeah, everything’s fine, I just didn’t do really well on my exams and mom’s not too happy. Looks like I’m grounded for the summer.I let out a sigh.From: DanielGrounded as in grounded like normal kids or grounded like the kids whose parents are violent maniacs?From: MarieGrounded as in ‘don’t leave this room until school starts again.’ What am I supposed to here all alone?From: DanielRun away. Move in with us.I was surprised at his sudden proposal. As tempting as it sounded, I knew I couldn’t. I blinked a few times before replying.From: MarieThanks, but I think we both know I can’t. From: DanielThen sneak out tonight. I want to talk. Face to face. Please?From: MarieI can’t let anyone see me. I’m kind of hurt.From: DanielPlease? It’ll be fine. The boys will understand.I bit my lip nervously.From: MarieI’ll be there in 20 minutes.I texted him. I got up from my bed and threw on a red hoodie. I grabbed my bag and put my cell phone in there. I put my shoes on and climbed out of my window. I climbed down the firescape. When my feet touched the ground, I looked around to make sure no one saw me. Then I ran as fast as I possibly could to the boys’ apartment. Before I knocked on their door, I breathed in and out for a few times. When I knocked, Daniel answered the door.“Hey” I panted.“Oh my God, are you alright?” He said with a concerned look on his face. I nodded as I stepped in and took off my shoes. I threw myself on the sofa, still panting.“I’m. Fine” I replied breathlessly. Daniel sat down next to me.“What happened?”“Some kicking. Bleeding arms. Sneaking out. Lots of running” I tried to explain. Daniel removed my hoodie and gasped at the sight of my arms.“Oh God” he whispered.“I’ll clean those for you. Wait here” he said and quickly ran to the bathroom. He came back soon with first-aid kit and started to clean my wounds.“Where is everyone else?” I asked, finally realizing that the apartment was really quiet.“I told them that you were coming. They went to get some food” Daniel smiled.“So cute.” Suddenly there was a sting on my arm, and I winced in pain.“Sorry” Daniel mumbled. He placed Band-Aids on some of the bigger wounds and placed the kit on the table.“You okay?” he asked. I nodded.“Yeah. Thanks” I said as I put my hoodie back on. Daniel pulled me into a hug.“You know that this can’t go on forever” he mumbled into my shoulder.“Why do you care so much about me?” he pulled away and looked at me in shock.“Why shouldn’t I? You are my friend. That’s what friends do.”“No one has ever cared about me like that” I whispered, tears starting to form. He hugged me again.“Don’t cry sweetie, it’s okay” Daniel comforted me again. We heard someone opening the door with a key and quickly pulled back. I dried my eyes and Daniel smiled. Soon Inati, DongLim, Simon and Jeesu entered the apartment.“Marie!” Jeesu yelled, practically running to me. I laughed as I gave him a hug.“Hi oppa.” I said as he lifted me from the sofa and placed me in front of him. Then I hugged Inati, and Simon who placed the bags of food he was holding on the table. The last, as usual, was DongLim. Only this time, he was holding a small, hand-picket bouquet of flowers. He held it out for me to take. I took from him and bowed.“Thank you, oppa” I smiled at him. He smiled back.“You’re welcome” he chirped and gave me hug. The other looked at us in shock when we hugged.What’s up with him? I mouthed to the boys. They shrugged. We let each other go.“These should probably be put in water” I said to DongLim. He nodded and took the bouquet back from me.“I’ll do it!” he exclaimed happily and jumped to the kitchen. We all watched him as he went.“Now, let’s eat!” Simon announced and everyone took a seat and started to eat.∼“Ugh I’m so full” Inati growled, rubbing his stomach. Daniel huffed.“Me too.” he growled. Jeesu sat up, excited.“Hey, guys, let’s play a board game!” he yelled. He hit my forearm lightly, not meaning to hurt me, but to attract my attention. However, with my arm totally bruised, I let out a loud ‘ouch.’ Everybody looked at me, shocked.“That can’t hurt” Jeesu announced. He took my hand in his, and pulled my sleeve up my arm. Everyone else except Daniel gasped in shock seeing my wounds & bruises.“Marie, what the hell is this?!” UPDATED AGAIN AFTER A WHILE ~