• Darkness was all she knew. Darkness was all she saw as she got up feeling all of the cuts and bruises some of the sophomore girls had left on her. She could hear their voices but she couldn't understand them. It was all a blur. As she got up, Xial realized she was late for class. She tried with all her might to make it to class. She could feel the pain as she moved her legs. By the time she reached the front door, the dean was there waiting for her. Xial tried to tell her about what happened but, the dean quickly grabbed her and took her to her office and told her to take a seat. With mixed emotions, Xial sat down waiting for the sound of her screaming mother to come through the phone. After a long pause, the dean hung up the phone and told Xial to sit in the front office. The walk to the front office was painful. All she could feel was her bones being broken and gravity becoming heavier. She wanted to fall on the ground and just die. She thought if she were to die, all of her problems would be over. Her mother came to the school and picked her up. The car ride home was heavenly. Xial was feeling the lovely air conditioning while listening to her favorite song on the radio. It was heavenly until she had to walk to her room. From the car to the staircase. From the staircase to her door. From her door to her bed. Laying down was never felt better. The soft embrace of the covers then the even softer safety of her pillow. She instantly fell asleep as if this was her last day on Earth. Xial was in a deep sleep but, something felt weird. This wasn't your average weird like the neighbor looking into your house from their window but, like a stalker weird. Xial was afraid to make a move or even to make a sound. She had to make a decision quick. It was either look and run or don't look and run. Xial knew what she had to do. She did it without a second thought. (To be continued in part two. Please comment on what you think and rate please. smile )