Alex's POV
Hurrying off to my next class, I find that neither Jack or Zack is in it either. But there's a guy named Rian who doesn't seem to bad who talked to me a little. At least it's just a maths class, that's easy enough for me. As promised, Jack is waiting for me right outside the school. I found out we live close to each other, and he agreed to walk with me.

"Hey Alex!" He cried out, wrapping his bony arms around me.

"Haha, hi Jack." I responded, hugging him back.

"So how was the rest of your day?"

"Eh, it was okay. People were kind of being jerks, but it's not too bad. Nothing I'm not used to anyway. The thing that really sucked was American History, I got partnered with a girl who seems really mean for a project. I don't wanna judge, but she seemed like a total bitch."

"Wait - she doesn't live near us does she? Blonde hair, kind of short?"

"Um, yeah. That's her."

"No wonder people were being mean to you, if she doesn't like you. That's Arianna, queen of Baltimore. Not really a queen, but she sure acts like one. She's awful, but her brother Rian isn't too bad. I've played guitar while he plays drums before."

"Oh yeah. She hates me. I ran into her yesterday while I was moving in, and her phone got scratched. But I met Rian, I just didn't realize they were siblings. He seems nice. The four of us should get together and play music sometime, meaning you, me, Rian, and Zack."

"Sure, sounds cool. Alright, this is my house. See you tomorrow, Lex!"

"Bye Jack."

Oh shit. I've managed to get the most popular person around to hate me? Oh well. If she keeps acting like this, I'm just going to have to put her in her place. She's got no right to treat me like crap.

Arianna's POV
Of course I got paired with that stupid new kid Alex. Ugh, he has no idea about American history. I'm going to have to do everything. When Rian dropped me off at home, I was so distracted seeing Alex walking home with that Jack Barakat kid that I didn't even notice dad's car in the driveway/

Walking inside and locking the door behind me, I frowned to see lights on. Hmmm, I must have left them on this morning. Then I hear a glass shatter in the kitchen, and I freeze. I slowly start to turn and run up the stairs, but a voice stops me.

"Arianna, honey? Aren't you gonna come say hi to your daddy princess?" He slurs at me in that familiar grunt.

I force myself to keep it together and my pace even as I head towards that voice, the one that causes all my pain.

"Hello, Martin." I force myself to say. God, he's beyond drunk. This isn't gonna end well.

"What's with the formality? Can't even greet your dad with a hug?"

"You're not my dad, and my mom is dead. What do you want?"

He suddenly grabs my arm, forcing me against the kitchen wall. I'm terrified.

"What do I want? I want my adorable little step-daughter to learn some manners!" He rumbles, slapping me across the face. Unprepared, I fall to the ground in the glass shards. He laughs. I stand up, making sure to grab a glass shard and slip it into my pocket. As I run out of the kitchen, he kicks my butt and I stumble forward.

"Good to see you too honey!" He calls to my retreating figure. "Have fun with that glass shard!"

Sobbing, I run to my room. Slipping into sweats and a cami, I lock my door and take the key with me as I slink out my window and onto the roof. I let the cold air hit my anorexic ribs as I take the sharp glass, letting it wander over my skin where it may. Despite what people say about me being a slut, I don't even wear revealing clothes. Not that I don't have modesty, but this is the real reason why.

Calming down, I lay down on the roof and text Rian to watch out when he comes home, that dad's back. Not that it'll matter, because he'll be long gone by the time Rian returns. But I could never let Martin hurt Rian. Rian helps me out a lot, so this is the least I can do.

To: Rian
Watch out on your way home. Martin's here. Don't worry, I'm safe. Love you Ri, see you soon.

I sigh in relief when I get his response

To: Arianna
Stay safe! And thanks from the warning, I got off work early. I'll drive without headlights when I get close to home, then come in the back. Love you too.

At least he'll be okay. Realizing that I'm still bleeding, I decide that I should go back inside and fix myself up, at least for Rian's sake. I slip back in through my window, not noticing the bright brown eyes that follow my crying figure from the roof back into my house.

Alex's POV
I just saw Arianna slink in through her window, crying. I wonder what's wrong? Whatever. I'll see her tomorrow and make sure she's okay.

Notes

Is it really all Arianna's fault? Hmmmm. Please comment if you're reading! I love you guys, and make sure you're staying up-to-date with my other story, Newbie.