Ficlets

Outsider

FIVE MONTHS EARLIER
I stepped into the bathroom at school to check up on my appearances. I had to make sure I looked my best before English class. That was the only class I had with him all day.
I primped in front of the mirror endlessly until I saw myself as “perfect” as possible. My gaze moved from my reflection down to my left arm where I saw white scars from the month before.
My stare held for longer than I liked and I tried to shake that part of my life away. I had to. If that awful part of last month reentered my mind again, who knew what I might do – again.
I jerked my head back up to the mirror and suddenly, I didn’t feel as pretty as I had before. I felt like an outsider towards myself.
I took a deep breath, forced myself to feel reenergized, and opened the bathroom door to step out into the cool fresh air.
I saw Mallory, my best friend, walking towards me. I caught her eye and went to meet her halfway across the courtyard.
Doing so, I also pulled the sleeve of my sweater down my left arm.

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