I curled up into a ball, staring at the water. The woods near my house have a little stream. I go there to relax and I couldn’t need relaxation anymore than I do right now.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me and I panicked only to be calmed down by Cameron’s voice. “Anna?â€? he asked hesitantly. I flinched at my own name but didn’t turn around. Ever since this afternoon, I had been on edge. “It’s Cameron.â€?

I nodded. There were two reasons why I wasn’t turning around. 1. Because I didn’t feel like moving or doing anything at all and 2. Because my black eye probably looked worse.

“I was just looking for you to see if you were okay.â€?

“I’m fine.â€? I whispered, hearing Cameron come closer. “No, don’t.â€?

But he was already standing in front of me. When he saw my face, he gasped quietly. “Oh shit.â€?

“Don’t overreact. I don’t need that.â€?

“Right. Sorry.â€? Cameron settled next to me but he was clenching his teeth and I knew he wanted to say more.

“What? Just go ahead and say it.â€? I told him, regretting every word.