"Little do you know
How I'm breaking while you fall asleep
Little do you know
I'm still haunted by the memories
Little do you know
I'm trying to pick myself up piece by piece
Little do you know
I need a little more time"
—Alex & Sierra

Lisa and I finished our movie marathon and as I was about to get up, we heard the front door open then close with a click. I bite my tongue in anticipation. Will she recognize me? Will she be happy?

"Mom, I'm home! I brought ice cream like you asked!" I looked over Lisa. She had a smug grin on her face and simply shrugged. At the sound of footsteps, I averted my gaze to the now teenage Holly as she entered the doorway. Holly still is beautiful. I've always been jealous of her—even as a child. Her hair was a shade darker then brunette, but not black. Long legs bathed in a honey tan made her look taller and more model-like. That little dimple in her right cheek was still there. On top of that, those mischievous deep green eyes widened at my presence and she wasted no time running into my arms.

"OH MY GOD WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE MERE? Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I'm just curious—oh my god I'm rambling shut me up please!" She rushed out in one breath.

"I've missed you too Holly! We have A LOT to catch up on." Her thick eyebrows knitted together, slightly confused. As if looking for the answer, she scanned my body in a once over and I saw her visibly tense as she looked from bruise to bruise. Her glassy eyes looked to mine once again. My cold heart broke even farther when tears ran out from her eyes. She hugged me once again. This time, much tighter.

"Holly, I'll tell you everything." I said as I pulled away. She nodded and I guided her to the couch.

"Wait!" She said as she ran from the couch to the kitchen. She held up two giant spoons and the jug of ice cream. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips as she ran back to my side.

She hasn't changed one bit. "Okay, spill."

So I told her everything as we dug into the cookies and cream. From every threat to every hit, every tear to every sleepless night. By the end of my story, we were both sobbing and cuddling into each other.

"God, Mere I'm so sorry, I wish you would have told me. We could have gotten you out sooner," I nodded and wiped the tears from my eyes. "Hey, do you want to hang in my room?" I nodded, again.

We enter her simple yet cozy room. The plush rug hugs my toes just right. Her room is modern; with her baby blue duvet cover and wooden headboard. A light fixture hangs above the bed and reflects off the glass from the picture frames. I sigh and she throws herself on the bed.

"We can go shopping tomorrow! I'll show you around town and we can decorate your room more!" She throws out all kinds of ideas that I oblige to. She's right about one thing though, for sure, I did need new clothes. I end up falling asleep in her embrace last night. We always cuddled when we had sleepovers because I had always been naturally cold, still am to this day. I guess some habits never break!

I awoke to the scent of pancakes and bacon. My stomach growled embarrassingly loud and Holly giggled next to me as my face flushed a bright red.

"Good morning Mere, and Mere's stomach!" I rolled my eyes and swatted at her arm. She giggled and drug herself up from the bed to her wardrobe. Walking into the bathroom I catch my reflection. The girl in the mirror had ratty hair and skin painted black and blue. I cringe at the sight and comb my hair through.

"Holly . . ." she appears through the doorway "d-do you think you c-could help me?" Her eyebrows furrow, "cover this up?" I clarify, motioning to my purple skin.

She smiles shyly and begins taking out different products of makeup. I was never one for makeup, I thought I always looked beautiful, or at least I use to.

My mothers words ran through my brain;
UGLY.
FAT.
SLUT.
BITCH. 
I actually started to believe the toxic words that plague my mind.

"Mere, you look as gorgeous as you always have," she smiles reassuringly and I grimace.

"But . . ." I drag out, knowing there was more to say than a compliment.

"But, you just have some battle wounds that you aren't ready to show the world," she answers truthfully, something that I appreciate. We spend about thirty minutes fixing me up to look presentable. By and by, I look like a more healthier, beautiful Meredith.

Oh, how I've longed to see her again.

Holly chooses my outfit to go into town. It's a simple button up with black jeans and flats, topped off with a scarf for Fall. I made it so, obviously, no one would see my wounds. She was definitely right about one thing . . . I'm not ready for the world to see the real me.

We walk downstairs to the kitchen where our breakfast is waiting for us. We both dig in, but because of how little I've eaten in the past, it's difficult to have a big meal. I eat half of it and both Lisa and Holly attempt to get me to eat more. I tell them I'm full, and they reluctantly back off. When we're done me and Holly head outside to a black Range Rover.

"This is yours?" I gape at the car, admiring its fine detail. I'm almost to scared to sit in it. We get in and start jamming to music, a little hip hop mixed with some oldies and topped off with pop.

After about 10 minutes and a million song changes, we pull up to the mall. We walk around for a bit going from store to store. I had some money left but Holly insisted on paying. I got a couple pairs of jeans and shoes, and had Holly help me with shirts.

We drove around the little town and came across the school. It was big, and had lots of buildings. I could tell that I, without a doubt, will manage to get lost.

"That's where we'll be going tomorrow. But don't worry, you'll be with me the whole time."

I'm just really, really excited about attending yet another school . . . one to which was never in my itinerary.

Son of a biscuit.

We return to the warmth of home around 6:30 and heard the sweet voice of Lisa along with another voice, a male. Walking into the living room, I spot Lisa seated with a now older son, Oliver. Oliver looked over my way before running to me and picking me up in his embrace. I giggled and hugged him back. Shoving my face in his neck, I inhaled his aroma of pine and patchouli. It's a comforting scent.

"Mere, oh my goodness, it's been a while! You look good," I smiled at his toothy grin.

I'm not going to lie, Oliver has always been undeniably attractive. When we were younger I had the biggest crush on him, but over time it faded into our friendship. He is now a senior in high school, as Holly and I are juniors. Oliver was always protective over Holly and I in grade school, so I had no doubt he would be tomorrow.

The smile on his face tugged into a somber frown. "Mere, I heard what happened," my grin softly faded as he cradled my face in his hands. "I'm so sorry Mere. I swear if anyone hurts you again I will personally beat their ass to a pulp!" He said with a devious smirk as I rolled my eyes and conjured a laugh.

"Thanks Oli-pop!" He rolled his green eyes and snickered at the nickname I had given him when we were younger.

He kissed the top of my head before sauntering up the stairs to his room. Holly and I ate our dinner before retreating up the stairs as well. We had gotten some school supplies and a backpack for me for tomorrow, so physically, I was prepared. Now, mentally? not so much.

Laying in bed, I sighed and cozied up into the fluffy duvet cover. I let my mind wander as my eyes began to flutter shut.

What if she finds me? Would she hurt me again? Would she . . . kill me?

I feel stray tears venture out my closed eyes creating a warm stream and my breath hitched in my throat. I sniffle a bit too loud. Not a minute later, the door creeks open.

"Mere? Are you alright?" Oliver asked from the doorway. I sit up and wipe my eyes.

"How did you hear me?"

"My rooms right next door, what's wrong M?" He makes his way to my bed and sits down next to me. More rebel tears fall down my face.

"What if she finds me? What if—" my throat closes and my voice croaked. Oliver scoops me up in his arms and holds me close to his chest, whispering how everything will be okay and he's not leaving me. He wipes my tears and tucks me into bed. I grab ahold of his hand as he began walking away and his head turns towards mine in concern.

"Will you stay with me, please?" I ask shyly. He smiles and gets under the covers pulling me towards him. I put my head onto his chest and hear the sound of his heart. It's steady. His fingers stroke my hair causing me to become sleepy.

"Sleep Mere, I'm not leaving you." And with that I let the darkness surround me. Tomorrow is a new day with a new beginning, who knows what the future holds.