Skank

Chapter 5

Maria's POV

Today had been the first full day without my dad. Word of his death already got around somehow. Some felt bad for me, most found it humorous, or were happy by the news. A couple said they wished it was me instead, and to that, I couldn't agree more. I missed him. I missed his smile. I missed the way he laughed. I missed the way he would call my name. It was still sinking in that he was really gone, he was never coming back to me. I wished I could say he was looking down at me now, proud of me, but if he was, his pride would be replaced with shame.

He didn't raise a slut, he would think. Though, a part of me believed he knew what was really going on all along, or at the very least had his suspicions. Just because he was old and sick didn't make him naïve. The late nights when I wouldn't come home, I could see him now... staying up all night, waiting for me, praying I'd come home alive. Oh daddy... I'm so sorry.

Word had gotten around, but clearly not to everyone, as a DM from Eliza had quickly made that clear.

"Hey! What's up! Pleasant day we're having ;) Did I use it right??"

I almost cracked a smile. In a way, I was thankful she was still blind to all that was going on.

It was in that moment that I realized I could paint myself as anyone to her and she'd believe it. And maybe, just maybe, this alter-ego I create can set me free.

Eliza's POV

Maria and I talked nonstop for hours. I learned about her job volunteering at shelters, I learned about how she wears the clothes she wears as a 'protest' for women's rights, I learned about her parents letting her live alone, and how she's brave enough to do so, and so much more.

She seemed like such an interesting person and I couldn't wait to get to know her better. I could tell this was the beginning of something special. I just knew it then and there. But, she didn't show up at school today, or perhaps she did and I just didn't see her.

She told me she goes to a trade school, which is why she leaves early, as I've seen her do. That made sense, but is it possible she didn't show up today at all? It isn't the biggest school, and I was hoping she would run into me during the day, but she was nowhere to be found.

Aside from Maria, though I'm not sure if she'd even consider me a friend yet, I hadn't made any friends.

Luckily, I hadn't made any enemies either, however. Kids pretty much just ignored me, even when I tried to talk to them. I guess that was what I was expecting, though.

My parents had been awfully quiet today, which was unusual. Between my dad being busy with his new job, and my mom still finishing unpacking and designing the house, they'd pretty much been leaving me alone.

Though I appreciated the space, the quiet was unsettling. It was too peaceful, almost like the beginning of a horror movie, in a way. Maybe I was reading too much into nonsense, or maybe I wasn't

Third Person POV

Maria had yet again another restless night. Nightmare after nightmare. The nonexistent claws of unreasonable guilt digging its hideous nails into Maria's skin and refusing to let go until Maria cried in her sleep while she squirmed around as if her bed was made of lava. The guilt and pain suffocated her as she desperately tried to reach her head out of water to breathe, but falling short each time.

And then the sun came up, and it was time to start another day in hell once again.

Hey everyone! It's Lumi here with some bad news. Sorry this chapter was extremely short, but I needed to wrap it up to announce something. I'm going to be taking a break from writing for a little bit (not sure how long yet) because of personal reasons and because of the stress is causes me constantly feeling the need to have to update, or being stressed if I haven't updated in a while.

This pattern has just become really unhealthy for me and when people don't read it or when I don't get comments, it makes me feel like I'm not good enough or makes me feel self-loathing, as ridiculous as that may sound, and I don't want to continue that habit. So I will be taking a break from using wattpad, and my stories will be put on a hiatus, at least for now, I promise I will come back, I just don't know when yet.

I love you all so so much and thank you for coming with me on this journey. This is NOT the end.