I squint up and the warm sower water sears the various bruises, and split lips.

That’s right, my bottom lip is split…three times in different places.

My back aches as I bend over to reach into my dresser for my school uniform.

I don’t eat any breakfast, I just grab my backpack and get out of the house.

I walk to my bus stop and sit on the bench. She walks up and sits next to me. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail.

“Hey, Annie.” I say as she brushes her bangs out of her face and looks at me

She looks so cute in her school uniform, even as her jaw drops at my face’s mangled state.

“Jesus, Liam!” She exclaims frantically. “What happened? Who did this to you?”

“I got mugged on the way home.” I lie sullenly. “This guy pulled a knife and I didn’t have any more cash on me, so he just decided to kick the hell of me.”

“Oh, poor baby.” Annie gently leans on me. “You have to stop getting hurt so bad.”

“Yes, Liam. You really should watch out for yourself.” He mockingly pats a cold hand on my shoulder..