Dream State -next Part The face looking back at me looked spoilt. Puffy white cheeks with sunken eyes ringed in black tiredness. My dark lashes clumped together and you could hardly tell that my eyes were blue. Tucking my damp and greasy hair behind my ear showed the bruise on my neck, a waning crescent that was turning purple hues. I started the shower. "Is this a late brunch or an early lunch?" Dad joked passing me a bagel for the toaster. " You up for school tomorrow?" "Yes, of course." My voice was upbeat. I really did want to go back, I was stifled and uneasy cooped up in the house. "And your counsellor recommended this? " Mum interjected switching the kettle on. "We agreed..." My Dad answered pointedly. He gave my shoulders a squeeze as we both watched Mum strop from the room. "I'm only asking, she's just so private and just so difficult with the truth these days." Mum called from her place in the lounge with a teenage twinge to her voice. I winced, Dad took it to mean I was stung by her harshness and kissed me on the head. I winced from the sting of the evil bird kisses. Walking away with warm bagel in hand I smiled, back to school, more freedom and the prospect of more kick arse kisses from Tobi. I pushed the dark force that had put me into his arms far from my mind. I would find some answers, it wasn't just in my mind but for now I wanted to cradle the thought of him not it.