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// Chapter Three: I'm Callin' CPS! 
// Story: Melancholia 
// by sparklerthesableye 
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	I showed up in school the next day in a hoodie, because it had been cold that morning. I sighed. Why did school have to be so boring? Like, I'm smart and all, but I don't want to relearn stuff that's permanently ground into my brain. I looked over at Cry. He seemed kinda bored, too. I was about ready to just fall asleep, until the science teacher spoke up with a pleasant piece of news. "Class, we're going to be doing a science project. Get into groups of three, and I'll give you the instructions." I walked over to Cry, who had already grabbed Twilight.

"Hello, again... Wait, what's your name?" 

"Alexandrite Elizabeth Pinkamena Diane Iridescence. Just call me Lexi or something." I realized how sweaty I was. "Sweet baby Bird Jesus, it's hot in here! Cry, can you help me take my hoodie off? I'm having a little trouble." All that sweat was making it stick to me. I mean, come on. Half plant-monster? He started taking off my hoodie, and my shirt was stuck to it, so he saw the bruises. After he finished taking off the hoodie, he started to be ridiculously overprotective. 

"Elly, who did this to you?" I remained silent, as he already knew. "It was Jack again, wasn't it?" I nodded. "Elly, this isn't okay. If you don't call Child Protective Services on him, I will." My eyes widened, and I started crying, shaking my head like a wet dog. "Why not?!"

"Can you even imagine what MOM would do to me if she found out what you did? I have enough bruises as it is!" We were both practically shouting, and everyone was looking over. Twilight looked super confused. 

"So?! You could just hide at my house! Anything's better than living with that bitch!" We both heard whispers circling the room.

"What are they talking about?"

"He just swore."

"Did her mom do something?"

"Look, Cry. I know you care, but I'm not hiding at your house. She'd still find me. Crazy people are like that." He sighed, looking defeated.

"Guys, what just happened?" We looked at the kid who asked. Hannah Jewell, I think it was.

"I honestly don't know," I replied. But I did. I just got in a fight with the best friend I've ever had.