hauntingly beautiful

Chapter 9

Hayden's Point of View
I ran my fingers down the portrait of Cameron, as I smiled.
I studied how bright his eyes shone in that picture, with his front tooth missing.
"Cameron, I found a friend now." I whispered, staring at the picture.
The picture of Cameron as a child stared back at me without any movement.
"His name is Hunter. He's different, Cam. He treats me like a normal person." I gulped.
Water filled at my eyes at the thought of me talking to a still picture.
I wish Cameron was here, for real.
I wish Cameron was here to listen to what I had to say, and be the protective brother I've always wanted.
"I wish you could meet him, Cam." I finished, taking in a deep breath.
I stared back at the picture for a few more minutes, just mesmerized by Cameron's angelic innocence.
"Hayden! Your friend is here to drive you to school!" Ruth called down from the kitchen.
My heart lept, as I wiped my tears away from my cheeks.
I stuffed Cameron's picture in my bag, as I scurried downstairs.
Ruth frowned as she saw my tear stained face, but she decided it was best to not question me.
"Have a good day at school." she smiled weakly, patting my back.
I gave her a nod in return, as I stepped outside the house.
The cold winter air blew my hair in all different directions, as I paced towards Hunter's car.
I could see him in the driver's seat, nodding his head to the light sound of music.
I stepped towards the passenger door, climbing inside.
I avoided eye contact with Hunter.
I didn't want him to see my red, swollen eyes.
I would have to wait a while until they returned back to normal.
"Good morning, Hayden." he said.
"Good morning." I quickly said, as he started to drive.
"Is everything okay? You seem a bit jittery." he asked.
I took in a deep breath, slowing down my pace. "I-I'm fine."
From the corner of my eye, I could see Hunter frown.
I just didn't want him to see me so weak.
I dropped my head down during the entire ride, with my lips moving every now and then to the music that was softly coming out his speakers.
"Hayden? We're here." he gently announced, tugging my arm lightly.
My eyes snapped up towards the window, as I stared back at the school's building.
"O-oh. Thanks for the ride." I muttered, quickly getting out of his car.
As I closed the door shut, I quickly sprinted into the building.
I walked as fast as I could without running towards the locker, trying to ditch Hunter.
Suddenly, I felt a hand pull my arm, hard.
I flinched, as I let out a wince of pain.
My bag fell upon the floor, as everything scattered around the floor.
Everything, including my precious picture of Cameron.
I swallowed down hard, as I bent over to retrieve the picture, first.
I silently thanked God that the fram wasn't broken or cracked.
Before I got to touch it, a perfectly manicured hand snatched it out of my sight.
I stared up at Maddi, who was holding the frame in her hand.
"Well, well, Hayden. What do we have here?" she asked, holding up the picture.
I stood up, as I dropped my eyes to the floor.
"Can I have it back?" I asked pleadingly.
Maddi snickered, ignoring my completely.
"Who is this? Your little brother?" she asked.
She was triggering something inside of me, as I flinched.
"Just give me it back." I gritted through my teeth.
Maddi crossed her arms stubbornly. "Does it mean that much to you?"
I gulped, nodding meakly.
Maddi smirked evilly, twirling the frame with her finger.
"Well, since it means so much to you, I guess..."
Before she got to finish, the frame came crashing down on the floor, as the glass shattered all around.
"Oops." she sarcastically cried. "Sorry."

I deleted the last one and put up this one, because i wrote chapter 8 instead of 9.
so i corrected it (: