Ignored: A Short Story

She pressed her nose harder against the glass, captivated by what she saw. Eyes that were once a vibrant brown that glowed with mirth were now dull and lifeless. She fought the urge to close her eyes, and try to forget, and continued to stare. Laughter coming suddenly from behind the closed door distracted her, and she broke her stare, eyeing it. Daring someone to knock, come in, or even care. Numb eyes widened in surprise when the laughter stopped in front of the rarely opened door, and she took a step forward, hand reaching out, trembling with hope. Hoping that finally someone cared enough to knock, and talk to her. The laughter disappeared, and she gasped, running to the door, and wrenching it open. The hallway was empty, the laughter faint behind the door across the hall. Tears threatening to spill over, she quietly closed the door, and took her place at the mirror, pressing her nose in even harder. She watched as tears fell from her lashes, and rolled down cheeks. What was she thinking? Of course no one wanted to talk to her.

Her tears stopped and she glared, suddenly angry. She yelled as she balled her fists, and took out her anger on her reflection. Pounding until her hands were bleeding, and empty eyes were reflected hundreds of times. She walked back to the door, and went across the hall to where the laughter could still be heard behind the door. She knocked, and when the door opened she could hardly hold back tears at the apparent disgust on the girl’s face. Suddenly she hugged her tightly, the disgust from the other girl turning into a pained surprise. When she pulled back, the blood had already started to drip from the wound at her heart. She smiled and hugged the girl again, more loosely this time, and bent to whisper in her ear.

“You broke my heart, Mandy. And I broke yours.” She pulled away, kissed Mandy on the lips one last time, and looked down at the piece of glass protruding from her heart. Screams came from behind Mandy as she fell to her knees, clutching the doorframe for support. She waved and walked down the hallway, the screaming forcing people to open doors and question where the noise was coming from. She ignored everyone as she walked, head held high, hands dripping blood, and laughter bubbling over her lips. She stepped outside, and listened for the sirens she knew were coming. She ignored them and spied her reflection in a nearby window. Brown eyes that were once dull, slowly regained back their light. She smiled.

She hadn’t felt this good in months.