Chapter Four

As I regain consciousness, I am greeted by a throbbing headache and excruciating pain coursing through my entire body. A feeble whimper escapes my lips as I attempt to sit up, only to realize that I have been abandoned in the heart of the living room. The absence of a comforting blanket or a soft pillow serves as a stark reminder of the heartlessness that engulfed the room after my mother mercilessly assaulted me, showing no concern for the extent of the harm she inflicted.

I gingerly touch the tender bruises that mar my skin, each one a testament to the cruelty that unfolded in this room. The pain intensifies with every movement, a constant reminder of the physical and emotional wounds inflicted upon me. Tears well up in my eyes, a mixture of pain, anger, and betrayal. In this moment of vulnerability, I find strength within myself. I refuse to let this act of violence define me, to let it extinguish the flickering flame of hope that still burns within. With every ounce of determination, I push myself to my feet, wincing at the pain that shoots through my body. I am determined to escape this cycle of abuse, to find a way to heal and rebuild my shattered life.

With a heavy heart, I make my way towards the bathroom, taking slow and deliberate steps. As I enter, I reach out to turn on the shower, the sound of the water providing a momentary escape from the pain that lingers within me. Carefully, I remove my clothes, revealing the marks and bruises that serve as a painful reminder of my mother's anger. Leaning against the cool wall, I let the tears flow freely, allowing the water to wash away not only the physical wounds but also the emotional scars that have been etched upon my soul. 

 After cleansing my body, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a towel, feeling a sense of relief as the droplets of water evaporate from my skin. I search for suitable clothes, hoping to find something that will bring a semblance of normalcy to the day ahead. Determined to fulfill my responsibilities, I make my way to the kitchen, where I prepare breakfast for my mother and sister. Despite the pain I carry, I find solace in the act of nourishing those I love, even if it goes unnoticed. 

When the aroma of breakfast fills the air, I gather my belongings and head towards the door. With my book bag in hand, I slip on my shoes, ready to face the world outside. Each step I take is a testament to my resilience, a silent rebellion against the hardships I endure. With a mixture of determination and hope, I step out into the world, knowing that despite the challenges that lie ahead, I possess the strength to overcome them.

Upon my arrival at the school, I am immediately confronted by a group of young women who forcefully assault me, thereby denying me the opportunity to reach my locker. The impact is so strong that I let out a startled yelp and find myself tumbling to the ground. The sound of their laughter echoes through the air, amplifying the humiliation I feel. To add insult to injury, one of them cruelly utters, “Get up, you worthless nobody, and leave.” It's a harsh reminder of my place in their eyes, and I can't help but feel a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration.

Just as I brace myself for the impending kick, my body instinctively reacts as a courageous young woman suddenly intervenes, shouting, “Hey, back off and leave her alone!” With a swift motion, she forcefully pushes the aggressor away from me and positions herself as a shield, standing firmly in front of me, ready to protect me from any harm.

“You're obviously not familiar with this place,” the girl sneers at the girl towering above me.

“I have actually just arrived here today, and it's quite a coincidence. However, I kindly request that you leave before I am forced to take action,” my rescuer asserts, her gaze shifting towards me as she extends her hand in a gesture of assistance.

“I must express my concern that by assisting me in this moment, you have inadvertently drawn attention to yourself from those girls we were trying to avoid.” I explain to her as she kindly lends me a hand to get back on my feet.

“Oh, by the way, I'm Sable. I just wanted to express my deepest gratitude for standing up for me. You have no idea how much it means to me. You are truly the first person who has ever extended a helping hand towards me, and I can't thank you enough for that.” I eagerly share with the new girl, overwhelmed with appreciation.

As Adele gracefully intertwines her arm with mine, she confidently declares, “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Adele, a member of the esteemed royal family. These girls may try to intimidate me, but I fear no one. I firmly believe in the concept of equality, where every individual is treated with the same respect and dignity.” Her words exude a sense of self-assurance and determination, reflecting her unwavering belief in the power of equality.

Adele's curiosity prompts her to inquire, “Why haven't you involved the principal in this matter? 

“Despite my repeated attempts, the principal remains unresponsive and unwilling to take any action, leaving me feeling frustrated and helpless,” I explain, my muscles tightening with each word.

Adele expresses her disbelief by exclaiming, “That is absolute nonsense!” She then turns to the person and reassures them, saying, “Don't worry, now that you have me by your side, no one will dare to cause any trouble for you. 

As we make our way to class, my friend and I walk side by side. However, as soon as we step into the classroom, she lets out a disapproving scoff. Ignoring the judgmental stares from our classmates, she drags a chair and desk over to where I am sitting alone and settles herself comfortably. The whispers and glances from the others continue, but before any confrontation can occur, the teacher enters the room and the class begins.

Throughout the lesson, Adele and I collaborate on our work, exchanging ideas and helping each other out. When the bell finally rings, signaling the end of the class, we head out into the hallway. It is there that Adele is handed a flyer, which she quickly glances at before a smile spreads across her face. Looking at me excitedly, she suggests, “Come with me to the New Year Bonfire. It's going to be so much fun!”

“I'm hesitant about attending because I've never received an invitation before,” I stammer nervously, expressing my fear and uncertainty to her.

“Please, don't hesitate! I'll be right by your side throughout the entire experience, and it's crucial for you to witness firsthand what they have to offer. It's essential that you embrace the enjoyment and excitement,” Adele earnestly implores me.

“Alright, fine. I'll go, but just for you,” I reluctantly admit, feeling a surge of anxiety as I realize that I am not exactly welcome in that place. However, the thought of losing the only person who has ever bothered to engage in conversation or spend time with me is enough to make me push past my discomfort.