Hawk the Good-Luck Charm Part 3

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Hawk had a knack for connecting with people, and it showed each day at school. As he moved through the bustling hallways, he locked eyes with various girls, who eagerly approached him, their faces lighting up with friendly smiles. They approached him with questions about homework or projects they had overheard about in passing, expressing their desire to lend a hand. He cherished these interactions, appreciating the camaraderie and the opportunity to help his peers.

Often, he found himself in the unique position of offering advice to those facing bullying. One day, a girl confided in him about being targeted by a classmate who would taunt her during lunch. Hawk listened carefully as she poured out her worries, and he gave her thoughtful suggestions on asserting herself and seeking support. Guiding during such challenging times felt rewarding, fortifying his belief in standing up for what's right.

In stark contrast, the Mean Bees—Regina, Mary, and Annie—stood on the fringes of the social scene, casting glances at passing groups of students, all while feeling the weight of their isolation. The halls buzzed with life, yet none of that energy extended to them. Eager to avoid confrontation, other students skirted around the Mean Bees, treating them like invisible walls. It was a painful norm that left them feeling like pariahs in a world that thrived on acceptance and friendship.

They had become prime targets for a bully's favorite games: the Arched Eyebrow (a silent accusation that pierced through the din of chatter), the Flounce Away (where a group would ostentatiously leave when the Mean Bees approached), the Cold Shoulder (where eyes would avert, refusing to acknowledge their presence), and the Silent Treatment (a haunting silence that enveloped them whenever they attempted to join a conversation).

Sometimes, laughter would erupt, laced with mockery, whenever Regina, Mary, or Annie tried to engage with others. "Is there a fly buzzing around here?" one" student would jeer, prompting a chorus of giggles that stung like a slap. The Mean Bees would walk away from those encounters, shoulders slumped, spirits crushed further into the ground.

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