Disappointment Child.

3.

The bell rings and I quickly pack my stuff. The whole class was filled with tension because of the new appearance of Pierce. I exit out the classroom and I see Mandy in our usual place. We sit in the very far corner of the cafeteria because it's the most quiet and no one walks around there. As i'm walking down the hall to get to her, someone comes next to me. I look up to see Pierce looking at me with a look I dont even know how to describe.

"Where you headin' Tamara?"

"Why do you wanna know? Are you my new stalker?" I say jokingly and he smiles.

"Only if you want me to be. Anyways, I'm going to head to a party later and was wondering if you were interested."

"Thank you for the invite, but I can't tonight. Maybe another time?" I feel bad for saying no but the truth is, I hate leaving Esmeray and Jensen alone at the house. I know Jensen is older than me, but he's also very quiet and I dont think he'll be able to protect himself and let alone Esmeray against my mom. I'm the one always talking back hence why they call me the disappointment. But obviously I couldn't tell Pierce all this because I dont even know him.

"Don't worry about it, just thought i'd ask the pretty girl to go with me. We'll make plans soon. Here's my number." He takes out a notepad and writes his digits down and hands me the paper. I smile at him and turn back to head over to Mandy. I fold the little paper up and put it in my bag.

"Who was that cute boy talking to you down the hall?" She gives me a flirty look.

"Just some new kid asking where his period 2 class is." I chose not to tell Mandy because it's probably not anything serious anyways.

"If you say so. Anyways you need a ride home afterschool today? We can pick up Esmeray on the way so that your mom doesn't need to."

"That would be great, thank you."

Pierce:

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We pull in front of Carter Middle School and I get out to go get her.

"I'll be back Mandy."

"Alright be fast."

I approach the principal to sign out Esmeray. The principal is named Ms. Lee and she's very very kind. She has tan skin with salt and pepper hair that goes down to her tailbone, she's maybe late 50's or early 60's with glasses.

"Hi Ms. Lee how are you doing?" I ask.

She smiles. "Hi Tamara, I've been good just busy with these middle schoolers. In fact, I needed to speak to you about Esmeray."
I start to get nervous.
"I've noticed she seemed to be a lot more quiet. She doesn't seem to like things she used to and she's been dosing off in class. She doesn't smile too much anymore and likes to be alone. I'm worried about her. How is everything at home?"

These things all sound familiar in what I tend to do. I have been diagnosed with depression but for her to be showing symptoms at such a young age is really concerning me. It's all because of my piece of shit parents if only they actually cared enough to notice or do something about it she wouldn't have to be going through this.

"Yes, everything is okay. Just some family issues but we all have them. I'll make sure to talk to her and find out what's up. Thank you for informing me Ms. Lee." I do tend to worry about Jensen too. He's very quiet and more to himself. He was there to protect me against anyone but when it came to my parents, he had no voice, no power. Jensen is an adult, Esmeray is a child. It's why I worry about her more than him.
Ms. Lee goes into campus and after a few minutes makes her way back with Esmeray. My little sister walks out looking down at the ground, seeming tired and not wanting anyones attention. She looks up and meets my eyes, she then gives me a warm smile and runs up to me and gives me a hug. I hug her back and grab her hand and turn back to return to Mandy's car. I look back at Ms. Lee and mouth her a thank you and continue walking.

"Wassup lil' Ray" Mandy says as Esmeray gets into the car. Mandy comes up with the stupidest nick names for all of us but its cute.

"Hey Mandy." Esmeray says as she hugs Mandy from behind the seat. Mandy frowns a bit at the tone of her voice.

"You guys ready?"

"Yessir just go."

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Esmeray: