Survivor

34 > "X³. Now shut up." ~James

I woke up in a good mood, which was something that was as rare as my chances of meeting Robert Downey Jr.

Well that just spoilt my morning.

Before I could shift an inch, my bedroom door was thrown open.

"You know," I began sarcastically. "Out of all the people I expected to throw my door open and waltz in, you were not on that list."

Ignoring my comment she turned to me with a panicked look and I was immediately wide awake.

"Armella? What's wrong?"

"Ella?" I tried again when she didn't reply.

"I can't go to school."

I frowned at her words. "Uhh, okay?" I replied not fully comprehending her words. "Any specific reason?"

"You were right back then when you said I hung out with a tough crowd. And overtime I've been more aware of their personalities and the way they treat people - the way I used to treat them - and yesterday I called them out on their bullshit." She explained.

"Oh god." She groaned. "I'm going to be a victim of their taunts and shoving and tripping. I mean I know I deserve it, but it doesn't make me any less scared. What if they-"

"Armella." I called out sharply stopping her rambling. "Breathe."

"This is what it feels like to be on the receiving end, huh?" She asked bitterly.

"Hey. In my opinion you don't deserve it. I've seen you around school. I see the way you hang back when they taunt others, the way you hesitate when you around them. And although you letting it happen is a bad thing, I can understand why you did it."

"Heck, there are so many other people who would've also kept quiet but I mean, look how far you've come. You finally stood up to them."

"And now I'm gonna die." She bit her lip, and I knew there were endless possibilities running through her mind.

"No need to be so dramatic." I commented. "And plus," I bumped her shoulder with mine. "You've got me. That has to count for something right?"

She smiled at my words before her brows creased and I internally sighed.

Here we go again.

"But-"

"But." I mimicked her in an overly high pitched voice.

She turned to glare at me and smacked me on my shoulder.

"I'm being serious."

"And I'm listening." I told her, putting my hands up in defence.

"Your friends. I can't tag along with you the whole day or just sit at you guys' table. I mean..." She trailed off.

"Chill out. I'll ask them if you can sit with us at lunch ok? And if they say no then we can grab lunch and go outside, that fine?"

I could see the internal debate she was having.

"Look Armella, you've changed since I first came here and you don't even realise it. I mean you're exercising regularly, you've apologized to Adrian and them and I can see you making an effort. You broke up with Tobias-"

"Toby." She corrected and I waved her off.

"His name isn't important enough for me to bother remembering."

"As I was saying, you took the first step and decided to introspect, made the effort to change and found the guts to stand up to to them. That couldn't have been easy. Everyone in that circle has money and high and mighty parents. And they use it to their advantage."