McGee: Drawn to Life! (Special)

Chapter Five

Reader Warnings:
This chapter contains scenes of bullying. Reader discretion is advised.

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NICHOLAS(Narrating):
[It would no doubt take time for her Aunt's words to become true for Ellie. Right then, she felt as if she had no one behind her or ahead of her. She had lost so much so quickly that her own two feet felt as if they never met the ground. Even Debra was still very much a stranger to her.

School would only prove to be a whole new challenge, and regrettably, I would make things that much more difficult. Turns out, being an adult didn't excuse me from being naïve. Admittedly, through Ellie, I'd learn I still had some growing up to do.] 

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*Monday came faster than Ellie would've liked, struggling to get out of bed as she got in her shower and pulled on her usual oversize sweater and skinny jeans. Breakfast was hard to eat, her stomach in shambles of nerves for the day ahead. Her Aunt drove her to school, pointing out a few ways to and back home. Debra helped Ellie inside, taking her to Derrick's office. He was excited for the student's first day of school and hoped coming in earlier would help her settle in easier than having to navigate a new school amongst a sea of new peers on her own with no prior direction.*

DEBRA:
*She leaned down and offered her arms for Ellie, to which the girl reciprocated, hugging her Aunt becoming easier as the days went by, seeing as she was the only person she trusted and even that still had its limits.*

If you need me at all, you can call, okay? I have both my cell and my office phone in Indianapolis in that new phone of yours.

*She brushed a few stray hairs back behind Ellie's ear.*

 I'm proud of you, and just know everything is going to be okay! You're going to do great and before the end of the week, you will have more than just mine and Derrick's number in your contact list, hmm?

ELLIE:
[Not likely...]

*However she gave her Aunt a grim smile. It was strained but she was trying. Despite still being unsure of the whole situation, she seemed to be figuring out Debra wasn't an immediate threat, and her presence, even for a fourteen-year-old, had been comforting.*

 Promise you'll be home tonight?

DEBRA:
*She smiled warmly.*

I promise. Might be just a tad after you if traffic keeps up on the interstate like it has been but--

*She brushed back some of the girl's hair and redid her barrette for her.*

 I'll be there~

*With that she gave her one last hug before looking to Derrick, who sat patiently at his desk.*

 Take good care of her, hmm? 

DERRICK:
*He gave the woman a firm nod.*

 I promise she will be in good and safe hands and will contact you if anything is a miss. 

DEBRA:
*She nodded back to him before giving her niece one final hug.*

I love you, Ellie and I'll see you after school. I can't wait to hear all about your first day!

*She stood back up, looking back a few times as she hesitated to leave her niece, giving her a few small waves as she walked down the hallway back towards the front doors before disappearing behind them.*

ELLIE:
*She watched until she couldn't see her anymore, before turning back to Derrick. She held her backpack to her chest, trying to hide more into her shoulders as she watched the social worker stand up.*

DERRICK:
First and foremost, this is my office. My door is always open if you ever need to talk! I'm usually here an hour before the first bell and about an hour or two after if my wife is working afternoons if you ever need me! As your social worker though, you know you can call me anytime, day or night.

*He gave Ellie a wink, grabbing his lanyard and placing it around his neck as he pocketed his phone.*

 Let's show you to your locker, hmm? Get your things put away and make sure the lock works, then I can give you a tour of the rest of the school and we can introduce you to some of your teachers after, sound good?