From Bullied to Beloved

Part 2: The Bullying Begins

*(The next day, Chloe is walking down the hallway, her books clutched tightly to her chest. The hallway is bustling with students, and Chloe tries to blend in. Suddenly, Bea and Jessa spot her and exchange mischievous glances.)*

Bea:(whispering to Jessa)* Look who it is, the new girl that always feeling close to the campus heartrobs

Jessa:Let's have some fun.

(Bea and Jessa walk up to Chloe, intentionally bumping into her, causing her books to fall to the ground.)*

Bea:Oops! Watch where you're going, new girl.

Chloe: (nervously)* Sorry, I didn't see you.

*(Bea and Jessa laugh as Chloe hurriedly picks up her books. Matthew, Axel, Bryan, and Martin join them, forming a semi-circle around Chloe.)*

Matthew: Hey, what's the rush? We just want to get to know you.

Axel:Yeah, why don't you tell us about yourself?

Chloe: (softly)* I... I have to get to class.

Bryan: (mocking)* Aw, don't be shy. We just want to be friends.

*(Martin kicks one of Chloe's books across the hallway, and the group laughs as Chloe scrambles to retrieve it. Just then, John walks by and notices the situation.)*

John:Hey, leave her alone!

*(The bullies roll their eyes and walk away, muttering under their breath. Chloe looks up at John with gratitude.)*

Chloe:Thanks, John.

John: Don't mention it. Are you okay?

Chloe: (nodding)* Yeah, I'm fine. Just... a rough start.

John:Don't let them get to you. If you need anything, just let me know.

(Later that day, Chloe sits alone in the cafeteria, nervously picking at her lunch. She tries to stay unnoticed, but Bea and her group approach her table again.)*

Bea: Well, if it isn't our favorite new student.

Jessa: Enjoying your lunch, Chloe?

(Chloe doesn't respond, trying to ignore them. Bea snatches Chloe's sandwich from her tray and takes a bite.)*

Bea: Hmm, not bad. Want a taste, Jessa?

(Jessa laughs and takes a bite as well. Chloe's face flushes with embarrassment and anger.)*

Chloe:Please, just leave me alone.

Matthew: Aw, did we hurt your feelings?

(Chloe stands up, trying to leave, but Axel blocks her path.)*

Axel: Where do you think you're going? We're just starting to have fun.

*(Just then, Red enters the cafeteria and sees the commotion. His usual grumpy expression turns to one of concern as he approaches the group.)*

Red: What's going on here?

**Bea:Oh, nothing, Red. Just welcoming the new girl.

Red: (angrily)* Doesn't look like it. Get lost.

*(Bea and her group reluctantly back off, muttering insults as they leave. Red turns to Chloe, his expression softening.)*

Red :You okay?

Chloe: (softly)* Thank you, Red. I don't know what I would've done without you and John today.

Red : Stick with us. Those jerks won't bother you if they know you've got friends.

-

*(Chloe walks out of the school building, her head lowered as she heads toward the bus stop. She feels a hand on her shoulder and turns to see Ethan, holding his sketchbook.)*

Ethan: Chloe, wait up.

Chloe:Ethan? What's up?

Ethan: I saw what happened at lunch. I'm sorry you have to go through that.

**Chloe:** It's okay. I'm used to it.

Ethan You shouldn't have to be. None of us should.

(Ethan hands her a small drawing he made of a beautiful, peaceful landscape.)*

Ethan: Here. I hope this cheers you up a bit.

Chloe:(smiling for the first time all day)* Thank you, Ethan. This means a lot.

(Ethan walks with Chloe to the bus stop, and they join Bianca, Ann, and Jane. The group welcomes her warmly, and for the first time, Chloe feels a glimmer of hope that she might find her place here.)*

Bianca: How was your day, Chloe?

Chloe: It was tough, but I have great friends like you guys to help me through it.

Ann: And we always will.

Jane: No matter what.

(They chat and laugh as they wait for the bus, and Chloe feels a sense of belonging she hadn't expected to find so soon.)