ROTBFTD : Broken & Beautiful

5

 Elsa pov

The cardboard box felt heavy in my hands, not just from the weight of my belongings but from the weight of my heart. I'd packed everything I wanted, everything that mattered to me. Mom was still on her drugs, lost in a world I couldn't reach. Her coldness, a familiar sting, had finally pushed me to take this step.

Jack's house was miles away, a haven far from the whispered judgments and judging eyes of our tiny town. It was a chance for him, for both of us. But the thought of leaving everything I knew, even the familiar sting of my mom's neglect, made my stomach twist.

The door opened to a warm kitchen, filled with the scent of baking cookies. Jack's mother, a woman with kind eyes and a smile that reached her eyes, welcomed me with open arms. His sister, a freckled girl with bright laughter, followed close behind. They helped me carry the boxes inside, their warmth a stark contrast to the icy silence in my own home.

'Make yourself at home,' Jack said, his voice a little strained, his eyes searching mine. He handed me a key. 'There's a spare room opposite mine. Feel free to unpack and get settled.'

His words were simple, but they held a weight that resonated within me. We walked up the stairs, the floorboards creaking under our feet. He stopped at the door, his hand hovering over the knob. I took a deep breath, ready for the unknown.

I opened the door, and the room was everything I could have imagined— cozy, light-filled, a sanctuary. Soft blue curtains hung over the window, letting filtered sunlight stream through, and the walls were painted a delicate shade of white, dotted with snowflakes.

'I made it myself,' a voice said behind me. I turned to see Jack's sister, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. 'It's his favorite design. He loves the winter.'

Her words, simple and innocent, tugged at my heart. It was a small gesture, a personal touch, that spoke volumes of her brother's warmth and his love for his sister. I felt a flicker of hope ignite, a tiny flame whispering possibilities. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something new, something better. It was a chance to escape the winter of my past and find a new spring in Jack's warmth.

The next day arrived in a flurry of activity. I woke up, took a shower, and got dressed. As I was about to wake Anna, she was already dressed and waiting for me. We came downstairs to a breakfast spread I'd never seen before – a full English breakfast. Jack pulled over outside, impatient. 'Why is Lucy taking so long?' He grumbled, looking at his mom. 'I don't have all day!' His mother, in her calm and patient voice, called out to Lucy, 'Be quick, dear!' Lucy finally appeared, blushing. 'Sorry, brother,' she said, 'I forgot to pack my bag!' We all giggled at her usual endearing clumsiness.

Finally, we were all piled into the car and on our way to school. As we pulled up, my eyes were immediately drawn to the sea of posters plastered across the noticeboard. The words were too small to make out from this distance, but they hinted at something strange and unsettling.

I grabbed my books and headed towards my classroom. As I was about to take my seat, a hand clamped onto my arm. It was Melissa, her face twisted in a sneer, her two cronies flanking her. 'Hey, girl,' she hissed, her voice dripping with malice. 'Heard you're living with Jack to avoid all the questions about your sugar daddy.'

My heart pounded in my chest. How did she know? 'How did you...?' I stammered, fear rising in my throat.

'Oh, I can tell,' Melissa said, her eyes boring into mine. 'The way you look... the way you walk... The truth is written all over you. You're a whore, and I'm going to make sure everyone knows it!'

Tears welled in my eyes. I had no defense against her vicious words. I was trapped, cornered.

Melissa leaned in, her breath hot on my face. 'Okay, fine. If you don't want everyone to know, you'll vote for me. I'm sure you have a poster or two. Do it, or you know what I'll do.'

They turned and swaggered away, leaving me trembling in their wake. The posters, the rumors, the accusations – it all swirled around me, making me feel dizzy and trapped. Melissa's words echoed in my head: 'You're a whore,' she'd said. It was a lie, but the fear and shame it brought were real. I wasn't just afraid of being ostracized, I was afraid of being believed.

My world felt like it was collapsing in on itself. I didn't know what to do, who to turn to. All I knew was that I had to find a way to stop Melissa before her lies spread further. And I had to find a way to protect myself, and the truth, from her vicious attack.