The Mask We Wear [A 10 Chapter Story]

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Her Elementary Days

Stella fidgeted in her seat, her small legs barely touching the floor. Excitement bubbled inside her as she looked at the colors and faces in the classroom.

Elementary school felt like a big, open field after being stuck in her room for so long—a place full of voices and laughter.

Her classmates chatted, and the sounds mixed into a soft hum that made her feel light, as if she’d finally stepped outside the four walls of home.

“I think we’re going to like it here, don’t you?” she thought, smiling as she peeked into her mind.

“It’s nice…quiet. But I’m here if you need me,” Aria replied, her voice steady and warm, like a comforting whisper in Stella’s thoughts.

Stella felt safe with Aria there, like a strong hand guiding her through this bright new world.

They sat together in a way only they understood, sharing the same space but talking in a place where no one else could hear.

As the teacher talked on and on, Stella began to relax, her nervousness fading.

But then, a shadow appeared over her desk, blocking the light. She looked up to see a girl with dark, piercing eyes and a smirk that reminded Stella of the teasing she sometimes heard at home.

Her name was Delilah—a name that felt sharp like her gaze.

Delilah crossed her arms, leaning in too close, her voice low but mocking. “Hey, quiet girl. You don’t talk much, do you? What, cat got your tongue?”

Stella flinched, feeling her cheeks flush. She wanted to say something back, to tell Delilah to leave her alone, but her voice wouldn’t come.

She looked down, gripping the edge of her desk, feeling trapped under Delilah’s stare.

“Stella,” Aria’s calm voice broke through the fear in her chest. “Let me handle this.”

Stella took a deep breath, nodding slightly to herself. She relaxed her grip, feeling a quiet strength wash over her like a comforting blanket.

Aria’s gaze met Delilah’s, her expression firm, her eyes narrowing with confidence that Stella usually lacked.

She tilted her head, giving Delilah a slow, unimpressed look. “Do you always pick on people just to feel big?” she asked, her tone calm but sharp.

Delilah’s smirk faded, surprise flickering across her face. She opened her mouth to respond, but Aria was quicker, her voice steady.

“Or are you just that lonely?” Aria continued, lowering her voice. “It’s pretty sad, don’t you think?”

Delilah’s face turned red, her eyes widening in shock. She took a step back, mumbling something under her breath before turning and storming away, the sting of Aria’s words leaving her quiet for once.

Stella felt Aria’s strength return to her, like a gentle wave washing over her. She blinked, surprised by the lightness in her chest, the fear replaced with warmth.

“Thank you, Aria,” she whispered inside her mind, relief flooding over her.

“Anytime, Stella,” Aria replied softly. “Just remember, you’re never alone.”

As the classroom buzzed around her, Stella felt a quiet confidence grow inside. She might be young and new to this world, but with Aria by her side, she knew she could handle anything—even the Delilahs who lurked in the shadows.

The days in class flew by, each one bringing new lessons, new faces, and, of course, Delilah’s constant attempts to bother Stella.

For reasons even Stella didn’t understand, Delilah seemed determined to see her break, as if testing how far she could push before getting a reaction.