The Accepted Outcast

Chapter 6: Isolation

Ellie stood in a state of shock after hearing a conversation that profoundly affected her. She felt as though her heart might give way under the weight of her emotions. Although she was acutely aware that her mother harbored resentment towards her, she had never experienced physical abuse; instead, her mother consistently provided material comforts while avoiding any personal interaction. This disconnect left Ellie feeling frustrated, as her day had already taken a downturn.

Seeking solitude, Ellie retreated to the bathroom, where she examined her reflection in the mirror, tears streaming down her face as she questioned her appearance. Ellie longed for acceptance from those around her. In a moment of despair, she found herself shouting, “Why?” in a trembling, sorrowful voice. She grappled with self-loathing, believing she was inadequate and unworthy of acceptance. Her parents remained emotionally distant, indifferent to her feelings of happiness or sadness, which led her to perceive herself as a source of revulsion. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, Ellie became physically distressed, clenching her hands in frustration, ultimately culminating in a moment where she contemplated self-harm.

Following this troubling episode, she retreated to her bed and drifted into a restless sleep. The subsequent morning, Ellie prepared for school with a sense of calm, aided by her maid. Upon arrival at school, she observed her classmates engaging enthusiastically with their lessons, while she remained isolated and silent. During breaks, she found herself eating alone, reinforcing her sense of alienation and sadness.

At the end of the school day, when she awaited her driver, a boy approached her and inquired, “Hey, Alien, what are you waiting for?” Timidly, Ellie responded, “I am not an alien.” The boy, intrigued, followed up with, “Then what is your name?” With a trembling voice, she introduced herself, “My name is Ellie Malcolm.” He continued, “And what are you waiting for?” This interaction brought a flicker of joy to Ellie, and she eagerly replied, “My driver; he is the one who takes me home every day.” The boy, surprised, asked, "Are your parents wealthy?".Excited, Ellie replied, “Yes, I suppose.”

When her driver arrived, Ellie felt a surge of happiness and bid farewell to the boy, envisioning the possibility of a friendship. Upon her return home, she reflected on the conversation and the positive emotions it elicited. The following day, as Ellie entered her classroom, she was met with enthusiastic greetings from her classmates, marking a hopeful shift in her social interactions.