Throughout the entire day, a heavy silence enveloped Ellie as she moved through the school halls. Her classmates, who usually shared laughter and conversation with her, refrained from engaging, leaving her in a state of deep frustration and bewilderment. Confidently, she approached many of them, seeking answers about their sudden distance, yet her inquiries were met with a wall of silence. The school day finally drew to a close, and her driver meticulously navigated through the streets, bringing her back to the expansive, luxurious home where she often found solace.
That evening, she found herself seated alone at the grand dining table, which was beautifully adorned, offering a stark contrast to the loneliness she felt inside. When her father, Mr. Malcolm, eventually arrived home from work, Ellie’s heart swelled with hope. She entered the dining room with a polite demeanor, asking the maid to serve his meal. With genuine warmth, she greeted, “Good evening, Daddy,” her smile radiant against the backdrop of the elegant surroundings.
However, Mr. Malcolm's response was unexpected. He did not return her greeting, creating an awkward tension that filled the room. As the maids gracefully completed serving his dinner, an unsettling pause fell over the table. Then, with an abruptness that startled Ellie, he declared, “Do not refer to me as 'Dad' any longer; simply call me Mr. Malcolm.” Ellie’s eyes widened in disbelief at his words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she replied, “Okay, Mr. Malcolm.” The silence that followed was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and emotions, as they finished their meals in discomfort.
Once the dinner concluded, Ellie left the dining room and retreated to her room, her mind racing with unease about her father's words, compounded by the earlier turmoil at school. The next day brought new possibilities. Arriving at school, she felt a flicker of hope when she approached Jake. He met her gaze with a bright smile and exclaimed, “Good morning, Ellie. I'm kinda hungry; could you please buy something for me to eat?” Ellie felt a rush of relief washing over her; finally, her friend was engaging with her again, and she eagerly accepted his request, her spirits lifting a little in the process.
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The Accepted Outcast
Teen FictionEllie Malcolm was born with unusual features: she had no body hair, pale skin, and wide blue eyes, which made her seem unattractive to others. As a result, her classmates bullied her, and she felt unloved by her parents. However, everything changes...