Orphans of the night

Chapter 30

If it makes you happy. I'll suffer

I dumped my stuff on the desk and rested my head in my hands dreading another week of school. Like everyday.. I watched everyone walk into class and excitedly greet their friends while the seats next to me stayed empty.

I opened my workbook and started to read over my notes when someone placed their books down next to me "hey is this seat taken?" I looked up to see it was the girl that usually sat alone on the other side of the room, the one I defended in the cafeteria "oh hi yeah. I mean, uh. No it's not taken. You can sit there" I smiled awkwardly "thanks" she giggled. It was quiet for a minute as we both sat there awkwardly "thanks for defending me in the cafeteria last week.. that meant a lot to me" she smiled gratefully "oh. No problem. I can't stand those guys" I rolled my eyes "me neither.. they've been picking on me for years" she said sadly "oh... what about?" I asked "mainly my weight" she sighed. I had noticed that she was on the heavier side but who cares? "Thats stupid" I replied "I'm Jessica by the way.. but you can just call me Jessie if you want" "I'm Lizzy" I smiled as I introduced myself with my real name. It made me feel alive.

Jessie and I clicked right away, we mostly bonded over our hatred for Kelly and her group. I was so excited I'd finally made a friend and I could tell she was too. It made me sad to think she'd been bullied and alone for all these years. Unfortunately Jessie was only in my homeroom class which means I'd only see her in the morning and during break, which was good for her.. because Kelly and Eddie were in pretty much all my classes.

I met Jessie at the cafeteria for lunch where we happily sat down together, but it didn't take long for things to turn sour.

"Aww you guys finally found a friend. Look guys, the rejects finally united" Eddie laughed as he put his arms around me. I tensed up, feeling angry but trying to keep myself under control. I couldn't risk getting into another fight and Demi finding out. So I bite my tongue "that's so sweet, the fattie that doesn't stop eating with the homeless rat who doesn't get food" Kelly snickered. I felt the blood drain from my face as my past was so insensitively thrown out like that for everyone to know.

When they finally left us alone I wiped the angry tear off my cheek "are you okay?" Jessie asked placing a comforting hand on my shoulder "I'm fine.. are you?" I replied "I'm used to it.. but why didn't you say anything to them? What did they mean homeless? You don't look homeless.." Jessie asked. I sighed and rubbed my temples. I looked at Jessie. She was looking at me so kindly, I decided I could trust her.

I confided in her about my past. I told her about how I was homeless, about my two run ins with Eddie before I even came to the school and how I didn't want Demi to be disappointed in me or give me back. She listened patiently "so.. that's why I didn't say anything this time" I finished "wow... I'm so sorry you went through that.. your so strong. I can't believe Eddie could be that low. Thank you for sharing that with me" Kelly smiled at me. I gave her a smile back feeling really good.

***

The bell rang for the end of the school day and I headed to my locker to grab my bag so I could head home. I flung my bag over my shoulder and headed to the pick up zone feeling really excited about my new friend when someone grabbed me and threw me into the lockers. I grunted in pain and opened my eyes to see Kelly staring back at me "what the hell!" I shouted pushing her off me "hey Kelly. Just leave her alone" I was surprised to hear Eddie say from behind her "no she needs to know what a waste of space she is!" Kelly glared at me "I've been taking it easy on you because I actually kind of felt bad for you, but now you've gone and made friends with that pig" Kelly taunted "Kelly. Let's just go" Eddie raised his voice putting his hand on her shoulder. I watched in fear as Kelly gave me one last deadly look before stomping off. I looked at Eddie who was looking at me.. almost sympathetically before he followed behind her.

I shook my head confused and ran to the car. I threw my bag in the boot and jumped in. I felt petrified. I was scared of Kelly and what she was planning to do. I decided it was time to tell Demi what had been going on.

When we got home I hung my bag up on the hook "Demi, I have to t- oh what's that?" I paused as I noticed a pink box on the table "open it" Demi smiled. I curiously opened the box to reveal the full Harry Potter book set. I gasped "Demi- I" I was speechless. I'd always wanted to read these books. I was so excited I could cry "Demi.. what for?" I smiled in awe "because I'm so proud of you. You've been going to school everyday, making friends and staying out of trouble. I'm just so so happy about how well everything is going" Demi said excitedly. My smile faded and I looked down at the books feeling guilty and heartbroken "thank you so much Demi" I smiled sadly "that's okay hunny. I know it's something you've been wanting.. now what were you going to say?" Demi smiled. I looked down at the book set then back up at Demi. If her thinking everything was going good at school made her this happy, then that's how it was gonna stay "I was just going to say thanks" I smiled