Echo's Destiny (Edited/Rewritten Version)

Four - A New Friend

The sun had fully risen when Felicity woke up. She cursed at herself as she pulled her school shirt on. Normally she was an early riser which gave her plenty of time to get ready but this morning she was late. As she slid on her knee-high white socks she prayed that she had all her stuff already in her bag.

It took her fifteen minutes to get ready which didn't leave her with much time for breakfast. She made the snap decision to grab an apple to eat on the way to the bus station. Walking the block to the bus Felicity kept her head down refusing to look anyone in the eye.

The smell of bacon cooking was the only thing that made her look up. Her stomach growled as she passed a small cafe. "If only I woke up earlier, I would have been able to have a proper breakfast" she thought ruefully looking at her half eaten apple. Shaking the thought off she continued down the street. Staring into each shop as she passed she saw several things she wanted to buy on her way home. Treats from the sweet shop, a new sweater from one of the many clothes shops and a candle holder that would make a great birthday present for her mum in the window of a charity shop. Turning the corner she saw her destination. Surrounded by gossiping students Felicity din't want to near it. She knew she had no choice though.

The other children noticed her coming as she approached the bus stop. They started to whisper and point as she passed them. One group of boys crowded around her. "Freak!" Their leader said laughing in her face. His friends laughed with him.

Tears welled up in Felicity's eyes as the rest of the group joined in the chant. "Freak! Freak! Freak!"

"Stop it!" A girl scolded as she pushed her way through the group. She was shorter then most of the boys but her green eyes shone with anger. The wind ruffled her ginger hair making her look slightly like a lion. Felicity stared at her saviour.

"Why should we?" A voice from the crowd asked.

"Yeah, why are you protecting the freak?" Another yelled.

"Because" The girl said rounding on the group "It's not very nice. If it continues I will be forced to tell the Principle!"

"With what evidence?" The group leader asked with a smirk.

She matched his smirk with one of her own "I've recorded the whole thing on my phone." She waved the phone in front of his face.

"You wouldn't... Would you? Tell the principle, I mean." The leader gasped.

She shrugged "I will if your bullying continues."

He gulped "It won't, I promise."

She spun on her heels ignoring the boy. "Hey, I'm Echo, what's your name?"

"Felicity.. Um thank you, nobody has ever done that before."

"My mum says dark days are coming. Everyone needs a friend to help them get through them. You just looked like you needed a friend."

Felicity smiled at her new friend. "Thank you. Look the bus is here... Do you want to sit next to me?"

Echo nodded, watching the bus pull up.