Raining Tears

Chapter 5 - Madelyn

☆Madelyn☆

I was ready to punch Hannah, as was Mia, as anyone could tell by her clenching and unclenching her fists.

"Mrs. Hannah, I believe you since you are an exceptional student and have had no problems in the past, so I will let this slide. But, the reason I've all brought you here today was to make sure this doesn't happen again. Unless, these girls over here disagree that this has been going on for some time now."

I stare at him, shocked. He's gonna let this slide? That's not fair!

But, as usual, before me, Mia, or Jocelyn can say anything, Elle opens her d*** mouth.

"No, it hasn't been going on. It was just a joke." She says.

"Are you sure Ellie?"

"Yes."

"Alright. You are free to go. But please, please make sure this never happens again. In this school, we think that everyone should have a fair shot at being a successful human being. Now, you are dismissed."

I nod reluctantly, and we all get up to leave.

Once in the hallway, Hannah yanks Ellie around.

"B****. You need to be careful with those notes. If I get in trouble because of you, you won't like what happens." And with that, she walks away.

We all look at each other.

"Well, what should we do?" Asks Joce (Jocelyn's nickname) after a moment.

I check my phone. "It's only 11:22. We've got about 15 minutes left before lunch ends. I doubt any of us want to go back into the cafeteria. Do you wanna just hang out in the hallways?"

They all nod in agreement.

My phone dings. I check it again, and see that Andy's texted me.

Andy: hey, how's everything going? Elle alright?

Mads: yeah, every thing's fine, I think. We'll be by  Elle's locker, if u want to meet up w/ us.

Andy: sure, I'll see u there

I put my phone away.

"Andy's going to meet us at Elle's locker." I tell them.

"Alright."

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When we get to Ellie's locker, Andy is already there, leaning against it.

When he sees us, he swipes his strawberry blonde hair out of his face.

We all crowd around Elle's locker as she puts her lunch bag away and grabs her things for the next few periods.

"So, what happened with Hannah?" Andy asks.

"Mrs. George found the note from this morning, and did some researching. She brought the subject to the principal and he practically just told Hannah to never do that again. He let the whole thing slide." Jocelyn explains in annoyance.

"Oh." Andy turns to Elle. "You should seriously tell the principal that this has been going on since 8th grade. He could put a stop to this whole charade and you wouldn't have to worry about Hannah anymore."

Elle sighs, exasperated. "You guys don't understand. Hannah can turn the whole school against me, make my life miserable. She's just......ugh."

"Ellie," Joce starts. "Your life is already miserable. Hannah gets under your skin like that." Jocelyn snaps her fingers for emphasis.

Ellie shoots Jocelyn a glare, before returning back to her locker.

"You know we're right." I say. "You can't live the rest of highschool like this. You can see the difference when you're in school and when you're not. Honestly-"

"Madelyn, stop it." Ellie says, her voice icy. We all reel back, surprised by her. "You guys are just telling me things that I already know! I know this stuff already, but I choose not to do anything about it and you should respect that!"

None of us say anything for a bit, our heads lowered like we were all dogs caught guilty of chewing a shoe.

"Ellie," I speak up. "We're just doing this for your own good. We care about you and-"

"Madelyn, just shut up. You sometimes have too big of a mouth. It's one of the flaws I hate about you." Elle says in a low, frustrated voice. "I'll be at the library for the rest of lunch. Don't follow me." She shoots us all glares, and leaves with her stuff.

I feel the sudden urge to start crying.

What did I do wrong? I care about her and I just...

"Well, that was interesting." Jocelyn says, unshaken by the fact that my best friend says she hates my flaws.

Mia smacks her arm. "Jocelyn!" She hisses in a low voice.

Joce looks at her with a dumbfounded expression.

"Um, I think I have to pee. I'll, uh, be right back."

"Hey, there's no reason to be a wuss." Jocelyn states. Mia slaps her arm again, harder.

"Ow!" She complains. "What was that for?"

Mia rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "I'm done." She turns around and walks away, but she calls out, "Well be by my locker!" Jocelyn follows her, and they start up a hushed conversation.

Andy touches my arm lightly, then quickly pulls his arm back. "Um, I don't think you have a big mouth." He mutters.

I laugh without humor. "Thanks Andy. I'll see you in a few."

"Yeah." He puts his right hand in his pocket and walks in the direction Mia and Jocelyn left.

I fast walk to the nearest bathroom, set my lunch box on the small shelf used for agendas, and stare at myself in the mirror.

My breath escapes me in a short gasp, and I hold onto the sink for support.

Does Ellie really hate my flaws? Does she even like me anymore?

Confusion rattles my brain, my sight beginning to blur.

Am I not good enough to Elle?