The Girl Who Walked Away

"Hey, Ruby? Can you promise me one thing?" Scarlet asked.
"Uhm... Sure, I guess..."
"Can you promise me, that whatever happens, however bad life gets, and whatever horrible things come your way, that you will smile? I mean, it might seem stupid, but it really helps. Trust me, I do it all the time..."

Ruby looked into the eyes of Scarlet. She silently nodded her head, and smiled.

"Woah, I think that's the first time I've ever seen you smile!" Scarlet exclaimed excitedly. Ruby laughed, "Well, that's a good thing, right?"
"Of course!"

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"Freak!"
"Idiot!"
"So ugly!"
"Ew, get away from me you weirdo!"
"I... I'm sorry..."

It was happening again. It always happened. For some reason or another, everyone hated her. She didn't know why, but for as long as she could remember, people had hated her.

And she always replied in the same way. Apologized, then slowly walked away, if she didn't end up getting beaten up beforehand.

Yes, it was sad. And yes, it was painful. But, what else was she supposed to do? Nothing, because there was nothing she could do.

Scarlet's words sneaked into her mind. "Can you promise me, that whatever happens, however bad life gets, and whatever horrible things come your way, that you will smile? I mean, it might seem stupid, but it really helps. Trust me, I do it all the time..."

Those words rang out in Ruby's ears, making her unable to hear anything else.

After all, she had had enough of this. Enough of being hated. She would do what Scarlet told her to do. She would do it for Scarlet, to make her proud.

She would do it all for Scarlet.

She took a step back, then another, and another...

She smiled.

"See you guys at school. Oh, and thanks. If not for you, I wouldn't be the person I am today."

And she walked away.