The Last Teardrop

I. The world is just too cruel

1. The World Is Just Cruel

Belle's POV

I never thought I would give up for something like this. I thought I was strong enough for everything. I was wrong.

Ever since I was a child, I am used to do things that might help my family. Even though my Mom used to shout at me and my Father hitting me, I stayed strong for my little sister, Jessie. I told her that even when the world treat us so badly, I will always love her and do anything for her. I will never ever leave her.
I grew up working hard on my own. Yes, I'm a working student. In the morning, I go to school, in the afternoon I work hard at various part time jobs and in the evening, I'm a loving sister. I never had time for myself- not even rest. I'm tired and worn out but when I look at my sister, smiling and surviving this cruel world, I'm at ease.
Me and my sister left our home and decided to live with our grandmother. At least here, I know while I'm away, she's safe. Now I can start my day peacefully.
I've slept only for an hour. That's enough for me. I woke up, made breakfast, took a bath, fixed myself and kissed my sister goodbye while she's sleeping. I went out of the door and inhaled the 3 am cold breeze. I headed straight to the market to work before school starts.

Belle: Aunt!

I shouted as I wave my hands with a smile.

Grace: Oh, it's you Belle. As usual, you're early. Did you get some sleep?
Belle: Of course! A looooooong sleep.

I know I lied. But if I tell her the truth, she will end up sending me home. I smiled at Aunt Grace while stretching my arms upward. She tapped my left shoulder with a worried face.

Grace: You always work hard. Try to make time for yourself or you'll get sick.
Belle: Aunt, I'm always well. Don't worry too much.
Grace: Hmp, as always.

She smirked and then turned. She looked relieved. I'm happy that there is someone who cares for me.
I'm helping Aunt Grace at the market. She's paying me enough money for food per day. That's why it's worth it. The rest of my job is for Jessie's allowance and school expenses. When I have some extra, I will lend it to my grandmother.
I washed my hands and changed my dirty and smelly clothes to my clean uniform. School is just a walking distance from the market. It's near that's why I'm walking.
Finally, I entered the school. I met Cecille and Neil there, my best friends. They waved at me while calling my name.

Cecille: Clarabelle! Over here!

She called me with my full name- again. What a pain.

Belle: I told you not to call me that. It's embarrassing.
Neil: Why? It's beautiful.

As always, Neil is being cheesy.

Cecille: Belle, can I copy your homework? I can't solve the problem. It's making me dizzy.
Belle: Again?
Cecille: I'm sorry. Pleaseeeeee.
Belle: Oh okay, okay. Here!

I lend her my notebook and immediately sat down to copy the answers.

Jane: As always, you really are something.

This is Jane. She's our 2nd from the honor roll in our school. I'm the 3rd. She's a nice girl but she's also making my life everyday even more miserable. Ever since we're in the middle school, even we're not classmates, she used to bully me in or out of school. Our current section is full of honor rolls. This is where we were gathered that's why I don't know some of them. If you're going to ask me who's the 1st one, then I can't answer.

Belle: Jane,
Jane: Now that we're on the same class, I'll keep my eye on you.

She's kind of scary.

Belle: I guess I have to watch my back.

I whispered and smiled.
As soon as the class has finished, the three of us went out of the school. They're on their way home and me on my work.

Belle: Hey, do you have any idea who was the first honor? I'm a bit curious myself about it.
Cecille: Yeah, me too. She's absent today though.
Neil: I haven't met her also. But I think Belle will surpass the first and that bitchy second.
Belle: No. I don't intend to. It will be just troublesome for me if I became higher than Jane.
Neil: Come to think of it, we don't have class representatives yet.
Cecille: Ah! Yeah, I noticed!
Jane: It's because the class adviser is waiting.

Jane interferes in our conversation. Yep, she really is keeping an eye on me.

Cecille: Pssh. Annoying.
Neil: Waiting you say?
Jane: Yup! She's waiting for the first.
Belle: Ah. Why?
Jane: You didn't know? Are you dumb? First honors should always be the leader and they'll choose their co-leader. Oh, first. I can't wait till you chose me to be your partner. Are you jealous now, Belle? Huh? They're gone.

We left before Jane even finishes her sentence.
Two representatives per class, huh. I guess it'll be better if the first chose Jane. If I'd be chosen, I can't work for extra.

Cecille: Belle. We'll be going now or our mom will definitely kill us both.
Belle: Okay! Keep safe on the way!

Cecille started to run while Neil is still standing in front of me.

Neil: Part time again?
Belle: I have to or my little sister will not be going to school tomorrow.
Neil: You really are a good person. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask me.
Belle: Thank you, Neil.
Cecille: NEIL!!! LET'S GO!!!

Cecille shouts to Neil.

Belle: Go now.
Neil: Take this.

He gave me a bag of chocolates.

Neil: It's your favorite, right? Eat it when you need strength.

I smiled and he smiled, waving his hands while running towards Cecille.
I immediately headed to my part time job. It's easy. I work on a fast food chain as a cleaning lady. After doing a lot of work, as a final step, I have to carry the garbage to the backyard. 9 in the evening and I'm finally done. The manager gave my salary and she even added a little bit of money for my hard work. I did it!
While walking home, it's dark on the way that's why I didn't notice that someone's been following me all the way.

Belle: Hey!

I don't mind being hit by him but he grabbed my bag and saw that's he's holding it. My things... my salary... NO!

Belle: Hey! Stop! Please!

I keep on chasing the robber. No one's on the road that's why I can't call for help, but I still tried.

Belle: Please! Take my bag and my things. Just not my wallet. It's for my sister! Please! Stop! Someone... HELP ME!!! AH!!!

First, robbery. Next, I got hit by a motorcycle. What's next? I can't help but to cry.

Guy: Hey, what are you doing?
Belle: Help me.
Guy: I can't understand you if you cry like that. Does it hurt?
Belle: Please help me.
Guy: Hey!
Belle: Someone, please.
Guy: How annoying. Let's go. I'll take you to the hospital.

The guy stood up and planning to go but I hold on his hands tightly.

Guy: Hey! What are you doing? Let go!
Belle: Please help me. I got robbed. He's running that way. Please get my bag.
Guy: What? You're still thinking about that when you're wounded and can't even walk?
Belle: My wallet... please. My salary is in there. It's for my sister. Please.
Guy: No. I'll take you to the hospital.
Belle: No... please... I have to...
Guy: Hey! Hey!

I don't know what happened but I feel weak. Help me, God.