Bullied: Isabella's Story

Chapter Two: Persuasion

Jaded from the horrid day of school, I ambled inside my house, threw my shoes off and headed for upstairs.

"Sweetie?" dad called as I was half-way to my destination, "could you come down here for a moment? I have something to show you."

I groaned.

"Dad! For the last time, I don't want to move into that dirty, old trash can of a house that you've shoved in my face for the past three weeks!"

"No! This ones different, trust me!"

Reluctantly, my legs dared to drag me downstairs and sluggishly into the kitchen, where dad was waiting, arms folded over his chest.

"And?" I glared, annoyed, at his gleeful face.

"Look," he started, trying to read my complexion, as if the sarcasm in my voice beforehand wasn't enough, "I want you to keep an open mind about this place; give it a chance before you push it away. I know you're upset about having to leave your friends behind, but this is a great opportunity for us all."

I twitched, repelled, at the word 'friends'. Friends? I had none. I opened my mouth, tempted to correct his mistake, yet only a single whisper, a single syllable, managed to escape my lips. I decided against the idea of attempting that stunt once more.

"So - without further ado - take a look, sweetheart," he half-smiled, dimple showing on his right cheek.

Grabbing the laptop he was gesturing towards with his hand, I was sure that the house was going to be boring. Ordinary.

Oh boy, was I mistaken.
More than mistaken - out of commission.

It was an amazing sight to see; each room was unique - beautiful - the kind that you only expect to get a glimpse at from afar in Hollywood movies.
The floor was marble, every inch covered in an intricate pattern, the stairs winding, styled with florescent, Ocean blue glass. The bathroom was ten times the size of my almost Lilliputian, box 'sleeping quarters', each bedroom even larger.

My eyes widened in surprise - they'd actually picked a house worthwhile. I turned to face my dad, beaming.

"You like it?" he questioned, hopeful.

"Like it? I love it!"

"Good, because we're moving next month."

"Next month?!?" I repeated, focussing on pronouncing each word with precision.

"Yes."

"So you were gonna move anyway? Even without my consent?"

He nodded, so as not to replay himself, like he were a broken record.

My eyes widened further, although I didn't believe that was possible. This mix match of emotions was all new to me.

"The school's really nice there - I guarantee you'll be better off."

I inhaled and exhaled, slowly.

"I guess that's okay."

"Well... Are you excited?"

"Yeah. I suppose I am."

This was going to be great - a new 'celebrity' lifestyle, a new opportunity, a clean slate. Perhaps I'd even make friends. Everything was unclear, but that's what made things fun, was it not? I hoped so...