Disguised Destruction

Hello, this is a collab by Jade and Hope! Hope you enjoy Disguised Destruction! 

Prologue- Grace (Hope)

The distant calls rattled my memory.

Dreaming of a faraway land.

My eyes open but everything seems so distant.

So far away.

I grab my glasses and everything seems clear again.

Darkness is still in my right eye.

It isn't fair.

I was born this way.

I grab my book on my bedside table and turn on my lamp.

My favourite book, Disguised Destruction.

I open the book and the smell of the pages floods my nose. I look at my watch. It is one o'clock in the morning but I don't care.

I squint because of how tiny the font is. I seem to be teleported to the place of stars. The setting of Disguised Destruction is set in a distant universe. Sometimes, I wish I could be there. 

Away from the bullying.

Away from the scars.

I turn the page.

Page 230 and only a few more to go.

School.

Bullies.

At least my friends stand beside me. They help me through everything.

They always have

I turn my attention back to my book. 

Fatigue seems to also appear in my thoughts.

I close my eyes and darkness washes over me and not long after that, sleep is sent in a second wave.

Chapter One- Scarlett (Jade)

I walk through the halls, looking down at the floor. The last thing I want is people noticing me.  I hear people talk and laugh to their friends. I don't need them, I don't need friends. I'm perfectly fine on my own. But as I listen, I can't help but wonder, What if I do? I finally get to class, erasing all thoughts of friends from my mind. I take my usual back row seat. People watch me enter as they always do. They probably think I'm crazy. 

Don't look up, don't yell at them to stop staring, dont. Dont . DON'T.

I take my seat calmly as I can. Show no weakness. ​​​​​​ The bell rings and I look up at the teacher, almost in unison with everyone else. Class begins, the teacher drones in about the make up of cells, and I open my notebook. I start to draw.

It's like a paradise. Getting lost In the drawing. Watching the pencil twist and turn and curve. But the best part is the final result. Seeing your masterpiece. Seeing something you put so much effort into, right in front of you. 

I can barely hear the teacher now. I'm too focused on my art, making sure I shade in every corner and line just right. Then I look up. People are staring at me, as if waiting for something. Then I notice the teacher staring straight at me.

Stay calm, be emotionless.  "W-what's the question?" I silently scolded myself for stuttering.

"The question, Scarlett, is what is the main purpose for cytoplasm in a cell?" The teacher stared at me, clearly annoyed.

"I don't know" I stare right back. The entire class snickers.

"Well then, can anyone help Scarlett answer this question?" Tons of hands shoot up, but I don't listen. I go back to my drawing.  ​​​​​

Stupid teens, their opinion doesn't matter.

The bell rang again, signaling class was over. Students flood out the doors and into the hallways. I navigate my way through the crowd, trying to avoid as many people as possible. 

"Hey, Scarlett, did you have a good time in class today?" A voice asks behind me. I roll my eyes. Briana. 

I don't pay attention and keep walking. I hear fast footsteps behind me, and someone grabs my arm. "I just want to talk, Scar!ett." Briana laughs. She is closely followed by a group of her so called friends.  "Always drawing in that notebook. Why don't you get a life and stop being a lonely freak." Her words cut through me like a knife. I keep my head high and look her in the eye.

"Leave me alone." I say and get free from her grip.

"Ok, freak. Have fun alone. Also, get clothes that fit you next time. Bye, me and my friends have to go." She shoved me into a locker as she walked away. I think about her words. I don't care about the clothes insult, I've been wearing baggy clothes for a as long as I can remember.  

What really hurt me was the way she said friends. Like I don't know what they are.

Like I don't have any. 

Like I don't deserve any.  

I shake my head and hold back tears, walking to my next class. 

I'm better than them. They are nothing, I am better than them.

Chapter Two- Grace (Hope)

Addison grins at me. I smile back. We both had English.

I thrive in English. A's is all I get. Really, I don't want good grades it is just that I have fun. Reading books is my passion and one of my only ways to escape the world around me.

"Bye, Grace. I have to go to math. I am not looking forward to it!" laughs Addison.

I laugh and then keep walking. I adjust my glasses so my left eye can focus.

It is hard being blind in one eye. You count on your left eye to not give up on you.

I walk slowly to my art class. I hear everyone laughing with their friends about the big party that everyone was invited to.

Except me of course.

When you are different people treat you differently. Teachers treat you with respect but students don't.

Students push you down and call you weak. They don't understand what it is like. Really, no one does.

I always try to look my best. So people can't bully me for that.

Without Addison, I am their target.

Their victim.

I look down at my feet, trying to hold back tears.

The only parties I have ever been to were Addison's.

Addison's only.

I walk through the door and Miss Williams is smiling at me.

"How are you Grace?" she asks.

"Good. How are you?" I smile.

Miss Williams is one of the best teachers. She is kind and generous and tells people that it is okay to be different.

She says you are unique.

I know it is directed at me.

Chapter Three- Scarlett (Jade)

I examine the cafeteria, looking for an empty table. I find in the back of the room. I make my way over, walking quickly to avoid all too familiar stares.

I sit down, putting my lunch tray down in front of me. I begin to eat and listen to the crowds of students around me. They are talking about the so called "biggest party of the year". I obviously wasn't invited.

They laugh and talk, they are serious and silly. I don't care though, I don't think I'm missing out on anything. At least that's what I tell myself. 

What I tell myself so I dont feel bad for myself, to convince myself I'm fine on my own. But sometimes I can't help but feel lonely, like I have no one. I sigh and continue to eat my food.

Moments later, the bell rings. I stuff my mouth with food, chewing quickly. I pick up my tray and throw it away. People are still talking about the party I wasn't invited to. I ignore them and walk to my new class, art. I just got it this semester.

Finally, a class I'll like. 

I shove my way past people in the hallway. I want to get class early so I can show the teacher how much I love art, how excited I am. 

I get to the classroom and open the door, taking a deep breath in. I walk inside and see the teacher smoking warmly at me, with another blonde haired student next to her.

Chapter Four- Grace (Hope)

I smile at the student who just walked in.

I haven't seen her around. She looks nice. Hopefully, she won't be a bully to.

Taking a deep breath a place my hand out for her to shake.

"What is your name?" I ask.

She seems to look confused by my gesture.

"Scarlett!" she introduces herself.

She then shakes my hand.

Did I just make a friend?

Hopefully!

"What is yours," Scarlett says with a smile.

"Grace," I say more confidently.

I hope she won't bully me like the others.

I used to have a bigger friend group. I hid my blindness from them so they wouldn't think I am different. Addison was in this friend group as well. My two other friends Paula and Myra. I remember in Year 7 we were best friends. We laughed, we cried and we stuck by each other. Until they found out my differences.

The twenty-first of August. Year eight. A boy threw a basketball at the right side of my face. My friends were surprised that I didn't even see it coming. I remember Paula's voice laughing, Are you blind or something. It was a joke. I knew that.

I didn't reply. I felt like crying. I remember her asking it again. A little more seriously this time. Myra as well. I burst into tears.

How could you lie to us?

Those words caused my pain. I lied to them so they didn't treat me like I was different.

They both stormed off. Addison was the one who stood by me.

The one who actually cared.

Myra and Paula told everyone they knew and soon enough it was the only thing everyone talked about.

Those two made my life a wreck.

They made me a victim of bullying.

Chapter Five- Scarlett (Jade)

I smile at the girl, Grace. She seems nice, much nicer than any other students. 

I take a seat at a different table, though. I'm still not sure I can trust her, from my experiences with past classmates.

About five minutes pass and the room is filled with students. No one sits at my table though. I look over and see no one sitting at Grace's table either. Why don't people like her?

After a moment of hesitation, I gather my things and go over to Grace's table. She notices me get up and smiles. I make by best attempt at a friendly smile and gesture at the seat across from her. "Can I sit here?"

"Of course!" She is still smiling as I sit down. "Scarlett, right?"

"Yes, that's me. And you're Grace." I pull out the chair and put my stuff on the table. I see Grace nod out of the corner of my eye, confirming her name.

Ms. Williams gets the class' attention and goes to her desk. She gets a piece of paper with something on it. "Hello, class! Today we are learning about surrealism. It is when an artist paints or draws something that isn't real, or possible," She holds up the paper, " Here is an example. It shows a giant turtle with a saddle on its back, people in it. This, of course, has most likely never happened. Today, class, you will be drawing an example of surrealism, or just planning it out. The actual drawing will come at a later time. Just remember, be yourself, be unique! " She smiles at Grace.

Yes, this is gonna be so fun!

I open my notebook, and grab a pencil. I write down a few ideas,  but none seem good enough. I think for a little, then come up with an idea. An idea I love.

I go to a new page. I do a rough sketch of my idea quickly, then erase some trouble spots and try again. It only takes about five more minutes and I'm done drawing it. I look at it. It's a bird, flying, but in the ocean. Coral acting as grass or rocks, jellyfish coming together to form cloud like shapes, and more underwater creatures used. I study it, looking for anything I could fix, but find nothing. 

I start to get colored pencils, but someone picks up my notebook. No, no. Not one of the bullies, please. But I look back and see Ms. Williams looking, studying my art. I watch her, heart beating fast. She then looks at me. "Brilliant job, student. What's your name?"

"Scarlett." I can't help but smile. She thinks it's good!

"Well, Scarlett, you seem to be one of the finest young artists I've seen." Ms. Williams smiled at me. Grace looks over at my art. "Wow, that's great."

"Thank you, both of you!" I smile at Grace and she smiles back. 

Maybe I have found a friend after all.

Chapter Six- Grace (Hope)

I can't believe her artistic ability. How in the world does anyone draw that well?

I grin at Scarlett my eyes sparkling.

Have I found a new friend? I should probably tell her my flaw.

"Scarlett," I say.

Scarlett turns and smiles.

"Well, you may wonder why I was sitting by myself. It is because I am different." I whisper to her.

Her grin seems to fade.

"I am blind in one eye." I finish my sentence.

I regret those words. She will never want to be friends with a freak like me.

She brushes her short, black hair out of her face.

"Oh, I am so sorry. Why didn't you tell me sooner? Also, sorry to ask but how did you become blind?" she mumbles.

She doesn't hate me... yet.

"Well, I had two past friends that I didn't tell and then they found out and now, they hate me. I was born with it. I wish I wasn't though." I mumble.

Scarlett seems to hesitate.

"That is terrible. They obviously weren't very good friends!" announces Scarlett.

I grin letting my worries slip away.

"Do you want to come over to my house today?" I ask, hoping that this wasn't too soon.

She seems to tilt her head.

What will she say?

Will she say yes?

Chapter Seven- Scarlett (Jade)

I look at Grace. I don't know what to say. She really does want to be my friend! "Yes! I would love to, I probably have to ask my parents though."

She smiles at me. "Okay, sounds good! Do you have a phone so we can text each other?"

"Yeah, I have a phone, here's my phone number." I tear out a corner of a notebook page, write on it , and slide it over to her.

"Thank you! I'll text you and ask if your parents said yes." Grace is almost interrupted by the bell. "Want to sit with me at lunch tomorrow?"

I'm so excited I barely hear her. A friend, a real friend! One who won't make fun of me or spread rumors and lies. "Sure! Also, sorry about your eye again."

Her smile fades a bit, but returns in seconds. She waves bye and I wave back, walking out of the room.

As I'm walking, a million thoughts running through my head.  

Does she really want to be friends with me?

Will she hurt me like everyone else?

Should I even trust her? 

​​​​​​I push all these thoughts back. She is an outcast, just like me. Some might say weird. But she can't help it, and neither can I. I look back for a second and see Grace, heading in the opposite direction. I wave, even though she couldn't see, but I don't care.

I smile all the way to my next class.

Chapter Eight- Grace (Hope)

A friend!

A new friend!

One who knows what it is like to be different.

I smile all the way to my next class.

Math.

I groan when I think of the name.

We are doing algebra and I am horrible at it.

I walk down the hall as people stare at me.

Just keep walking.

I try not to show my fear.

My sadness and my differences.

I turn a corner and keep going. I hear some snickers and laughs as I walk down the hallway.

"Well , if it isn't Miss Liar. The one who has a disability." laughs a voice.

Oh no, I know that voice anywhere.

Paula!

I turn slowly to see her sly smile. Beside her is Myra.

"What do you want?" I ask, annoyed and terrified.

Myra and Paula are the popular girls. The ones who get their own way.

The ones who everyone wants to be friends with.

Well, not me.

Not anymore.

Myra brushes her light brown hair out of her face and says, "We want you to come to the big party."

My mouth drops and I stare.

"Why?" I question.

When did they ever want me at their party?

Chapter Nine- Scarlett (Jade)

​​​​​​I sit in English class, trying to focus. It's the final class of the day, thank goodness. I have my book open, scanning the pages. The teacher goes on and on about figurative language in books, and I can tell no one's paying attention. There are students giggling and trying to whisper. It's pointless, really. The teacher never heard or seems to care.

I am looking for figurative language on a page when I feel something tap my shoulder.

I look back. A piece of crumpled paper is on the floor by my chair. I also see people laughing, clearly directed at me. 

Ignore them.

Don't let them get to you.

With a sigh, I return to the book, barely paying attention now. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone pick up the paper and throw it at me again.

I pick it up and see there's ink on it. Slowly, I straighten it and examine the paper. In big, sloppy letter it says: YOU'RE INVITED- PAULA'S HOUSE, FRIDAY, NINE PM. 

What...?

No, this has to be a trap.

A trap to make a fool of me.

I crumble up the paper, stuffing it in my bag. I try to focus on the assignment, but one question keeps popping up in my head...

Why?

Chapter Ten- Grace (Hope)

I walk out of math confused.

Why would Paula and Myra invite me to a party?

This must be a trap!

I walk out of school with my bag on my back. It is heavy from all my math homework. Mr Anderson is a nice person but overloads everyone with homework.

I see Addison and run up to her.

"Addison!" I call.

Addison turns around, "Hey Grace. How are you?"

"Yeah, I am good. Something strange happened though," I murmur.

"What is it?" she asks.

I can see the worry in her eyes.

Addison has always stuck by me.

She always cared.

"I was invited to Paula and Myra's party," I say.

Her mouth drops.

"No way! Me too!" exclaims Addison.

Why did they invite me?

I understand that Addison but me?

We stand in silence for a moment. I tie my long, blonde hair back in a loose bun. Some hair strays but I don't really care.

"So, are you going?" I question.

"I don't know," answers Addison.

Her green eyes seem to sparkle with shame.

I say with a smile, "If you want to go that I fine!"

Chapter Eleven- Scarlett (Jade)

I walked home, lost in thought. 

Why would the most popular girls invite me to the biggest party of the year?

It can't be real, it has to be a trick, a joke, a way to make a fool of myself.

I wonder if Grace got invited too.

I get to my house. I don't bother to see if anyone's home, I don't feel like talking to my family right now.

I go to my room, and finish my homework in a couple hours. While doing it, I remember today. Grace! 

"Mom! Can I go to a friend's house now?" I yell across the house.

" Fine, but be back by 10! " My mother tells back.

"Ok!" I put my homework away and look at the clock. 7:45. 

I grab my phone and see an unread text from an unknown number. A smile grows on my face. It's Grace.

Hey, it's Grace! Is this Scarlett?

I text back. Yeah it's me! I'm coming over right now! What's your address?

She texts me her address and I walk over. It's not very far. 

About ten minutes later, I'm at Grace's house. I go up to the door and knock. Grace answers. "Hi Scarlett!"

I smile. "Hi!" 

"Come in!" Grace ushers me in. I follow her to her room.

She sits on her bed and pats the space next to her, so I sit down. She smiles at me and I smile back.

I can tell this'll be a good night.

Chapter Twelve- Grace (Hope) 

I am so excited to have a friend over.

I haven't in ages.

"Do you want to go watch a movie or something?" I ask Scarlett.

She nods her head and I show her to the lounge room. We walk through the large doors and into the lounge room. This is one of my places to read and be alone in my own thoughts. My parents don't use it often so it is kind of like my second room.

I clean up the two chairs and move my books so Scarlett can sit down.

I point to the movie chest. That is where we keep all of our movies.

"You can choose anything from there," I tell her before I rush to the kitchen.

A movie isn't a movie without some snacks. I look through the cupboards, trying to find something worthy of a movie snack. I find a bag of popcorn kernels and some chocolate. I quickly get out the popcorn maker and pour most of the kernels. When the popcorn starts to pop I grab a big bowl and pour the popcorn into the bowl.

I rush back to Scarlett and place the popcorn on the table. I put the milk chocolate next to it.

"Help yourself!" I announce.

"Thanks!" says Scarlett with a grin.

She passes me a case. I pull out the disc and place it in the disc slot.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

"I haven't watched this in ages!" I exclaim.

I lay back in my seat with the remote in my hand.

This is going to be one of the best nights ever!

Chapter Thirteen- Scarlett (Jade)

I take a handful of popcorn and pop it into my mouth. I love this movie!

I grab more popcorn and go back to the movie.

                            --

An hour or so later, the movie is over. It was as good as I remembered. 

Grace gets up and takes the disc out, placing it in the case and into the movie box. 

"What do you want to do now?" She asks, sitting back down.

"I don't know, maybe just talk?" I answer her.

"Sure, why not! So, how was your day?" Grace smiles at me.

"Okay. Pretty normal for a school day. How about you?" I move in the chair a little. 

"Same as yours, honestly. Except for the end of the day. Paula and Myra invited me to their party." 

"Really? They invited me too..."

"I wonder why. Grace looks at me.

There has to be a reason. They wouldn't invite us just cause they can.

What was their plan?

Chapter Fourteen- Grace (Hope)

I try to think.

This was out of the ordinary,

I turn my head and look out the window.

"If we go, we can find out why," I explain.

"Yes, but we have to be careful." points out Scarlett.

Before I can reply, I hear a bell.

"Socks!" I call.

My fluffy grey cat comes rushing around the corner.

"Scarlett, this is Socks," I say as Socks jumps onto my lap.

I stroke his head and he purrs like a tractor.

Scarlett grins and strokes Socks. This makes him purr even louder.

"Are you hungry Socks?" I ask Socks.

He jumps off my lap and runs out of the room. I hear him slide across the cold tiles.

"I will be right back!" I say as I walk out of the lounge. I hear Socks meow.

"Socks, be patient." I laugh.

Once I get to Sock, I grab the box of dry food from the cupboard under the kitchen sink. I grab a scoopful and place it in his food bowl. He tucks into his food straight away and I walk back to the lounge.

I sit back down on my seat and say, "Sorry about that."

"No problem!" answers Scarlett with a grin.

"So, the party?" I ask.

Chapter Fifteen- Scarlett (Jade)

The party.

Do we go or not?

Grace has a good point. We could find out why they invited us. 

But we'd have to be careful.

"Ok, fine. Let's see what they want." I tell Grace.

"Ok, see you there!" Grace says to me. She looks almost nervous.

Or that's just me. 

I look at my watch. 9:30. 

"I should get going. I told mmh mom I'd be home by ten. See you tomorrow." I wave goodbye, walking towards the door.

Grace follows me. "Ok, bye!" She waves back.

I smile and walk out. The whole way home I try to figure out why we where invited to the party. But I have no idea.

We're gonna have to wait.

Chapter Sixteen- Grace (Hope)

I run to my room excitedly.

I am going to a party!

I must find the perfect outfit.

I open my closet and look through it. I have a velvet pink dress with frills but that seems too formal for a school party. Something a little more casual.

I look through and find a nice denim dress.

This is perfect!

I then grab out a pair of my black pumps and slip them onto my feet. I hold up the dress to my body to see how it looks.

Amazing!

I take the shoes off and hang the dress back up. I then fell onto her bed.

This was my dream.

To finally be invited to a party.

I didn't really care if we were only going to find out why I was invited.

I was still going to a party.

I grab my book from my bedside table and open it to my page. I then hear my phone ring.

I grab it and saw I had one new message. It was from Addison.

"Hey, you going to the party?" I read aloud.

I type back my response.

Yes.

It only took a few seconds before Addison replied.

Me too!

I smile. Then Sock's jumps on my bed. He meows needily for a stroke. I scratch his cheek.

"Socks," I whisper to him, "I am going to a party!"

Chapter Seventeen- Scarlett (Jade)

I lay in bed, excited and scared. I was going to a party, but anything could happen.

My phone buzzes. I look, it's a text from Grace. Ready for the party?

Yes! I text back.

But I'm not sure I am. I don't really know what to feel about it. I could be happy since I was finally invited to a party, or I could be nervous because I'm only going to see why I was invited.

I toss and turn, until I finally drift to sleep.

I wake up to my alarm. I get out of bed, still tired.

I eat breakfast and get ready for school. My mind is still full of thoughts about the party.

Why was I invited?

What will happen?

What are they planning?

I sigh, trying to erase thoughts as I walk to school.

But they just keep coming. 

Why?

Chapter Eighteen - Grace (Hope)

I brush my long blonde hair back into a loose ponytail. I place my cat earrings in and rush out of my room.

"I have packed your lunch because you got up late." my mother tells me.

"Thanks mother!" I thank her while I stuffed my lunch in my bag.

"Have a good day!" she says to me as I ran out the door.

"You too!" I answer.

Hopefully, I will make it to school on time.

I get out my pen and flick through my notebook. Our task is to write a short novel and hand it in to Mrs Perez in two weeks.

Yes!

It can be any genre so I decided to do a mystery.

"You may start planning now!" announces Mrs Perez.

I start by drawing a plan of the main characters and plotline. I am thinking about the party tonight so I decide to write about two girls, both innocent, trying to figure out why they were invited. Someone was killed at this party and it is their job to discover who is the killer.

I start making a list of the characters but my mind is distracted.

Why would my ex-friends invite me to the biggest party of the year?

This question rings in my mind and I can't concentrate.

What have they planned for me?

Will they say sorry for their reaction in Year 8 or will it be revenge?

Chapter Nineteen- Scarlett (Jade)

I'm trying to pay attention, but people keep talking around me.

The only thing they can talk about is the party.

I sigh and return to my math worksheet. But all I can think about is the party.

I push all those thoughts away and work on the assignment. It's pretty easy since it's review for a small test coming up. My pencil goes all across the paper, filling it with numbers.

I think I hear someone whisper my name, but I keep working on the math. Then I hear it again, louder this time. "Scarlett!"

I look back and see Briana looking at me. "I heard you're invited to the party tonight. Are you going?" 

"Yes, but I didn't realize it mattered to you." I snap at her.

"Okay then. I see why you have no friends." She laughs and other students join in.

"Why not, then. Why don't I have any friends? Tell me." I look her right in the eyes.

"Surprised you don't know by now. I mean, you've never had a friend your whole life, have you?" They laugh again.

"Tell. Me. Now." I'm still staring at her.

"Oh, now you're talking back. Well, for starters, you're not very nice. And you never talk to anyone." She's staring right back at me.

"You're not exactly the nicest person either." I say to her. "You bully me practically every day!" 

"And yet you've never stood up for yourself. Not my fault you're too scared." She smiles at me.

"Well, maybe you and all you're friends can learn how to be kind! I may not talk to anyone, but I'm not a bully either!" 

"Look who finally learned some bravery. We're gonna have some fun tonight. " She laughs again and turns to her work. I try to get back to mine, but I can't focus.

She said they're going to have fun. That can mean one thing.

They're planning something.

Chapter Twenty- Grace (Hope)

I walk out of English carrying my notebook in my hand. The halls are now flooded with students going to their next class.

"Hey Grace!" calls a familiar voice.

Paula!

"What do you want?" I ask and glare at her.

"You coming tonight?" she asks me, returning the glare.

I nod.

"Well, that is good." she smiles.

They are definitely up to something!

I turn my back on her and make my way to science. Science is fun right now because we are learning Biology which I am best at. Chemistry isn't my forte!

I walk past the empty classrooms with students waiting outside. I smile when I see Addison because she waves at me. Then she runs up to me.

"We have science together!" grins Addison.

"I know!" I say back.

We walk to science together, telling each other about our days so far.

"So, what are you wearing to the party?" asks Addison.

"A denim dress with black pumps," I answer, "What about you?"

"I am wearing a black and white dress with heals." smiles Addison.

We walk into our science class and sit down near the back.

My mind fills with thoughts about the party.

Something is up!

Chapter Twentyone- Scarlett (Jade)

I walk down the hallway to English class, trying not to run into anyone. I can hardly pay attention. 

I'm second guessing it i should go to the party at all. They're clearly planning something, and it could be anything. Something bad could happen...

I push those thoughts away. I'm going. To see what they want and maybe end this once and for all. I'm tired of being too scared to stand up for myself. It's not like anyone else will.

My mind drifts to Grace. Does she think they're planning something? Is she still going?

I sigh and walk into English, sitting in the back like I usually do. I force myself to pay attention. We are supposed to be writing a story for the next two weeks. And, next to drawing, writing is my favorite thing to do.

I stop thinking about the party and get lost in writing. I come up with all the characters, but have some trouble on the plot. I write something about a party, but erase it. I need to stop thinking about that.

I look up for a second and see Briana and all her friends looking at me, trying to hold back laughter. I try to ignore it, and go back to my story. What should the plot be?

But I can still hear their laughter. And I just wish they would leave me alone.

Chapter Twentytwo- Grace (Hope)

I pick up my notes and place them in my workbook. We took a lot of notes this session about habitats of animals.

I push in my chair and walk out of the classroom with Addison by my side. We smile at each other as I fiddle with my earrings. They are starting to get uncomfortable so I decide to take them out.

The fresh air hits me and I feel a sense of relief. Sometimes, I need a breeze blowing in my face to help me relax.

"What do you have?" I ask Addison.

"We have silly!" she laughs.

I grin and walk with her to the cafeteria. The science block isn't far away from the cafeteria.

Once we get there, I look around to try and see Scarlett. Crowds of people start flooding in and I am nearly trampled by other students. I try to find Scarlett but I don't think she is here yet.

I find a table near the back where it is less crowded and I can see. Addison sits down on the other side of the table and then smiles, "I am going to get something to eat."

She walks off and I am left by myself.

People snicker and laugh as they go past. I look down at the table and try to hold back tears.

Then, it hits me.

My anger.

My pain.

I have had enough of this.

I stand up on my chair and announce, "Everyone!"

People turn their heads and look at me.

"You may know me. The girl with a disability. The girl who isn't like you." I glare at them.

They seem to be listening.

"Well, I am more than what you think. I am special. I am unique. Most of you have laughed, snickered or bullied me because of this. But I don't care anymore." I cry.

My sadness is overwhelming. I start to cry.

In front of them.

Chapter Twentythree- Scarlett (Jade)

I sit at my usual lunch table alone. I couldn't find Grace within the crowds, but I know where she is now.

The whole room does.

She is standing on her chair, crying.

In front of everyone.

People just stare at her in disbelief.

I smile, but it quickly fades. Grace is being brave and facing her fears, so why can't I?

Sure, I've told the bullies to stop before. But not this way. I said it quiet when I did. I'd be surprised if anyone ever heard me.

This isn't about you. 

My smile returns and I look over to Grace. She is still standing, only on the floor now. Tears are visible on her face. Next to her, a girl is comforting her. No one dares laugh or say anything. 

They still stare, in shock and maybe even in awe. Grace looks up, wiping tears from her eyes. She looks at everyone, and sits back down. Like nothing ever happened.

Then, she is turning around in her chair and sees me. I smile at her and she waves me over. Ignoring some stares, I walk over and sit next to her.

As we continue eating, the room is once again filled with voices. But not as loud as before. As if Grace's act had changed them, made them more thoughtful.

I didn't care, though. I was just happy to have Grace here. My friend.

My true friend.

Chapter Twenty-Four- Grace (Hope)

That was the most embarrassing moment of my life.

Everyone was staring. Staring at me with confused and annoyed expressions. I can understand why they were annoyed. I interrupted their conversations.

Is that all I mean to them?

I saw Scarlett rush up to me.

"Are you alright?" she asks.

"Yes," I smile.

I still am shocked by my reaction.

I can't believe I had the courage to even say that stuff.

I decide to go and get my lunch seeing as Scarlett is here.

"Wanna get something to eat?" I ask Scarlett.

She nods so the two of us make our way to the cafeteria. The cue was long but it was moving quite quickly.

Soon, we were at the front of the line.

"May I have a vegetarian burger?" I ask.

The lunch lady nods and rushes off to the back of the kitchen. Scarlett is ordering beside me and i wonder what she will have.

The lunch lady runs back with a tray in her hands. On the tray was a vegetarian burger with fries.

"Thank you!" I smile.

Chapter Twenty-five- Scarlett (Jade)

I smile to myself. I can't help it, I'm thinking about what Grace did. I still can't believe it.

The lunch lady asks what I want and i get the same thing as Grace. Grace then takes me to her table. There is already someone sitting there, I didn't notice before.

"Scarlett, this is Addison, my friend," I smile and wave awkwardly, "Addison, this is Scarlett."

Addison has a cheerful smile on her face. She pats the seats next to her and we sit down. "Nice to meet you, Scarlett!" 

"You too!" I smile at her again. 

We talk and eat for the remainder of lunch. Addison proved to be a great friend; I see why Grace is her friend. 

Then, the bell rings. I sigh, not wanting lunch to end. Addison gets up, followed by Grace, and then me. 

"Bye Addison, bye Scarlett!" Grace says happily. I wave back with. big grin on my face. The three of us go our separate ways. 

Once again, I can't help but smile. As I walk out, Im I'm not bothered by the popular kids looking at me and whispering. They do it all the time anyway. 

I keep walkin g, all my fears and worries gone. For once, I have friends. For once, I'm happy.