Meant for each other?

-24-

Berkshire County High School's grounds have converted to a winter paradise during the day's the teenager has been gone. Big evergreens line the main drive, draped with glittering White Christmas lights, making the school seem like a palace. It's gives the brunette shivers. The main school building itself is lit up by lamps and those fancy candle things lie in each of the ground floor windows. A huge wreath has been hung on the front door, making it difficult to get inside though no one complains as it's the biggest wreath most have ever seen, adorned with red berries and a frosting of snow as more flakes are fluttering as the engine of the car stops and the three women are faced with an unfillable silence. It's reminds the youngest of the trio far too much of when she first arrived here and when her parents left her with no friends in the middle of a foreign country. She doesn't know how to feel about it if she's honest.

"Well I'm going to my room," the model announces, "I'll see you tomorrow." Both of the women exchange glances but let her go- for now.

The next day Karlie wakes up on time for once, slipping on a pair of distressed jeans and a sweater as well as big clumpy boots. She doesn't care that she'll be taller than everyone else, merely going for a comfortable look today as she navigates the dining room where she's getting stares all around. At first she was going to sit but changes her mind as she sees the glances being thrown her way, striding out of the airy room and back to her room, it's quiet and she's content for a while.

It's in the girls best interests not to be late: arriving to her class five seconds before the bell trills around the school and sloping off to her old desk. Her class is dopey enough to not realise she's back until one of the blondes in her class points it out to everyone. Her name is Chloe- brainless and rich as well as a washed up slapper so when she starts speaking everyone but the brunette starts to listen. "It looks like our little slutty runaway is back," the blonde starts to say. A few people look uncomfortable but no one bothers to stop her going on with her insulting speech. "Who's pants did you get into while you were away?" She questions, taking Karlie's hair and yanking her head back in a move that came unexpectedly to everyone. Chloe has never gone that far before. Now the brunette has no choice but to hear what's being said and be reminded of Hannah who she slept with even though her and Taylor are supposed to be an item. "Answer me slut," the rich teen demands, pulling the models hair back even further back. At this point she would've been floored if it wasn't for the fact that Karlie could barely move as her hair was pulled backwards so painfully.

Trying to keep her dignity, the model replies snarkily, "no one bitch." That earns her a slap and the class laughs. If only Cara was here right now.

"Give me the correct answer slut!" Chloe demands. "I think we all know you got off with at least five people while you were away."

Still trying to be dignified, the brunette shakes her mutely- "no one."

A harsh slap resounds around the room and the model can't help but wonder where the teacher is. How is this allowed? The blonde who is currently torturing her starts to speak once more. "We'll say you slept with eight, two of whom were at the same time. That should satisfy this schools rumour mill." Nothing is said for minutes and just when Karlie is about to protest a sneaky whisper fills her ear. "I'm sure all the boys will love that, now get up and don't talk to me. Tell anyone and you're dead"

The runaway is shaking as she gets up but tries not to show it. So much for having a good day.

Back in her room, the model lets the tears flow down her cheeks, slumping onto the bed and not caring if her mascara smudged on the pillow. Then her phone, new again, vibrates in her pocket. Hopefully it's no one wanting to harass her.

Hey sis. Ft?

It's from Krissy. The teen gladly accepts her sisters call and tries to position the camera so her face can't be seen as she feels like it's swelling already. From the other end of the line Karlie hears three eager voices, all shouting various forms of hello. So all her sisters are wanting to talk to her. "Hey sissy," Krissy starts, smiling and trying to see her younger sister properly. "How are you?"