Work in Progress

Chapter 9: Different

*ELI'S POV*

It's been a few weeks since I started in this school and everything was just fine the way they were. The jocks were being their stereotypical selves and pulling pranks on me like hitting my books so I'd drop them, chaining my bike to someone else's, pulling my seat when I'm about to sit down. Honestly, they were all just kid's pranks that the only bother I got from it was when I'd be too much in my head and I'd be surprised by the sudden attack. I'd be quick enough to change my flustered face into a bored one and, if I was in the mood, taunt them to do better. These childish tricks were a welcome distraction from the thoughts in my mind. Every now and then I'd see something or hear something that would remind me of my family. And whenever the jocks would do something that would physically hurt me, I'd be reminded of my time in the hospital. A time when I was in constant pain whether I was moving or not.

I was distracted from my thoughts when I heard voices coming from the exit to the yard.

"...You're not worth talking to. You're just little Mia who nobody sees and nobody cares about. You should be happy that I'm even paying you the slightest attention. Aren't you happy?" I round the corner and see that it was Sam with a shorter girl trembling, trapped between her and the door.

Suddenly, a flash of anger rises within me. I hate bullies. I can tolerate them when it's me they're bullying but when it's someone else who I know can't defend themselves I just can't. I've seen enough of my friends go through that. And I especially hate this kind of bully. We go through enough mental struggles with ourselves. We don't need someone else validating our negative thoughts.

I tap Sam's shoulder and not letting the anger inside me waver my voice, I say coldly, "Excuse me, you're blocking the way."

She turns around with a smile but I just look at her disappointed. I guess it was wrong of me to think you were better than this. I don't even know why I expected more from you. Of course, you'd be a bully. How else would you be the Queen Bee? I walk around Sam and looked at the poor girl who was already crying. I put my arm around her shoulder and guided her outside with me.

"Are you ok?" I ask once we were in an area not a lot of people passed by.

She sniffs and wipes away a tear, "Why would you do that? I'm nobody. You shouldn't have helped me. She'll come after you too."

This got me angry again. "How long has she been telling you that? You're not nobody. You're--" I scratch my neck realizing I don't know her name.

"See, you don't even know my name," she cries.

"I actually don't know the names of the majority of people here so me not knowing yours doesn't say much." I smile at her and ask, "What's your name?"

"Mia."

I put my hands on her shoulders looking her square in the eyes. "You're not nobody. You're Mia and no one can tell you otherwise. Not even Sam Anderson. She's just another person living in this world making life difficult for others. I know it's hard not to be affected by what people say and it's definitely going to be harder not to let yourself think that way too. But you have to try. That's really all we can do. And maybe, just maybe we can make it easier on ourselves."

Mia looks at me, blinking away tears but she gives a small smile and says, "Thank you."

"And don't you worry about Sam coming after me. I can handle myself." I puff out my chest making her laugh.

I decided to sit with Mia and eat lunch with her. She just looked so fragile. The thought of leaving her after what happened scared me that she might suddenly break down.

"I haven't seen you around. Although I don't usually pay attention to people, I'm sure I would've noticed those cute ponytails." She blushed when I said this.

"My friends usually circle me and they're much taller and we were supposed to meet for lunch but Rose and Tyler got held back in class and Marie and Lucy didn't go to school today." She takes a deep breath as if this was the longest sentence she's ever said.

I sighed to myself, relieved that she has friends to go to. I'm not really up for the task of babysitting. No offense to Mia but I don't want to get attached to anyone.

"Well, when I see four towers walking around I'll know it's you in the middle." I laugh and she gives a small laugh also. When break was over I watched her walk away waving goodbye with a smile on her face. Well, at least somebody's happy. I suddenly remember why she wasn't in the first place. I grimace to myself and make my way to class.

I went straight to my seat. There's no reason to change it just because my seatmate's a manipulative bitch. Honestly, what was I expecting? Why am I so disappointed?

A/N: This was a bit therapeutic for me. Whenever I find myself struggling, I tell myself afterwards 'Just one step at a time. No matter how small, just one step'.

Anyways, thanks for reading. Comment, vote, follow :)

I'll probably update tomorrow since I don't have to work