Page 13

"Look who's grown a spine," Cressida snickers from behind. I turn sharply to see her and her clique, hands on hips, looking mightily smug as they sneer at us.

Instinctively, I tuck Claudia behind me, taking a defensive stance.

"Go away, Cressida," I say, my voice full of confidence. I'm not about to back down, not when Claudia is also with me.

"Go away, Cressida," she mimics my voice, making an ugly face, and the others start laughing. "Look at them both, rejects. Devil's spawn and you," she cranes her neck, seeking to get a better look at Claudia, "with your whore of a mother. Aren't you ashamed to even show your faces around here?"

"How original," I counter, "you're just saying the same old recycled stuff."

I tighten my grip on Claudia's hand and I slowly back away, not wanting a direct confrontation that might result in her getting harmed.

The corner of Cressida's mouth tugs upwards in a vicious half-smile as she slowly steps in front of us.

She's one of the bigger girls in our age group, and I know I don't stand a chance, especially if Claudia might be in danger.

"Go home," I whisper to Claudia, and her big eyes turn toward me in question.

"Go, I'll handle this."

She seems reluctant, but as I urge her with my eyes she seems to understand the gravity of the situation as she suddenly darts out of the cloisters and toward the dorm.

When she's out of sight, I release a sigh of relief and I turn to face my worst enemy again. And this time, I'm not backing down.

"You think we can't catch that brat too? Annie's gang will make sure she gets her due," she says smugly.

"Leave Claudia out of this. Your issue is with me," I reply, meeting her gaze.

I'd never thought that my problems would influence how Claudia is treated too… And now that I'm faced with the possibility, I don't think I can let this slide.

People can hate me and try to tear me down as much as they want. But they can't go after my family.

A smile suddenly spreads over my face as I take a few steps forward until I'm toe to toe with her.

"Don't want to," she replies, her hand already up and ready to strike. This time, however, I'm ready for it, and I catch it midair, my fingers tightening around her wrist in a painful hold.

A small wince crosses her face and she's quick to use her other hand. I don't give her an opening as I bring my knee up and hit her in the stomach.

A sudden intake of air and she gasps, bending forward in pain. I don't stop as I bring my hand down to her face, placing all my strength into a slap that has her stumbling back. Her friends are on the sidelines, just watching with wide eyes as Cressidafalls to the ground. I give them a quick glance and they shake their heads, not wanting to get involved.

"Even your friends abandon you when you're at your weakest," I tell her, watching her pitiful form. "This is the difference between us, Cressida. You have friends when you have the power to terrorize them, but look how they react when you're down." I smile at her. Her eyes are still full of malice as she tries to get herself together.

"I may be hated by everyone else, but at least I have my family," I enunciate each word, knowing that most of the girls around are orphans, and a family is what they crave the most. "When everyone leaves, who doyouhave?"

I bring my foot as if I'm about to hit her only to see her coil down, folding her body in such a pathetic movement that I can't bring myself to stoop to her level.

Taking a step back, I shake my head at her before I leave.

When I reach the dorm, Claudia is waiting for me outside, her eyes red from crying.

"Aunt Sisi," she cries out, launching herself at me and letting her tears flow.

"Shh, it's okay. Nothing happened," I caress her hair, holding her close.

"But they… they," she hiccups, her words swallowed by the intensity of her sobs.

Taking her by the shoulders, I lower myself so that I'm on eye level with her.

"Claudia, what happened today isnotokay," I start, "you should never suffer alone. If they hurt you, tell someone."