One may think that, given my disastrous family life and Griffin's constant unrequired interventions, I find comfort in school. Oh, that's as far from reality as it can be. No-one wants to have to do with me. Over the years, I've convinced myself it was my fault, that I've never done enough to earn respect from anyone.

This time is no exception. Even though the latest Geography quiz went quite well, it isn't enough for "the clique." They hold me to impossible standards while occasionally underperforming themselves. Their hypocrisy disgusts me. However, it's convenient to them-who else can they bribe for help for homework?

Since I started high school, they've hardly ever done their homework fully by themselves. They expect me to help them with the most tedious and time consuming parts, all without their own reasoning.

Suzie is the one who takes advantage of me the most, followed by Maia Short. The latter barely likes putting effort in her school work, especially when it comes to creative tasks. I have to give her input, ideas; make sure she's motivated and does her work. All with no credit, of course.

Not that they're willing to change their ways. As expected, they wait for me after the last class with smug smirks on their faces. They're not alone. Paige Cole and Sophie Francis are also here, ready to bark more orders at me.

"So, what now?" I try asking, only for Suzie to shut me down cold with a glare and a hiss.

"Listen up, Lane. You don't get to ask questions. You only do what you're told." Her hard stare intensifies as she snaps. "Okay?" Not sure what will piss her off further, I barely nod. I hate her. I hate that no-one gets to shut her up. She isn't fucking God.

The fact that neither Maia nor Paige or Sophie try to calm her down is proof they're nothing but lackeys with no backbone. If they can't take a stance against Suzie's bullying, this means she has them on her chokehold or, worse, they have the same mindset as her.

Therefore, I have to stand up for myself. "Suzie, I've bore you since freshman year. I've dealt with yours and the others' antics in silence. But this ends today. Back off, or there will be consequences." For the first time, my voice doesn't shake, but sounds resolute.

In a shocking move, Maia and the other two lackeys, instead of directly backing Suzie, just giggle behind their backs. The latter angrily turns to them. "There's nothing to laugh about, idiots! Are you on my side or on hers?" The three minions shut up in a matter of seconds.

Suzie approaches me with a glare that could kill me if it could. We're now butting heads, literally. I'm dead serious. She's seconds away from ripping my eyes off my orbits. I have to be prepared for the worst possible scenario.

"Stay back, Suzie. You don't want to hurt yourself." I try to stay calm and collected, but it becomes an increasingly harder task as she forcibly grabs my left wrist, squishing it so hard that I fear it may fracture soon.

"Don't tell me what to do, Lane! I'm not the idiot here. You are! I don't take orders from a punk ass like you." How dare she? Me, a punk ass? Is she projecting her insecurities and shitty personality on me to deflect from her own faults?

I stay still as I notice two teachers passing by. If I make noise, they'll blame me for everything, so I don't say a word. I want them to see with their own eyes that Suzie is the one who started the fight. Meanwhile, Maia, Paige and Sophie have quietly run away in an attempt to weasel out of detention.

A destiny I, unfortunately, have to face with Suzie. "Two hours after school for both of you," is the teachers' verdict as they leave the area. When Suzie lets go of me, she scowls. "It's all your fault, idiot! You should face detention on your own!"

I ignore her. I don't want to get in further trouble. However, she, wanting to get under my skin as much as possible, doesn't take the silent treatment well. "Look at yourself." She hisses. "So disrespectful. You won't even acknowledge me." To make sure I bow to her, she punches me.

"Stop it, Suzie. You're aggravating your position further. You could get-"

She interrupts me by punching me again. Then, she leaves me bleeding. I have to get medicated before anyone notices me and subjects me to needless taunting.

***

In detention, Suzie and I carefully avoid each other. I stay quiet, only staring at the blackboard opposite me, and not meeting any gaze. I won't let myself be crushed by their silent judgement. The teacher who has been assigned to us occasionally yawns, highlighting the level of boredom in the room.

I quietly pick a paper from my backpack and start writing random notes. I vent my thoughts as if I were writing on my diary. I look around every once in a while to make sure no-one's watching me. They'd judge me for every single word I write. I don't want to be pissed off further by this bunch of pieces of shit.

The silence is occasionally broken by the teacher mumbling random shit on his phone. 'None of my business,' I think as I continue scribbling. I lift my gaze from the paper when I notice Suzie by my desk. She, of course, hasn't let go of that glare on my face.

Her voice is a hiss. "What do you think you're doing, Lane?" She tries to snatch my paper, instead handing me her homework. She wants me to revise it for her. Is she serious? Can't she double check herself? How can she think of entering college without resorting to bribery if she isn't willing to put actual effort?

I return her the paper and go back to my business, but she won't relent. The more I ignore her, the worse. She now screams. "Braverly Lane! I'm talking to you! Stop pretending I'm not here, okay?" The teacher doesn't even call her out. He's too busy on his phone.

Meanwhile, Suzie attempts to lift me from my chair to no avail. I cling to her hair so that I don't lose my balance. This is when that muppet of a teacher finally intervenes. "Braverly, Suzanne, what's going on? Back to your seats, both of you!" Why both, though? I'm already at my seat! Where's the logic?

Never mind. I'm not here to let that brat bog me down again. She'll cry wolf somewhere, but I won't listen to her rants. I'll try and overcome her bullshit. I have to be stronger for myself and nobody else.

I write that down on my paper, now creased and with a little hole in the middle. At least, no words have been torn by Suzie's fury. By the time I fill the paper in its entirety, the detention hours are over. The grumpy teacher dismisses Suzie and me with a mere gesture.

I leave the room first, rushing out of the school perimeter with all my energy. I don't want to cross paths with that little prick. I've already lost my sanity over her and don't plan to let it happen again.