Water-typically just a source of hydration for most-becomes a life-or-death matter for someone with my condition. Even the slightest contact with water on my skin could be fatal. One small mistake could cost me everything. I shouldn't have to live in fear that forgetting an umbrella on a rainy day might lead to my end. That's why, apart from occasionally attending art classes at high school, I stay home and rely on online schooling. On the rare days I do go out, I wear heavy waterproof clothing that ensures my safety but also makes me a target for bullying.

It was routine- Nyla and Leah, my long-time antagonists, had targeted me since kindergarten, the day I stepped in to help someone else being bullied. In kindergarten, it was teasing because I hadn't yet mastered tying my shoes. In first grade, they mocked my pronunciation. By second grade, my curiosity seemed to irritate them. My final year in full-time public school was the last time I would ever be considered "normal."

Sitting by the pool that reeked of chlorine made me nauseous after all swimming wasn't something in my capabilities. I just sat in the chair next to the pool trying to blend in like everyone else. That was until my nemesis Nyla was next to me, badgering me.

As she treaded towards me her swimsuit strings dangled from her chest and swayed in the air.

"This is my spot" She looked up at the boy who clearly was lifeguarding and way older than her. My body faced the other direction and avoided words and emotions filled my body. I was getting really tired of being a chew toy but I wasn't anywhere near an opportunity for confrontation. But, she was.

Her looks were enough to get flies to drop and play dead, she sat right next to me and stood up "This isn't a place you can just claim spots, this girl had first dibs," her shoulders broadened and her eyes looked down at Nyla who was only a few inches shorter.

"You can't talk to me like that" Nyla pushed back at her previous comment and looked up at the ferociously confident girl.

"I can do whatever I want, are you going to stop me?" As the confident girl looked down at Nyla, the bully glanced at her in fear and her lips started to shake.

"But-" her stutter wavered, heavy with unease.

The unyielding girl yanked on her hair pulling her to the concrete. "Get lost, now" Nyla glanced upward but refused eye contact as Nyla's were wide with alarm. Without a moment's hesitation Neisha got up with a wind from her brushing past my face as tears fell to the pavement, left the public pool. 

The girl who had stood next to me looked at me, "come on, let's go," the hesitation floated above my head and I was unsure if she was trustworthy, but after all she stood up against her, the bully who targeted me."

Waiting a few moments reluctantly said, "okay."

"I've been watching her, she picks on you, and nobody else"

"Yea I've noticed" giving her an annoyed look in the eye

"