Stella is a bright child. She's talented and nice, even sweet as some others would describe her.

Then one day she realized she wasn't what people expect.

She tried to be happy and good to everyone around her.

But every day that she tries and do her best. She always fell short.

One day after doing her research at school, she realized that she took longer than expected.

Her friends stayed with her so all three of them went home late.

Stella's parents picked them up though and took them one by one to their respective houses.

On their way home to Mandy's house they were trying to calm each other.
Stella is so afraid for Mandy.
Mandy said that her stepmother is cruel and would definitely hurt her if she's ever home late.

Still Stella promised her that she won't get hurt. They'd be with her.

Surely her stepmother won't be mad at Mandy because she'd be there to explain everything and to top it all off, her parents would be there too!

After 30 minutes or so, they arrived at Mandy's. Mandy was at their front, and they followed carefully behind her since Stella's parents doesn't know where Mandy lived yet. Stella have been at their house about once or twice. She one step behind Mandy and was shocked at the impact a slap landed at Mandy's cheek, the hand whose long nails scratched Mandy's beautiful face nearly landed on Stella's face too.  

They all stared in disbelief. 

Stella's heart felt like it had been crushed a thousand times.

She always told herself that no matter what happens she'd be true to her word and all promise that she would give to anyone - she would be able to keep.

Right now, she failed. She failed her best friend who trusted her the most.

Who stayed with her and thought of her first before herself. Never in her whole 15 years of being alive had she ever felt so powerless, so hopeless and so incompetent...

Little did she know that this wouldn't be the last - it's only the beginning.