Reina sat alone at a wooden desk, doodling on a page. The soft scratch of a pencil could be heard about the empty classroom, echoing around the abandoned desks. She had flicked the lights off, the only glow coming in through the wooden doors cracks and a single window. Light glinted off the desks around her, gently illuminating the room.

The small girl kicked her legal against the legs of her chair, quietly humming to herself, blonde and black hair pulled in two piggy tails and bent over her work. A small, detailed sketch of a Yorkshire puppy was on the page, grinning up with a lopsided look. She smiled, a soft scritch of the pencil finishing up shadows around the paws. Sitting back, a small smile touched her face. "And he's done!"

Scooting out of the chair, her feet padded up to the door. Reaching out to grasp the handle, she paused. A sharp voice lashed out, reminding her why she was here.

"Disgrace."

The high female voice spoke one word, but it cut deep. Reina pursed her lips together, pressing her ear to the metal door.

"For an eight-year-old, she should be studying, not doodling!" The voice continued, scratchy and high. "You, of all people, should be able to control her. She's a disgrace to you and your business, starting fights-"

Reina brushed her fingers against the bruise along her cheekbone. The boy had pushed her, then called out nasty names. Of course, she was going to defend herself. Wasn't that what dad told her to do?

"-not paying attention, disrespectful to teachers-"

Reina fingered a scar along her wrist. They thought animals were okay to be abused. And called humans animals. She had to say something before they went any further. That's what dad said.

"-abusive behavior, reckless-"

"That's quite enough." Jackson Daniels's deep and firm voice spoke out, silencing the woman. "From now on, she'll be of no problem to you."

Silence.

Reina clenched her hands together tightly, crumbling the drawing. Her hands trembled as she tossed the picture into the trash, quickly turning away and rushing back to her seat. She stared at her blackened fingers, trying to swallow past a lump in her throat. Shuttering, the girl looked up and stared at the classroom rules handing on the cold white wall.

"What will you do with her?"

Reina looked up. What would become of her? Her father would take her away from this nasty school. She tossed her head, tipping her chin up and fingering her scar. Irena was always mean to her, she wouldn't mind leaving. Once she left, she would be able to spend much more time with her father and Sam. The black man was always nice to her, seeking small treats whenever he saw Reina. Her father never knew, and it was there secret.

"Don't tell him," He had whispered as he pressed a small peppermint in her palm. "Welcome home again, Miss Reina."

Reina grinning, popping the sweet in her mouth when Jackson's head was turned. Samuel winked, holding the door as she clung to her father's hand.

"Papa," She called Jackson by her favorite name. "Why must I go back to school?"

Jackson had smiled down at his daughter, ruffling her hair. "Because I want my girl to grow up smart," He told her. "To become a leader."

"But the girls and boys are mean," She insisted, sorrow sketched across her face. "I don't like it there."

Jackson frowned, kneeling down beside his daughter. "Reina, don't let that stop you," He whispered, gently cupping one side of her face with his hand. "You're a strong little lady, with great potential. Don't let the flaws of others bring you down."

Her shoulders sagged as she scuffed the carpet with her sneaker. "But they gang up, too."

Jackson frowned. "I'll have a talk with the teachers, but Rere-" Here she smiled at her pet name- "you must fight your own battles too."

"Yes, Papa."

So she continued the boarding school until there was a fight. Reina had won the battle but lost the respect of her classmates and teachers. The exasperated principal had called her father, floods of reports had come in about his unruly, bratty child. Jackson Daniels now stood in the office, discussing what would happen to Reina now.

"Reina will be taken home, and continue her studies there until I can find another school, more acceptable to her needs." Jackson towered over the women, arms crossed. "I have turned a blind eye to the treatment of my child for too long, Mrs. Chatle. Do not think I haven't noticed the bruises Reina brings home."

Reina sighed, crossing her arms across her desk and laying her head down, swinging her legs back and forth. Small vibrations spread across the chair from where her feet struck it. She closed her eyes, imagining herself back into the colorful world of her mind. Swirls of pastel fog danced around, parting and fading in every which way. Streams of water rushed past her, cool and refreshing. Twittering of birds echoed around, sweet simple among the rustling of grass.

The door opened.

Reina sat up, staring at her father and Mrs. Chatle. "Papa?"

He shook his head, turning to the principal. "A word alone with my daughter, please."

The women nodded, leaving with a sneer directed at Reina.

Jackson released a pent-up breath, sliding the chair from a desk over. Slowly, he sat down, closing his eyes and crossing his legs. Reina turned in her chair, sitting across from her father and watching him. The minutes ticked by, broken only by the class clock above the whiteboard.

"Reina."

She glanced up, startled. "Yes, Papa?"

He was looking at her, studying her features and remembering a happier time. A deep sigh escaped him; he closed his eyes and rubbed his face. "Reina, straight to the point. You're having a hard time here, and the teachers don't like you. So, I'm taking you home with me."

She stared at him. "And I'll not be coming back?"

"Never."

"Ever?"

"Never ever never."

"Oh, goodie!" She leaped up, throwing her arms around Jackson's neck and hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Father. I promise I'll be good, and listen to lessons and won't get into arguments with Sam. I'll even practice the piano instead of not practicing it!"

Jackson smiled, pulling his daughter close in a hug. Memorizing the way her small form fit in his arms. He smiled, proud of her. She never could fit into this school, it was a mistake enrolling her. She clung onto him, drawing strength from his strong figure. "I love you, Rere." And he did.

"Love you too, Papa." She perched on his lap, resting her head against his chest. "I'll always listen to you now that I'll be home. Can I help with the business?"

He laughed. "Of course you can." He ruffled her hair. "You're eight years old, quite mature enough to pull your own weight in our business. Why," He looked down. "Wouldn't it be wonderful that the children you're going to help know that you're the same age?"

She giggled, nodding. "Yes, Papa. I'll do anything I can. We can do fundraisers! Would that help?"

Jackson laughed. "Absolutely. I can teach you how to make pies for bake sales. Come on, let's go get your things."

"Yes, Father." Sliding off his lap, she tucked her hand into his. "I like this plan."

He smiled down at her, leading her away from the desk. "Agreed. Hello, what's this?" Bending down, he scooped a crumpled piece of paper from the wastebasket. "Isn't this yours?"

Reina nodded, taking the piece of paper. "Yes, I didn't like it though."

"Why not? It's a beautiful piece, you should be proud of it."

She shrugged, staring at the crumpled pencil drawing. "I don't know. It's all wrinkly now, anyways."

Jackson smiled, gently taking the picture. "Reina, just because there are a few wrinkles in a piece of art, doesn't mean it's ugly or ruined. Everything has its flaws, sometimes we just have to overlook them. Else we'll get depressed because now everything is wrong and nothing is perfect." He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "See, little one? Just because something is flawed doesn't make it worthless. It makes it beautiful."

She stared at the picture, then squeezed her father's hand. "Okay, Papa let's keep it."

He smiled, ruffling her hair and leading her out of the classroom, away from the school and bullies. "Sure thing, Rere."