A/N: Hey guys! Whoever will be reading this right now, feel free to vote my story, I'd appreciate that very much! Anyways, my reason for writing this story is because my focused audience will be the depressed teens. So, I hope for those who are suffering in depression right now, this story would help you gain confidence in yourself and heal your broken heart❤
Ciao and enjoy my very first chapter :>

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"Wow, Ash. Seeing your work made me think that you've outclassed all our projects. You deserved the highest grade for that!" Josh said genuinely, causing me to jump in surprise upon suddenly hearing his voice behind me. He chuckled when he sees my dumbfounded expression.

"Oh, sorry about that. I didn't mean to surprise you. Your project is just really amazing and I got so engrossed in looking at it." He admitted as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

I blushed. I didn't really expect Josh, one of the popular guys in our class to start a conversation with me. I mean, he's a pretty outgoing and approachable guy who's a member of the school's basketball team, and here I am, just a shy and clumsy introvert who always gets embarrassed in front of the class. Yep, nothing special alright.

"I-It's fine. And thanks for the compliment I guess." I stuttered as I played with the sleeves of my black hoodie, avoiding eye contact with him. I'm not exactly a natural talker. Unlike Josh, social interaction is not really my cup of tea. I turned my attention back to my project and flipped through the pages of the empty photo album I worked hard on with printed photes scattered around the pages as I was just about to stick them. Despite my attention fully on my project, I didn't fail to notice Josh's widened eyes.

"So cool! Hey, is that you in this picture? You look pretty cute holding up a peace sign. Judging from the cake in front of you, I'm guessing it was your birthday at that time." He says, a small chuckle escaped from his lips as he got closer and leaned forward, his face beside my shoulder. I flinched at our close proximity as I fought to hide the blush overtaking my freckled cheeks with my hair. I hid my printed photos under the photo album out of embarrassment.

"That girl.. I can't believe her!" Someone whisper-shouted.

"Calm down, Danielle. She might hear you." Another one whispered.

"I don't care, she's flirting with Josh. Eventhough I told her I got the hots for him. What a slut."

My eyes widened in shock. It was clear that Danielle and Natalia, the prettiest girls in class were gossiping about me. I didn't dare to look to my right, where Danielle's desk is because I could tell right away she was glaring daggers at me that could pierce through my soul.

"Hey, why did you hide them? I wanted to see more of your pictures. And I wasn't kidding when I said you looked cute in your birthday picture." He says, his green eyes softening as they bore into my brown ones. I blushed as I quickly look away.

"Um, aren't you done with your photo album yet? I didn't want to make it seem like I'm wasting your time letting you show mine." I said nervously as I could still feel Danielle's sharp gray eyes glaring coldly at me. My hands began to tremble uncontrollably as I placed them on my lap, anxiety taking over me. My heart palpitated aggressively and I could feel it pounding loudly against my ribcage.

Josh noticed my distress immediately as he gently takes a hold of my hand, rubbing the back of my palm in a soothing manner.

"Ash... What's wrong? Your hands are shaking." He sounded genuinely concerned as he looked at me, eyebrows furrowed. I gasped softly at the contact of our hands. I grew even more panicky as I knew I was definitely dead meat to Danielle. I tried to pull away but he wouldn't let me, his grip tightening a bit on my hand.

"Ash... please. Let me help you." He pleaded softly, still rubbing the back of my palm soothingly. I felt my cheeks growing hot from the sensation and noticed that my hands had stopped shaking.

"J-Josh... I--"

"Hey girl! Can you come with me to the restroom? I think my mascara's a little smudged and I need to fix it." I flinched at her fake innocent and all friendly-like voice. I didn't have to look up, I already know who it is. I quickly pulled my hand away from Josh's, seeing his hurt expression made me feel guilty but I didn't want to deal with Danielle's wrath.

Danielle looks at Josh and flashed him a flirtatious smile in attempt to swoon him. Unfortunately, he didn't take the bait as his eyes remained glued at me, worried at my uncomfortable state. Her face turned into a frown before whipping her head at me, sending a hard glare.

"Anyway, I hope you don't mind me borrowing Ash for a while, Josh. I just need to.. talk to her about something." She says with a fake smile, emphasising her last sentence by narrowing her eyes at me in an intimidating manner. I swallowed a lump in my throat.

"You clearly interrupted us on purpose, didn't you? I was just admiring Ash's work and she had nothing to say to you, Danielle." Josh says defensively through gritted teeth, clearly annoyed. My eyes widened in shock at his words.

Danielle was taken aback by his words, her mouth agape in shock and I tried not to laugh at how stupid she looked. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she tried to regain her composure.

"I just need to talk to her for a while. It'll be quick. Pretty please, Joshie sweetheart?" She says in a cutesy tone, blinking her eyes rapidly in attempt to swoon him once more. Josh cringed at the nickname and shot her an icy glare.

"I'm not your sweetheart. And never call me Joshie." He growled, his voice filled with venom. He then turned to me, his expression immediately softening. He walks up to me before crouching down so that he was now at my eye level.

"Ash, tell me if something happens, okay? That girl spells trouble and I don't want anything bad happen to you." He says softly, his green eyes filled with genuine worry as he stared at me. I gave him a small smile and blushed at our closeness.

"Y-Yeah, thanks. I'll be--" My sentence was cut short as Danielle suddenly yanked my wrist harshly, causing me to get pulled up from my seat towards her.

"You and I need to talk. Alone." She growled dangerously, her grey eyes burning with rage. I yelped in pain when she kept a firm grip on my wrist.

"Stop that! You're hurting her!" Josh exclaimed as he was about to reach out to my trembling form before I held up a hand in front of me.

"It's fine, Josh. She just needs to talk to me. It's as simple as that." I said with a forced smile.

"But---"

"Aww, you're such a good girl, Ash. Now, off we go!" Danielle says in an all-happy like tone as she drags me outside the classroom, squeezing my wrist tightly and I had to bite my lip from screaming to avoid the risk of worrying Josh even more.

* * * * *

"So, you and Josh seem oddly close." Danielle began with a hint of disgust in her voice as she fixed her mascara. My heart pounded in fear but I tried to hide it by attempting to act casual.

"Uh, not really. He just complimented my project, that's all." I tried to say calmly but I ended up squeaking nervously. Danielle scoffed in disbelief as she sashayed her long dirty blonde hair and puts her make-up kit away.

"Oh, really? Does complimenting someone includes holding hands and staring into each other's eyes as if you two were the only people on this planet? How sweet." She said sarcastically as she flashed me a cold smile.

"D-Danielle, it's not like tha--"

"Josh seems very fond of you, isn't he? He was even acting defensive towards you earlier. I wonder what does he see..." She paused to walk towards me in a taunting manner, and I instinctively took a step back. Before I knew it, she had back me up against the wall. I squeaked out of fear as I placed my hands in front of me to keep her from coming up close.

"In an ugly and emo introvert like you." She said abruptly as she grabbed onto my jacket collar. Tears gathered from the corner of my eyes, threatening to stream down my cheeks.

"Danielle... Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends." I said grimly, my voice cracking as a heavy lump formed in my throat. She snorted as a sarcastic chuckle escaped from her lips.

"You're so naive and clueless, Ash. Poor you. We were never even friends to begin with. Have you ever wonder why Natalia and I always demanded you to pay for our lunch, force you to let us copy your homework, and tell you that forgery of your parents' signature on some documents is not a big deal at all? It's because you're way too kind. And too much kindness can be advantageous to people who want to manipulate you and control your life. And I had to say I had fun toying with your feelings, making you think that you're accepted in our group and bossing you around. " I felt a warm sensation cascading down my cheeks and realized those were my tears. Danielle smirked sinisterly as she gripped onto my jacket collar tightly.

"Yeah, just cry like a little coward you are, Rockwell. You can't even do anything. You're too weak to fight back." She sneered, flashing me a mocking smile before she finally lets go of my jacket collar and exits the restroom, leaving me behind.

My expression remained shell-shocked and bewildered as my body slid down against the wall, hugging my knees against my chest. Before I knew it, I broke down into tears.

Why?

Is it wrong to be kind to others so that you'll feel accepted? Or is kindness not just enough?

No, they didn't want your kindness at all. They only accept people who hold such power.

People desire to be with those who remain at the top, those who carry popularity, those who have authority, and those who rebel against the rules and regulations.

But not to be with those who stay at the bottom. The ones who aren't perceived to be special and viewed as an outcast.

Is it my fault that this is how I am? Why are people so blinded with selfish desires anyway? To gain a good entitlement? To have people recognize them as someone special?

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

Who gave the goddamn rules about the obligations of one's capabilities to be counted as noteworthy and exceptional?

My knees wobbled as I struggled to stand, turning around to face the wide glass mirror. A reflection of a young girl with long, wavy red hair stared back at me, a pained expression written across her features. Her once bright, vibrant brown eyes have lost its spark as it now looked dull and lifeless. I sniffled as tears kept strolling down my freckled cheeks like an endless waterfall. I wiped them away with the sleeve of my hoodie but found it meaningless as tears only kept coming.

Suddenly, the school bell chimed, signalling that it was time for the next class to start. I sighed exasperatedly as I shakily wiped my now red, puffy eyes and tear-strained cheeks.

"I guess I need to head back to class.." I mumbled, my voice hoarse from crying before going back to the place I considered as hell.

The loud creaking sound of the door caught everyone's attention as I peeked from outside with an uneasy expression. Ms. Davis stopped her lecture before turning her head at me, a sharp glare evident across her features.

"What took you so long in the rest room, Ms. Rockwell? You've been gone for like fifteen minutes and it's already the homeroom period. Your friend, Ms. Blair was even worried sick about you." She scolded sternly and crossed her arms in an intimidating manner as she gestured towards Danielle, who sent me a fake smile.

Friend? How dare she call me a friend after giving me such a harsh treatment.

My lips quivered as I swallowed a lump in my throat, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

"I apologize, Ms. Davis. It will never happen again." I squeaked nervously as I twiddled with my fingers, endeavouring to ignore the whispers and snickers from my classmates.

Ms. Davis narrowed her eyes at me coldly for a good minute before finally allowing me to take a seat, which is right behind Danielle's seat. Just great.

Danielle looked over her shoulder and gave me a smug smile. I sighed and only stared at her blankly.

What the hell does she want now? Doesn't seeing me breakdown into tears enough to satisfy her? I'm so done with playing her games.

I chose to ignore her and flipped through the pages of my notebook instead, deciding it was best to take down notes while Ms. Davis was discussing about the upcoming school events this January.

"Psst." Someone whispered. I didn't bother looking up and kept jotting down some important details.

"Psssst." I remained quiet and apathetic as I pretended not to hear her annoying whispers.

"Ash Rockwell," She whispered, making me stop what I was doing as I knew exactly by the tone of her voice, it could only mean trouble.

"Don't you think my photo album looks amazing?" She said in a cutesy tone. I couldn't hide the shell-shocked expression written on my face as I jerked my head upward, seeing that Danielle was holding up none other than the photo album I worked so hard on for days.

She stole... my project?

"Oh and I appreciate you providing the pictures but I don't need them. They look like crap." She sneered as she took my printed photos inside the photo album before tearing them apart in front of my eyes.

I wanted to scream, bang my head against the table, rip off my textbooks, to shreds; anything that will help me release this agonizing pain in my chest.

It hurts... It hurts so much to be treated like this. All I ever wanted was to live a normal school life with friends whom I can trust and cherish through the years.

But how did it come to this? Where did I go wrong?

"Ha, looks like she's about to cry. What a helpless coward." Natalia whispered to her friend with a mocking smile.

I bit down on my bottom lip, trying not to let the tears blur my vision as I struggled to calm the anxiety building up inside of me.

I can't cry right now. Not when everyone can witness my vulnerable self. I don't want to be seen as weak...

Again, the school bell chimed for lunch period and I couldn't be any more thankful.

* * * * *
A week has passed, and there I stood by the aisle of the empty classroom, my lips quivering as I looked down on the floor, wishing I could dig a giant hole under it and die in embarrassment. Ms. Davis was right in front of me, a menacing scowl written across her wrinkled features, making her look more old. Danielle was standing beside me, shuffling nervously on her feet and wore a clueless expression on her face. But I know for sure she was just putting up an act to deceive Ms. Davis.

"So you're saying... Ms. Blair stole your photo album project?" She began, sounding like she was against my claim.

"Y-Yes.. After I came back from the rest room, she was already holding onto it." I mumbled softly and shivered as I could feel Danielle's cold, piercing gaze on me. Ms. Davis raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"Um, Ms Davis," Danielle began, and I had to stop myself from strangling her as she had started acting all innocent and clueless once again.

"I don't know what she's talking about.. I would never steal my friend's project! Besides, I worked hard on my photo album for so many days!" She exclaimed a bit dramatically and made exaggerated hand movements. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

We're not in drama club right now, dumbass.

Ms. Davis nodded thoughtfully, seemingly easily swayed by her words. She then jerked her head towards me with a glare.

"I believe you, Ms. Blair. Thank you for defending your project. As for you Ms. Rockwell, how dare you accuse your own friend? Don't tell me you're jealous because she's been working harder than you? This behavior is very unacceptable!" She snapped at me, causing me to flinch at her sudden raise of voice.

"B-But, Ms. Davis---"

"I've had enough of your nonsense, Ms. Rockwell! You have nothing to say and you should accept that you're the suspect here! Ms. Blair has a very good reputation. She's the top student in class and a famous gymnast at such a young age. She has earned and achieve so much. How about you? Nothing! People like her should be respected! And someone who has a very bad and low reputation would only do such grave offenses because they know they can achieve nothing at all!" She growled angrily, her face turning red as she shot me a threatening look.

I was left paralyzed in my spot, my barely brain processing her words. I was left agaped and bewildered as hot tears streamed down my face, my brown eyes dilating from the intense anxiety building up. Suddenly, I couldn't seem to breathe properly no matter how hard I try to calm my breathing. My heartbeat began palpitating once more and I thought my heart is about to explode out of my chest.

'Worthless.'

'Introvert.'

'Weirdo.'

'Outcast.'

'Coward.'

'You're nothing at all. You're too weak to fight back!'

'Because of your kindness, you were manipulated by people and became their puppet.'

I looked down, red bangs casting a shadow over my puffy eyes.

"I-I.. apologize, Ms. Davis. It will never happen again." I croaked out in a shaky voice. Ms. Davis huffed in annoyance.

"It better not. You've wasted so much of my time. And I think there's someone else you should apologize to." She said coldly and cocked her head towards Danielle.

"I'm sorry, Danielle..." I mumbled through gritted teeth.

Why am I apologizing even though I've done nothing wrong?

Danielle seemed satisfed seeing my broken and sullen expression as she grinned devilishly.

"Aw, don't be sorry! After all, we're friends, right?"

I'd rather die than be friends with a demon like you.

Danielle gripped on my shoulder before leaning close to my ear, and I knew right there and then, I was completely defeated. And I have no plan to fight back anymore.

"I won."

* * * * *

The bright full moon illuminated the night sky beautifully as the stars sparkled like tiny diamonds. I sat by the stool on the balcony of my house as I continue to admire the mesmerizing view. Suddenly, it came to my mind how the scenery and calm and quiet atmosphere is perfect for listening to music. I put on my black earbuds and pressed the play button on my phone before closing my eyes, wanting to relish this moment.

Let your heart dream free
And you'll find where you belong
It's more delicate, more fragile than all life itself
When I set it free
It always comes back to me
So I'll let it find pace in my embrace

A flashback of a young girl of about 9 years old crossed my mind, her long red hair pulled into pigtails as she grinned happily at her childhood friends. She wore a cream-colored dress that reached to her knees with printed red roses that matched her hair and a pair of plain brown Mary Jane shoes. It was my younger, lively and cheerful self. We were currently at the playground, our usual hang out spot.

"Tag! You're it!" I exclaimed as I dash away from a brown haired boy about my age with hazel brown eyes; Ryder.

Ryder pouted as he crossed his arms childishly. "Hey, no fair! I haven't even started the game yet!"

"Nuh uh! Just because you're a few months older than me doesn't mean you're the one always in charge!" I said, sticking out my tongue at him playfully.

A blonde haired girl with blue eyes snickered as she came up beside the me. Bridget.

"Heh, she's right! Besides, shouldn't we, girls be in charge this time? You underestimate us too much, you know." Bridget said and placed an elbow on top of the my shoulder sassily.

"Oh, man! Not you too, Bridget! I'm known as the game master in our squad!" Ryder protested.

"Well, not anymore! 'Cause Ash and I are about to steal your title away!" Bridget exclaimed. I giggled softly.

Ryder sighed exasperatedly before turning to a boy with slick black hair and onyx eyes sitting by a swing, staring at them blankly. Ryder gave him a pleading expression.

"Leo, would you mind helping me out here? Don't just stare at us, you're creeping me out, dude." Ryder said, scrunching up his nose in disgust.

"No way. You look like you're arguing with your two wives. It's hilarious." Leo said with a smirk. A red hue coated Ryder's cheeks.

"J-Just what the heck are you bluffing about?! The only one I like is---" He quickly placed a hand over his mouth before he could say anything else.

"Ooohh~ Someone's got a crush~!" Bridget teased in a sing-song voice as she nudges his arm playfully.

"Spill the beans, dude!" Leo exclaimed with a smirk.

"Hm? Who do you like, Ryder? Tell us!" I squealed excitedly as I came up close to his face with a grin.

Ryder was caught off guard as he immediately backs away from us, his turning into an impossible shade of red.

"Shut up! I don't like anyone!"

"Your body language says otherwise." Bridget added.

"No one's asking for your opinion, Bridget!"

I only watched my friends argue, my gaze landing back and forth among the trio with an amused smile across my features. A small smile graced upon my lips.

"I'm so glad that I met you guys." I mumbled softly.

The wish you have, it is fighting through
Your pounding heart - that thirst in you
It leaves your mind
'n you forget, in time
Til it calls to you once again

I recalled another memory, this time, in a different setting. Now in my 11-year old self, I was on the couch with an acoustic guitar on my lap. I strummed a few chords and grinned upon my quick progress.

"Dad, look! I'm getting better in shifting different chords now!" I exclaimed happily as dad sat beside me with a proud smile on his face.

"That's my little girl. In no time, you'll surpass me for sure." He said genuinely as her ruffled my hair affectionately.

"You two, why don't you take a quick break first? I made peanut butter cupcakes here!" Mom called out from the kitchen. My eyes lit up as I hop off the couch and placed my acoustic guitar back inside the case.

"Coming, mom!" I exclaimed as I run up to the dining table.

"So, how's guitar practice so far?" She asked curiously.

"Pretty great! Dad even said that I can surpass him one day!" I chirped happily as I munched on my peanut butter cupcake.

"Oh, that's good to hear! Once you're confident enough, we can have you participate at your school's music competition!" Mom said as she clasped her hands together, grinning brightly. I nodded vigorously.

"Yeah! And I'll surely get the championship award!"

Dad chuckled. "You've got a long way to go before you'll even obtain that big achievement. So you better work hard, alright?"

"I will, dad!"

My 10-year old brother came downstairs holding a PlayStation Portable and he looked pretty engrossed with the game that he's playing.

"Playing games again, Soren?" I said in a mocking tone as I raised an eyebrow at him. Soren shot me a menacing glare for a brief moment before focusing his attention back to his game.

"Shut up. It's not my fault that I'm bored out of my mind." He said without taking his eyes off of his PlayStation Portable.

"Then at least study for your upcoming quizzes."

"No." He replied bluntly, pressing onto some buttons aggressively with an irritated expression.

"Come on! Use your damn fists, Jin Kazama!" He practically yelled at the screen before he groaned when he heard the words, "K. O.!" I sighed.

He's such a game addict.

"Soren! You've been doing nothing but to play games for the last two hours!" Mom scolded, placing her hands on her hips.

"But mom! I still need to win the final round!" Soren whined childishly while hugging his gadget protectively.

"At least let the kid enjoy the things that he wanted to do. He's still young after all." Dad said with a soft smile as he gave mom a quick peck on the cheek. Mom didn't respond to his affectionate gesture and only glared at him.

"Jeez, you should be more strict with your son, honey! He's been way too laid back because you're taking him easy!" She exclaimed.

"I know, I know. I'll work on that honey, don't worry." He said as he embraces her from behind. Mom sighed in defeat. I giggled as I run up to my parents to join their hug.

"I wanna be hugged too!" I chirped as I wrapped my tiny arms around both of them. Soren grinned as he decided to join in as well.

"Aww, you two are way too cute!" Mom cooed as she pinches Soren and I's cheeks playfully. I smiled softly as I leaned against my family's embrace, wanting to savor the moment.

Suddenly, my surroundings seemed to began to fade away as the atmosphere gradually grew dimmer and my family's existence started to evanescent until they disappeared completely. My eyes widened in shock as a wave of fear and anxiety washed over me.

"Mom? Dad? Soren?" I tried to call out in a trembling voice as I backed away, frightened as the setting had entirely changed into pitch-black, with nothing but darkness surrounding me.

In this Beautiful Cruel World
Chilling and dark and frightening
Are we never to obtain a sign? Or a reason why we're still alive?
Ah
Strong, but we are weak
Cause we fail to see, that soon, in time
There'll be nothing left we can protect
Nothing but a distant life we've left behind

Before I knew it, I was now inside the classroom as my present self. I was standing in front of the aisle and my eyes widened in shock as I survey my surroundings. Everyone was laughing at me with mocking smiles on their faces as they pointed at me.

"How pathetic. She has a very funny accent when she talks, it's so hilarious!"

"Hey, did you know that Ash has so many fleas in her hair? Ew!"

"Oh my god, why are her clothes like that? Doesn't she know how to dress up at all?"

I covered my ears desperately as I collapsed on my knees, not wanting to hear more of their insults any further.

"Stop! Make it stop! Please!" I cried out in agony, my body trembling but people kept pointing out my flaws and my weaknesses as they laughed at me mockingly.

Unable to control my emotions anymore, I cried my eyes out, letting out hysterical screams as I jerked my head from side to side vigorously, wishing that I was at home; my only comfort zone where I feel at peace and safe in such a familiar environment.

That's when I came to a conclusion, that no matter how hard I try to fight it, my fears will keep haunting me, caging me. And when I seem to unable to find my way out, these traumatic events will keep playing inside my head over and over again, like a broken record.

A pained smile managed to find its way onto my tear-strained face as my hands dropped to my sides, accepting the negative entitlement that I was receiving from everyone. A weak chuckle escaped from my dry lips.

"This world is so beautiful, yet so cruel at the same time."

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A/N: Woohoo! Finally finished with the prologue after typing for like three days straight! Hope you guys liked it! Now as for the next chapter, it will revolve around a now tenth-grader Ash Rockwell after two years had passed. Anyways, stay updated with my next chapter!

Word count: 4927