I begged and begged for me to be able to go to school. Not wanting the extra hassle, taking a day off, would bring me as I could already predict it.

It was Avery taking care of me again. Avery understood my bullying more than my parents did. She was the one who I called whenever something happened. I don't think anyone has told my parents, but I was sure someone will after this.

I wasn't prepared for a bunch of questions and run-downs of what happened at the hospital. But I had to be.

My phone was blowing up with texts from strangers who I called classmates. And to deal with it all, I ignored them, because it was becoming overwhelming. My phone was put in my blazer pocket and hidden from the eyes of teachers.

"You can go but you must be aware of everyone, okay? Don't let people walk all over you," instructs Avery, putting up her Pinky finger waiting for me to take it. "I can't keep this secret for long from your parent's, they'll eventually know."

I took her Pinky and made a promise.

"I promise."

++++

I was given a ride to school with how risky walking would be. The Nurse instructed me to do less activities that involve high movement. Walking to me was one of those, especially with it getting more and more frosty, each day.

Winter was getting unbearable in England.

I try to make sure I was ready on time as Avery was doing a lot for me. I wanted to try make it simple for her too.

After the car pulled into the lot, I stopped, waiting for certain people to pass, and only when it was safe then I got out. The door locked making me turn around to Avery. Why did she lock the door? Who locks the kid in the car?

"You have to stand up for yourself, okay?"

I give a small smile.

"I'm serious, if something bad happens, and your parents find out that I've been lying to them. It won't end well for either of us."

"I won't let them do anything; the teachers will keep us away, they always do."

++++

My wish was granted. And nobody made me stay with those who hurt me just the other day.

My classes are separate, and I was kept in a small room. This was for this week until things settled down.

The teachers are worried that the fights will be escalated between Jade and her group and me. This was the best thing that happened to me. Sometimes I hate being in classes because I'm always overthinking of what will happen between us. My classwork has never been better. I was as calm as I could be.

I'm completing some of the work that I missed, during the periods that I wasn't in. This was only done in breaks. I didn't want my workload to be heavier. To me this was the best way to go about it, because I wouldn't have to do any homework.

People are banned in this small office until the heat has died down.

My phone was still going off, so I asked a teacher to hide it from me. Thankfully, my phone was put in the reception, and nobody would be able to get in touch with me. I was wishing this treatment could be put in place for the rest of senior year, but that wasn't possible. It would only happen in a dream world.

+++++

The final bell goes off signalling home-time.

I wasn't sure on if I should stay behind five minutes to make sure nobody saw me. But I had no choice, and I had to leave as this space was being used for an afterschool club.

The parking lot was full of excited students ready to relax back at home. Me? Oh no... I was never going to be happy because my mind was running on full speed, trying to figure everything out all at once. I was constantly looking in every direction hoping to be on the lookout. It's quite tiring if you ask me.

Avery's car was so far away. I was guessing that that was the only available spot; so, I wasn't mad at all.

"Pheobe Evans!"

I turn to see Jenna's friends come up to me accompanied with Horan.

"Where have you been all day? Are you okay?" said clone 1, twiddling her blonde hair. "I was trying to message you, and you didn't answer."

My phone was hidden away in my blazer, and out of sight, and grasps from other people. No one was going to steal it off me.

"I wasn't allowed to use it..." I lied, trying to keep my face pokerfaced. "The teachers kept me away from mainstream classes."

"Mainstream classes? So you were in the Behavioural Unit?" continued Clone 1, hoping to get more information, so she could pass it to their 'leader'. "Jenna was worried about you."

Jenna was worried about you translates to she doesn't want you to act hurt and tell on her.

I kept on lying to use it to stand up for myself. "No but I'm not allowed to talk about it to anyone. Please, leave me alone, because my parents want me home early as we must go to dinner."

"Where you eating?" asked Clone 2, mimicking her friends behaviours and acting innocent. "We could meet you there if you wanted to hang out."

"Hang out?" I clarified. "You're asking me to hang out."

"Yeah, we're having a party, and Jenna wanted to make it up to you and invite you."

"Okay... I'll go... if it means you'll leave me alone for good."

"Oh sure!" said Clone 1, taking charge of the conversation, as if she was mad that she was interrupted. "Do you know where Jenna lives?"

It was memorised already by me. "Two streets away from me."

"See you there!"