Before Grace could say anything the school bell started to ring signifying that recess was over. Hearing the bell, the teacher releases Grace reluctantly as, she called the students to go back to the classroom. "Okay everyone recess is over get in a single file line so we can return to the classroom! Grace why don't you be the line leader okay!?" The teacher said dragging her away from Juno. Left alone Juno walks to the back of the line. Another student walk up behind Juno, cutting infront of her as if she didn't exist. 'It's okay... I'm use to this... That girl was nice but it's probably better if she stays away...' Juno thinks being pushed further and further to the back of the line.
It didn't take long for the students to get in line. The teacher quickly started to call everyone's name making sure everyone was there. After about 3 minutes they began to return to class.
There was a rule that you couldn't talk in the line and Juno felt safe during these small trips. She knew the teacher had the authority and responsibility to enforce the rules. This realization made the line her sanctuary. Creating a small period of time when she wouldn't be harrassed or bullied truly putting her mind at ease. She could just be in her own world and not worry about anyone. It was truly her safe zone even if it never lasted long...
Not one person made a sound making the process quick and easy. They returned to the classroom quickly and everyone returned to their seats. Juno sat at the back of the class with her wobbly desk. The desk looked like everyone else's desk but it was short and lopsided. From far away the paint even seemed normal but the desk was peeling off and covered in doodles. At the end of class your desk was expected to be clean just like how you found it. The teacher would check them at the end of the day, so no one would draw on their own desk. Sadly for Juno whenever class started her desk mate's would, take sharpies or markers and, scribble on her desk knowing she wouldn't retaliate. Quietly she would watch them wrecker her belongings... Everyday was the same routine for her...
The class continued like that until the end of the day. The teacher went around the room inspecting everyone school supplies. "I see Juno was drawing on her desk again..." The teacher said loudly enough for the entire class to hear. "Well I guess you will just have to stay after class... again... and clean up your mess... Honestly Juno this is happening to frequently. I expected your parents to teach you better. Well I will see you after class..." The teacher said with a small glare as she looked away and inspected the next child's belongings.
About half an hour passed and class was over everyone gathered there belonging and left... Except Juno... Left alone with only a rag and cleaning spray she began to clean her desk. This wasn't the first time and she knew it wouldn't be the last. While everyone was leaving with their parents she knew hers probably wouldn't even show up...
"Hey. So you're still cleaning? The teacher is bothering my dad right now so I let daddy deal with her." Grace said walking into the classroom. Juno looks up timidly as their eyes meet for a split second and she lowered her head quickly. She continued to clean not saying anything even speeding up a little becoming more flustered. "I guess you're the shy type? Well I guess I could have guess that earlier. You really don't talk much do you?" She asked sighing as she walks over grabbing a rag and a bottle and started helping Juno clean. "sheesh you really get pushed around to much! Don't think I didn't notice those kids drawing on your desk!" She says raising her voice with a slight glare as she scrubs the desk more.
"Y-y-you're t-that girl..." She whispers stumbling on her words. Unable to continue speaking she starts to wipe her desk with more focus. "Oh~ Talking to me now? heheh! Well I'm glad to see it! That teacher really annoys me. Its obvious she sees you getting bullied!" She says raising her voice a bit in anger. "She keeps bringing up my dad too. I wonder why? It's weird she asked me about my mom yesterday. My mom's the best though! Shes so nice!!! Her and dad are always to lovey dovey though... Its gross!" She rambled on before bursting out laughing. "Um..." Juno made a small voice while shrinking back. "Oh sorry! I didn't mean to freak you out. I'm just a chatterbox, well that's what my parents say at least." Grace says with a bright smile as she talks about her family. "I-I think you're nice too... like how you said your mom is..." Juno says blushing while looking down at the desk. Grace's eyes dilate slightly as she stares at Juno.
"Thank you... I really want to be like my mom... Shes really my hero. You have a really pretty voice you know! You should talk more often." Grace says with a bright smile showing her two dimples. Laughing she playfully hit juno with the towel. "You should really lighten up Juno! How about from now on I help you out! I might not be able to do much but I can definitely keep those brats from hitting you!" Grace says with a playful wink. "I-I... Thank you..." Juno says with a weak smile as her sad eyes start to twinkle just a little. 'I can't believe she knows my name...' Juno thinks smiling unconsciously.
Grace and Juno continued to clean getting rid of the doodles while talking. They grew closer and played around until Grace's dad came to get her from the classroom. "Daddy!!!" Grace Exclaimed excitedly running up to him and giving him a big hug. "Oh!!! My little pumpkin! How was school!? Did you have fun today?" He asked picking her up and kissing her cheek. "Of course I did dad! See her I talked to her today! Shes my best friend now!!!" Grace said pointing over to Juno with sparkling eyes. "Oh my little princess made a new friend? well that's good to hear. What's your name little lady?" He said putting Grace down and asking Juno. "I-I... My names Juno..! Grace's dad." She said politely but avoided his gaze. "I see shes a shy one. Wheres your parents miss Juno? Shouldn't they be here to pick you up by now?" He asked gently.
"Speaking of late what took so long with miss poopy head?" Grace asked with a slight glare at her dad. "Poopy head? Grace you shouldn't call your teacher that." He said with grin as he pinched Grace's cheek. "Mommy said that bitch should stay away from you. When I said it she said I couldn't say that but I could call her a poopy head. If mommy said it then she must be no good!" Grace said puffing out her cheeks in a pout. "Grace! ah... of course your mommy is always right but please don't call your teacher that in school okay?" He said with a slightly firm voice. "Going back to my question earlier are you okay little miss Juno? Where are your parents to pick you up?" He inquired once again. "M-My parents... They won't be here anytime soon... My grandma comes to get me around 5:30..." Juno said in a whisper just loud enough to hear. "Then your Grandma is coming to get you?" He asked "Y-Yeah..." She said looking at the ground slightly trembling.
"Okay well me and Grace are going to leave soon." He said with a smile taking out a paper and pen; noticing the hesitance in her eyes. After a few seconds he hands the paper to Juno. "This is my number. You're young so ask an adult before calling but me and Grace can help you if you need anything." He said with a gentle smile. Picking up Grace he leaves the classroom. Not much longer, after they left, a teacher came to get Juno. Leading her to the office she sat Juno down having her wait to be picked up.