Paisley was pacing back and forth in the small room she occupied in her Aunt Caroline's place. Her mother has tossed her out of their house when she knew what shame she has been giving her. By shame, she meant people bullying her. Instead of fighting for her own flesh and blood, she was just ashamed to know that her daughter was being bullied.
Paisley never really understood her mother but thank the heavens because her sister was the complete opposite of her. They were kind and caring. Always soft when talking, listens to her carefully and they would help her a lot. She had been traumatized from all the bullying that she had experienced, who wouldn't? People would shove her around, some girls would hurt her physically although it never left a visible scar, boys would make fun of her and there was just a lot of shame and pain.
"Paisley, come down now, honey. Dinner is ready," Her Aunt Caroline softly said from the first floor of their house.
"Yes, Aunt Caroline," Paisley replied.
She took a deep breath to calm the erratic beating of her heart and the anxiety of facing another person down.
The house that her Aunt Caroline had was really small compared to the house she used to live in with her mother. The first floor was just composed of a living room and a kitchen. The upper floor was composed of three small rooms and a small common bathroom that they all had to share.
Money was a problem for her Aunt and her family. Her Aunt is a small baker who usually doesn't have any customers and her Uncle Reynold was sick and is not able to work for his family. Their only son, Vince, was the only one supporting them. He is a construction worker who is also a part-timer in a local diner where people usually come to eat.
"Are you ready for school tomorrow?" Her Aunt asked her in the middle of their dinner.
"I-i'm not sure," Paisley replied with her head bent down low, not meeting their eyes.
"You have to be strong, Paisley. Not everyone is as bad as them. Remember that they are miles away from you now. They won't come for you. You're safe." Her Uncle assured her.
She looked up and gave them a smile.
"I'll try," She said with a little smile tugged on her lips.
For their kindness and for their sake, she would try to be strong. They were all that she has now and she would do everything in her will not to lose them.