The morning felt suffocating to Emma as she walked through the school gates, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. She could feel the stares of her classmates as they passed by, their whispers following her like a shadow. The news of her sister's death was still fresh, and Emma could feel the ripple of sympathy and pity that the other students directed her way. But it was all fake, just like the family that had abandoned Lily. No one knew the truth, no one cared to ask, and Emma felt like the world was slowly suffocating her.
She pulled her jacket tighter around her shoulders, trying to block out the coldness that had settled inside her chest. Her steps were slow, almost reluctant, as she made her way to the cafeteria. Emma wasn't popular. She wasn't part of any crowd. She was a loner, always keeping to herself, buried in her thoughts and doodles. She had no choice but to endure the silence of being on the outside, the one that no one cared to truly understand, as she eventlessly attended her classes for the day.
When she entered the cafeteria, she sat down at her usual spot by the window. The room was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clatter of trays. But Emma felt like she was in a different world, one where she was invisible. She had always been quiet, but now, it was as if she was actively being ignored.
Her step sisters, Ava and Alexis, were the school's queen bees — the center of attention, always surrounded by their clique. They sat at a table surrounded by friends, laughing and gossiping. Emma could see them glancing over at her from across the room, their eyes flicking to her and then back to each other, exchanging smirks. She could feel their disdain, even from a distance.
Emma sighed and pulled out her notebook, flipping it open to a page filled with sketches. She had been working on a design for her prom dress, something she had been dreaming about for years. It was a dark gothic dress, with flowing layers of black fabric and intricate lace details — a vision of beauty that made her feel like she could escape her reality for just a moment.
Her pencil moved across the page, sketching the flowing lines of the dress, the delicate lacework, the sharp lines that made it unique. It was her escape, her small piece of happiness in a world that felt too cruel. But as she sketched, she felt the stare of someone on her, and when she looked up, she found Ava and Alexis standing over her, their faces twisted in mocking smiles.
"Well, well, well," Ava said with a sneer, her blonde hair falling perfectly around her shoulders. "Look who's too good to talk to us now. What, drawing your little fantasy dress? How pathetic."
Emma tried to ignore them, but she could feel the anger rising in her chest. She had always been the quiet one, the one who kept to herself. But today, something in her snapped. She wasn't going to be the punching bag anymore. She wasn't going to let them walk all over her.
"Leave me alone, Ava," Emma said, her voice tight. "I'm not interested in your games."
Alexis, standing beside her twin, laughed cruelly. "Oh, what's this? The little orphan thinks she's too good for us now?" she mocked, her voice dripping with condescension.
Emma stood up, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm not your punching bag, Alexis. Just because you don't have a life of your own doesn't mean you can ruin mine."
At that, the twins' expressions darkened. Ava's eyes narrowed, and Alexis stepped forward with a malicious grin.
"You want to stand up to us? You think you can talk back to us?" Ava's voice was sharp, like a knife. "You'll regret that."
Before Emma could react, the twins lunged at her. They shoved her back into the table, knocking her sketchbook to the floor, and the next thing Emma knew, they were both pulling at her hair, slapping her face, and pushing her to the ground.
"Pathetic little *loser*," Alexis hissed, her nails digging into Emma's arms as she held her down.
Ava kicked her in the stomach, the air rushing out of Emma's lungs in a painful gasp. Tears welled up in Emma's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She was tired of being weak, tired of letting them take everything from her. She struggled, trying to break free, but the twins were relentless.
Just as she was beginning to lose hope, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the cafeteria. Emma's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up through her tear-streaked vision to see a tall figure standing in the doorway.
It was Xander Hawke, one of the school kings. He stood with his arms crossed, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room with a look of disdain. Behind him were Lysander and Caspian, their expressions just as cold. They were dressed in casual but sharp clothing, their presence immediately demanding attention.
"Let her go!" Caspian's voice rang out like a command, and the entire cafeteria seemed to freeze.
Ava and Alexis, momentarily taken aback by the sudden appearance of the Hawkes, hesitated, their hands still gripping Emma's hair. But Caspian's intimidating presence was enough to make them release their grip. They stepped back, eyes wide with surprise and fear.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Ava spat, trying to recover her composure, but the edge in her voice betrayed her nerves.
"We don't have time for your drama," Lysander said, his tone flippant, though his gaze was sharp. "You've made your point. Now get lost."
Xander, standing beside him, added in his usual calm but authoritative manner, "I suggest you walk away before things get worse."
The twins exchanged a quick glance, but it was clear they weren't about to challenge the Hawkes. With one last glare at Emma, they turned on their heels and stormed out of the cafeteria, leaving a stunned silence in their wake.
Cassanda then stepped hurried, offering a hand to Emma. She hesitated for a moment, still shaken from the attack, but then she took it, allowing the blonde to help her up.
"You okay?" Cassandra asked, her voice low but concerned.
Emma nodded, brushing the dirt and hair from her clothes. "I'm fine," she muttered, though her heart was still racing. She didn't know how to feel — grateful for the Hawkes' intervention or angry that she had to be saved by them.
"Good," Caspian said, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "Just remember, you don't have to deal with them alone. You've got people who can back you up now."
Lysander, always the one to lighten the mood, added with a grin, "And trust us, we're not the kind of people you want to mess with."
Emma couldn't help but let out a small laugh, her heart swelling with gratitude. Despite everything, she felt a tiny spark of hope that she wasn't going to be alone anymore.