CHAPTER 2

I got through most of my morning just fine . My brothers were older so they were in other classes.

The bell rung, signalling the start of lunch, the most feared time of the day . I kept my gaze firmly to the floor; I didn't want to see all the dirty looks that students threw my way .

I asked Adam to let me bring my own lunch to school, but he instantly refused . He told me that I needed to socialize more, and make friends.

Whatever happens at school remains a secret from Adam. He worries enough about me as it is. I don't want to add to his list.

I contemplated skipping lunch but my stomach was arguing with my brain . I was really really hungry .

I pushed open the cafeteria doors as quietly as I could. Students were scattered everywhere, talking, laughing, making whatever noise they could before classes starts again.

Jayson and Jayden were on the other side of the cafeteria. They were too preoccupied with their friends to notice me.

I pulled my hair to cover my face as I went to join the line . It didn't take long for me to get to the front of the line; all the while I was nervously glancing at my brothers, hoping that they don't look in my direction.

I got my food and started walking casually to the door. I was almost free when I looked back at my brother's table. My breath increased when Jayson's eyes met mine. A cruel smile played on his lips. He nudged Jayden and gestured in my direction. I picked up my pace. I was almost out of the door when my hand, that was holding the tray of food, was grabbed. I was pulled back into the cafeteria, Causing the tray to fall to the floor with a loud crash.

"Where do you think you're going ?" Jayson' s grip was painful on my arm.

Everyone's eyes were on us now. The thought of so many people watching me nearly made me hyperventilate right there.

"Look, your food fell . Maybe we should give you some of ours . " Jayden said, faking politeness.

I didn't know what he meant until something soft and wet hit the side of my face. Jayson and Jayden's friends started throwing food at me, until the rest of the cafeteria followed.

I cried out when something got into my eyes and it started to burn . I wasn't far from the door, I tried to turn around but something hard knocked me off of my feet . I landed on my back, the air was knocked out of my lungs.

I managed to get back up and rushed out of the cafeteria, successfully dodging other hard objects that were thrown at me.

I didn't get far before I collapsed in a sobbing, shaking heap.

"Lia?"

I recognized that voice as Drew . He was good friends with my brothers, he wasn't like the rest of them. He was always nice to me and wasn't afraid to stand up to my brothers.

He crouched down in front of me; he was saying something but I couldn't focus. My eyes were slowly drooping, until I eventually lost consciousness.