Chapter 42

Mirabelle pulled Steve into a tight hug, relieved that the ordeal with Rita was over. She knew that it was going to take some time for Steveto fully recover from the bullying, but she was determined to be there for him every step of the way.

Mirabelle: "You did great, Steve. I'm proud of you for standing up to Rita and telling me what was going on.Now, why don't you go to your room for a little while, and let Maria and me handle everything else?"

Steve nodded, still feeling a little shaken up by the encounter with Rita. He quietly headed to his room, feeling drained and exhausted.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Maria stepped forward and hugged Mirabelle tightly.

Maria: "You did well, Mirabelle. I know it wasn't easy to hit her, but sometimes people like that need to be shown that they can't get away with everything."

Mirabelle nodded, feeling grateful for Maria's support. She knew that she had done the right thing, but it still felt good to hear someone else say it.

Mirabelle: "Tha