MIRABELIn an empty class, I hid under a desk, crying in pains.My arms wrapped around my legs, with my face buried down.The humiliation was too much to bear. I couldn't take it anymore."God, I'm tired of this. I'm tired of this life. I can't take it any longer. Just help me out of this, I beg of you, " I cried.I was trying my best to stop this stream of tears from flowing out any more, but the faces and echoes of all that mocked me, wouldn't go.And this is all because of Derek. The one I always looked up to when our parents haven't met or announced their relationship to us.Then, when he was just my crush, my life was still okay. I could still stand the bullying from Tania and her friends, but after learning we're going to be step siblings, Derek has made my life a living hell.Now everyone wants to bully me. Everyone hates me."I'm a loser. A nobody. I'm useless.""No you're not " I heard

MIRABEL"Let's just go. No need to meet him, please, " I pleaded with Antonio, making an attempt to leave.Still, Antonio wouldn't listen to me. He held my hand tight, pulling me close."We are going to see Derek. I won't take no for an answer," He stamped, pulling me along.I trembled, unable to argue with Antonio over this. His eyes were filled with determination as he forced our path open, pulling me through the crowds.I just followed him from behind, feeling my heart pounding over his decision.Oh heavens! We're going to see Derek! Successfully, Antonio and I got into the gym, looking for Derek. We only saw the others going head to head with a basketball, but Derek wasn't with them.His absence gave me a sudden peace, making me believe that he wasn't here."Seems everyone just want to watch the guys only, " I assumed, about to get Antonio to forget about seeing Derek.

MIRABEL"What?" Mr Hallman uttered in shock.Derek got to his feet to check the paper in his father's hand, while Mr Hallman drew closer to me, pulling me near."Who's after you? Tell me, " He requested, helping me to one of the seats.I tried to control my fear, telling him about Tania and how she always bullied me at school."An incident occurred off recent between her and her Derek, and now she's trying to get her hands on me. She wants to punish me, " I cried.Mr Hallman was stunned.I saw him directing his gaze at Derek, who didn't even look concern one bit."So she's planning to attack you because of Derek?" He asked me.Before I could nod, Derek sparked out."Quit using me as an excuse. Tania isn't coming after you for anything. You're just exaggerating," He sparked, getting angry.Mr Hallman called his name in a strong voice, ordering him to be shut. "No, I won't. You

DEREKThe red light to the emergency room was still on.I was pacing outside, desperate to know when all these would be over. It has been an hour already, and no one has stepped out to speak to me.Is it that serious?What am I saying? The bruises and the blood I saw with my eyes, wasn't that enough to show that Mirabel was attacked brutally?"Pull yourself together!" I groaned, finding it hard to control my shivering body.I've been restless since Mirabel was taken into the emergency room. Her bloody swollen face, stamped in my head, gave me no chance to find peace.She's the only one my mind.I can't help it.Antonio's apology from the ambulance, echoed in my head, filling me with regret.I came to a stop, leaning against the wall, thinking about those times she tried to talk to me, but all I did was attack her for meddling in my life.Her tears from that night, when she pointed the

DEREK"What is happening?Father returned with the cops, looking raged over something.He was fuming in anger, letting out curse words while stamping his feet in rage."Why?!" He yelled, grabbing his hair in frustration.From the look of things, it was clear that something had happened at the college.I was close to the entrance of the hospital when I saw him storm inside, with the cops calling out to him from behind."Mr Hallman, listen.""No, I won't! You can't just take what they said despite what you were told. You should have arrested that girl! " He roared, getting attentions on him."What's going on?" I muttered, stepping closer to listen to their conversation.Father's eyes had spotted me, but he just ignored my presence, still arguing with the cops."That young man told you who the culprit was and you didn't do anything. I can't believe you guys!""Mr Hallman, you heard what the school said themselves. It's not like you weren't there, " One of the cops said, trying to get fat