48.

After a week, I find myself struggling to escape the trap of two big guys. Bloody Frank and Bully Theo. Just like my friends used to call them before.

"Hey drama queen! You going to cry over another story of yours?" one of them asks and I stop in my tracks to the class, terrified.

I stare at the ground, too startled to give them a reply.

"Let me see the book you are reading. Ah Harry Potter? What are you, seven year old whining school girl, uh?

I try my level best to turn around, because I don't want a bully's glare to add onto my concerns. I start to walk away, ignoring the both of them, when they come in front of me.

"Where are you running away to? Heard your parents aren't around? Too alone or what?" Theo winks at me. I feel my legs shivering. I clench my fists tightly under my half cloak.

I keep looking down.

"Are you deaf?" he asks again, as he shoves a punch at my shoulder. That takes me by surprise. In an instant, I look into his eyes and I know he has seen how vulnerable I am.

He inches closer to me, but I back away, until I hit the wall. More students are crowding around now, but none of them cares enough to stop them.

"Would you like me to come over and give you company?" One of them asks again, standing in close proximity. I shove him away from my body and try to run away.

I can hear sniggers behind me. I do not wipe my tears away, I just sprint down the stairs. It takes me ages to reach a deserted corridor, but as soon as I reach one, I slump on the floor, too exhausted to run.

I sit there and cry.