Weeks passed, and Maddi took care of the birds. The first one that had approached her had been nicknamed Dean Jr. because of his brave and spirited personality. Maddi didn’t even realize that her grades started to go back up again.
February was dawning on Maddi and she was eagerly waiting for a letter from Dean. He told her in the letter that came in January that he had graduated from training and was officially apart of the army. She couldn’t wait to find out what adventures he had begun.
Maddi sat through 8th hour algebra again, scribbling down notes as her teacher talked. Today Maddi was having troubles focusing though. A strong feeling of monachopsis settled in her stomach. Today she heard the whispers even more. The bell rang, but before she could leave, several taller girls blocked her exit.
“Where you going, bookbrain?” The first asked.
“We don’t think that you like it here.” Another added.
“Well, we don’t like you very much.”
They pushed her down, her books went flying and papers scattered like bird feathers. Right now, she wished she had wings. Maddi wanted to fly away from her classmates. The girls and many other bystanders laughed at Maddi.
“You are such a nerd!”
“Look how big her head is! It’s going to fall off!”
“You going to cry baby girl? How about we call your mommy and daddy? Maybe some of your friends-oops, I forgot, you don’t have any!”
Another wave of cruel laughter. Maddi started to collect her books, only to have them kicked across the hall.
“Go fetch, dog.” The tallest girl taunted.
Maddi didn’t move. She contemplated whether she should she continue to try and gather her books, or leave them and run.
“Get up! Do something!” Maddi didn’t.
“I told you to do something!” The girl took a fistful of Maddi’s hair and yanked her to her feet. Maddi cried out in pain.
“Aw, I’m sorry. Did that hurt?” Her head was jerked to the side.
“No wonder, your brother wanted to leave so bad. You are the weakest and worst sister ever!”
Her words started to sting, Maddi kept quiet.
“What is going on here!” A deep voice boomed. Eighth graders scattered in fear as the principal, stomped toward the scene.
Maddi’s tormentors also fled. Then Mr. Capric stooped over and gathered Maddi’s books for her. He handed them to her with an apologetic look.
“Thank you.” She mumbled and watched as he walked away.