own with full force. She hid her face in her arms, her thin body shaking. She took short, uneven breaths as quiet sobs wracked through her. Tears flowed freely, hot and sharp, running

fford another pair, not by tomorrow. And she knew the school wouldn't make an exception for someone like her. Rules were rules. They were strict, unbending, and made for st

of her low place in the school. And now all Elara could do was sit there, stuck in her own helplessness. She had to pull herself together. The next class was about to start. Forcing herself

r, combing through the strands and tucking them neatly behind her ears. By the time the first students started coming int

desk, just waiting for the time to pass without anyone noticing her. The teacher didn't call on her. He barely even looked her way. Damien never came back to class. Not that she wan

he time the teacher left, students rushed to pack their things, eager to leave. She stayed seated, waiting until the room was completely empty. Then she stood up and moved

loor. The thought of walking home like this made her stomach churn, but she had no choice. The school bus was out of the question. She wouldn't be allowed on board without a

aw her. Elara slowly moved forward, her back straight, her head slightly bent as she walked through the crowd of students. They were all looking at her as she passed – some laughing,

lass and style than anyone else he had seen so far. When he saw her get off the bus this morning, she looked like she came from a rich family, from the way she talked and held hers

home," he said calmly. She stumbled, her eyes wide with shock. How did he even know her name

led her towards the car. Her body became stiff in his grip, as if she wanted to fight him, but a

space. Elara sat stiffly, her arms on her thighs, her eyes fixed on the buildings and trees passing by outside the w

nk, and handed her some simple slip-on shoes to wear. "Where are we going?" she asked, but he gave her a look tha

further into the store. "Choose any shoe that you want," Damien ordered Elara. She was a bit unsure, but his eyes spoke louder than his mouth, and she felt forced to walk fo

an. "Those ones," he said, pointing to the shoes Elara had looked at, "we'll take five pairs." Elara was shocked; the saleswoman also seemed surprised b

other direction," she said in a low voice. She had noticed that he got upset very quickly and didn't want to risk being thrown out of the car like a

to get out, but she stayed seated in the car. "Are you coming or not?" He had opened her door, and she nervously got out. The hotel doors loomed ahead, the gol

ven now, in the soft lighting, he looked almost unreal. Her small hand felt tiny, like a baby's, in his much larger one. A waiter appeared and led them to a table. This

ter," he replied. Then she turned to Elara. "What about your girlfriend?

listen as the waitress quickly apologized. The waitress then appro

nervously. If Damien was ordering water, she would do the

d. Elara immediately picked up the menu and started looking, hop

a matcha latte..." she said, soundi

beauty says it all... Anyway, I'll be right back with you