Chapter - 3 Fight back

They took the bus and went home.

When Autumn reached home she saw something unexpected. Alex was happy after he was back from the school.... maybe because no one knew that Autumn was his elder sister so no one bullied him. He was smiling brightly which was a rare sight for Autumn. She was happy to see Alex this way.

But the reason for his happiness was something else this time.

"Mom, Dad I want to tell you something." Alex said full of joy.

It was obvious by his voice that he was too excited. It has been such a long time since he was this happy. Seeing him this happy their parents were overflowing with joy.

"What is it, Alex?" Father asked with a smile.

"Well, because I had highest marks in the class ever since I joined the school so..... I was made the Monitor and my name was given to the students council as a recommended member." Alex announced.

He was overflowing with joy because all he ever wanted was a normal life and great achievements. According to Alex, Autumn was the only flaw in his life which is why he never refuted when his mother introduced Autumn as their adopted daughter. Autumn was aware of this fact still she couldn't bring herself to confront her parents.

"Congratulations my son!" Mom and Dad said excitedly.

"Autumn, go to the convenience store and bring your brother's favourite chocolate." Mom said.

Autumn was happy for Alex but the way her family was ignoring her, she felt.... Lonely and left out.... She thought maybe she is not needed and welcomed there at that time.

"No! I'll go and bring it myself... Who knows what bad luck would befall me if I have something that she has touched." Alex shouted.

"Alex, you shouldn't be like this to your sister... Today is your happy day don't spoil your mood, okay?" Mom said.

"... Fine, but I'll bring it myself." Alex said.

He left. Mother tried to soothe Autumn.

"Autumn... Alex didn't mean any harm.... you know that right... He just can't stomach all that has happened in the past.. That's why he is so cold towards you... So understand him and give him sometime.... he will definitely open up to you..." Mom said.

"No need to make a fuss... It's his day today so bear with it, Okay? Autumn." Dad said.

Their tone made it clear that they don't want to correct Alex. She felt unwanted and started to feel chocked up.

She didn't said anything. She just nodded with a smile. She left and went straight to her room.

" When I'm not even wanted in their happy moment, then I should leave them to enjoy their happiness." Autumn said with tears rolling down her eyes.

She buried her head in the pillow and cried. No one knew what she was facing neither were they interested in it.

The next day at school, something was weird.

As Autumn walked inside the school everyone began to whisper something. Although she faced this often she was disturbed by their looks.

'What's wrong with them? Why are they staring at me? Does Christy know something about this? Maybe I should ask her...' Autumn thought.

"Umm... Christy, don't you think something is strange? Do you know what's going on?" Autumn asked.

"No, but maybe there will be something on the school forum." Christy said as she took out her mobile.

Autumn also took out her mobile to look in the forum.

She was shocked to see the forum. It was filled with all sort of rumours about Autumn.

Autumn became angry and upset but she didn't react to it.

..... *The school forum*...

" You know what I came across... That albinos are cursed."

"Well, I hear they are retarded."

"Is it true that it is contagious."

"I heard that they have magic powers and can see future.... Maybe that's why she is always a straight A student."

"They live short... Does that means that she will die young."

"Well, maybe she is a vampire because she always hides aways from the sun and her eyes are kinda mysterious."

It was filled with all sorts of myths and rumours saying they should avoid any contact possible from her.

Christy also thought that they were true. She stepped away from Autumn a bit.

" Ummm..... Autumn, I - I need to go to the restroom first.. You go to the classroom, I'll be there in a bit, Okay?" Christy said.

Autumn realised that Christy also believes in those rumours. She nodded. As Christy was leaving Autumn turned back, she looked at Christy with disappointed eyes. Autumn opened her mouth....

"Christy, I hope you are not that dumb to believe these sort of things... You also know about my condition, right.... You know more than enough about science than these people here, right?" Autumn said in a little cold voice.

"Then.... I'll see you in the class". Autumn said as she turned around.

"A-Autumn... It's not like that... I just really need to go to the restroom.. That's it." Christy said trying to cover up.

Autumn just nodded and left.

She pretended to be brave when she was completely shattered inside. She was sad and lonely with no one to rely on. She bucked up and went straight to the classroom.

As she entered, people started mocking her and sneering at her. She ignored it all.

As she was sitting down the boy who use to sit just behind her, kicked her chair and Autumn fell down.

Everyone started laughing. Autumn was finally at her limit and she just snapped, she stood up and turned around with a menacing look. Everyone became silent. They didn't expected her to fight back.

"You think it's funny, huh? How dare you! Did you forget that I'm much more stronger than you, you pig head." Autumn said in a really cold voice.

She held him by his collar and raised a punch but instead of hitting him on his face she punched him in the stomach and he fell down, gasping and trying to breath... He was trembling.

It was clear by his face that the hit was quite strong. Everyone was stunned after seeing Autumn loose her calm and hiting someone. This was the first time Autumn reacted this way ever since she came to this school. Many students played dirty pranks on her but she never reacted this way....

"That's the place you belong to.... On the ground...you dirty pig head... I don't care what you say or do behind my back but I dare you to confront me and try pulling something funny on my face... I'll show you what I've got!" Autumn announced as she glared at the students.

Everyone who was standing outside of the class witnessed this including Christy. She got scared and obediently went straight to her seat.

It was just a matter of time that the rumours about Autumn beating up a guy spread like wildfire.

It was the lunch period and Autumn and Christy went to the cafeteria. Everyone avoided Autumn not because of the school forum but because they were afraid she will beat them too.

'Haaaa..... I shouldn't have done that... I didn't knew I had it in me to hit someone and get so angry..... Now, I feel like I'm changed.... I feel like I've become capable of wearing a fake mask.....' Autumn thought.

Alex was also in the cafeteria. The cafeteria for both Ressa elementary and Rihita high was same because both the school were in the same campus ground. He knew what happened to Autumn. He knew that since the very first day in this school, Autumn was treated harshly but he never approached Autumn neither did he tried to support her... He was a bit disturbed but he didn't said anything because he didn't wanted to mess up his perfect and spotless happy life.

Time went by and the rumours seemed to have been subdued. Soon it was the sports carnival in the school. Autumn as usual didn't enrolled in any outdoor activities. She just sat in the shade with lots and lots of sunscreen.

Miss. Gu, the homeroom teacher was also participating in different sports. But she didn't looked fine.

Autumn noticed that she was looking tired for some reasons. Autumn wanted to make sure that she was fine.

"Miss. Gu, Are you alright? You don't look to good." Autumn asked in a worried tone.

She was the only teacher who didn't treat Autumn any differently. She was nice and gentle towards Autumn.

"Oh.. Yes, Autumn I'm fine. Don't worry. I just didn't have my breakfast.." Miss. Gu said trying to assure Autumn.

"Should I bringing something for you to eat?" Autumn asked.

"No, no it's fine... I have to go and get ready for the race... If I eat something then my stomach will hurt." Miss. Gu said.

Autumn was still worried but she didn't say anything and just nodded with a smile.

Miss. Gu participated in many races and won few and lost few.

But as she came to rest in the shade and get ready for her last race she was panting like crazy.... and she was trembling. Autumn ran towards her. Miss. Gu was asking for water and no one had a water bottle with them. Autumn thought she was having a heat stroke she rushed to Miss. Gu.... Autumn offered her water bottle to Miss. Gu... Everyone thought Miss. Gu would reject her bottle but to everyone's surprise Miss. Gu took the bottle without any hesitation.

Everyone was shocked to see Miss.Gu drinking Autumn's water.

The shocking scene soon turned into quite unexpected yet expected scene.

Everyone was astonished to see that and began whispering.

"We knew this was gonna happen.." Someone said.

Autumn didn't paid any attention to it because her hands were already full with something more serious....