1 ~ Chapter One ~

My brother Mike had told me that, when I was in college, my bullying would change, and clearly it did, now it was worse.

At 18 years old, I refused to accept the fact that I was like that, I told myself that the universe didn't want me, since I was born with nothing special, and at my age, being short gave me problems.

I exercised a lot to grow, at least a few centimeters... Just a few centimeters and that was it.

Besides, that wasn't the problem, I had two brothers, one is called David, he's 35 and works in London as an executive. Then there is Mike, both have my mother's eyes, green with little blue details, they were my father's height, I was maybe adopted, I wasn't tall and my eyes were lacking a nice color, but, I was thankful we didn't go out with the attitude of our now absent parents, the same ones have a restraining order since 5 years ago, when my now tutor had his 18 years well turned, he prepared a simple backpack and... I remember when he woke me up, he carried me on his back and my 13 years made me hold on tight, as I was quite scared listening to dad throwing some glass bottles against our door, shouting and screaming unintelligible things, he told me to cry quietly and calm down, we went out, he with his head held high did not even dare to argue, my little brother took a gun out of his pocket and pointed it at them. That's how we left that house.

I still feel how he sang me a sweet song at 5 o'clock in the morning surrounded by a sepulchral silence.

He walked to the police station, and started the report, he just wanted to wait until he was the right age to take custody of me and not be left on the street.

We were now living in an apartment that we both paid for.

I was working as a kitchen helper, since I was 16 I had been pretty good, and at the same time I was studying, I could offer a lot to my job.

High school had not been a great difficulty for me, but my classmates were. I didn't like to go into details of how one day they cut my hair, it took so long to grow. Or the time they threw my things into the lake less than half a kilometer away from the school, my legs hurt so much that afternoon that I had to run to get my things.

And there was nothing I could do about it, since it was the only school in the area from which I had obtained a scholarship.

Although the teachers were nice, they answered my questions very well, time and time again I had stayed after school, just to have my questions answered, I had no complaints.

My scholarship from Preston High School was a lifesaver. The truth was that I was very grateful to the principal, who liked me for the simple fact that, according to him, he had a good feeling about me.

It would be nice, school in general, if it weren't for those evil people.

I didn't like getting up early, preferring to do it at like 9am, but 5:30? Pfff.

My brother was going to work at that time, he was a systems analyst, so I didn't have to work much. Clearly, he only did it on Mondays, then he would go to college with me, he was in the third and last year of the career he had chosen, it was a simple branch of this that provided him with more education to continue working and become more expert. At the same time, I was in the first year, I wanted to understand that it would be easy for me as he would help me with the projects.

─ Smurfette wake up─ I complained and pushed him a little─ I'm going to throw ice water on you-he warned─.

It was a lie, he always said it, but the first few times I had been really scared.

─ shut up─ it sounded more like I was begging him than an order──.

─ today I'll come and pick you up from the institution how about it? ─ I opened my eyes and looked at him, I laughed because of a cut he had on his face, he was sitting next to me, he and I slept in the same room, but not in the same bed, it was a challenge, but we couldn't pay more.

─ did you shave? ─ he touched himself and grimaced from the pain.

─ this wouldn't happen if you let me leave it like Dumbledore─ I laughed, he denied accusingly.

─ go away now and make me breakfast, slave! ─ he grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me.

─ I made it for you yesterday smurfette!

─ shut up servant! ─ he uncovered me and put me on his shoulder, I slapped him on the back with restrained laughter.

─ the woman makes food for the male! ─ he put me in front of him refrigerator ─ come on!

─ I'm tired─ I looked at him with puppy dog eyes.

─ well, only because you look at me like that, otherwise I wouldn't do anything to you─ I laughed and hugged him.

─ can I stay? ─ he denied removing his smile, he sighed, I separated a little─ please ─ I put my hands together─ I don't like it, and you know very well that I have all the classes ahead─ he rubbed his face─ I don't want them to go on, you haven't suffered what I suffer because you are tall and strong─ he laughed a little─ please─ I begged─ just one day─ he denied─ it's not fair.

─ we'll make a deal remember Luke, the one with half his body tattooed? ─ I laughed trying to hide my face─ I'll tell him to keep an eye out for you today, and to beat up anyone who bothers you─ I smiled denying.

─ no need, I'll make the effort and breakfast─ she patted me on the back.

─ that's my sister smurf─ I slapped him on the arm ─ ouch! ─ I laughed─