Chapter 10

Laughter echoed loudly through the bustling hallway as a large girl walked past clusters of students talking and whispering among one another. Despite the chatter surrounding her, the girl kept her head down, minding her own business and simply trying to make her way to her next class. Suddenly, without warning, something with full force slammed into her back. The impact sent her stumbling forward, causing the books she had clutched in her hands to fly from her grip and scatter across the floor.

"Oh my, looks like I ran into a pig!" Came a girl's voice, shrill with mockery and disdain.

"I thought this was a high school, not a farm!" Another girl chimed in, her laughter ringing out like a bell. The hallway erupted in a chorus of giggles and snickers as onlookers turned to witness the scene unfolding.

"Let's go, girls. The stench will rub off on us." One final girl from the trio spoke, her tone dripping with disdain before they all took off, trailing laughter behind them like a cruel melody. With their departure, the girl was left alone, her heart aching as she knelt on the floor to begin picking up the scattered books. Each one felt like a reminder of the humiliation she had just endured, and she fought to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.

Just as she gathered her thoughts, a voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you alright?" A hand extended toward her, holding out a book as if it were a lifeline. It forced her head up, and she met the gaze of a young man who was crouching down in front of her, concern etched across his face. His kindness was a stark contrast to the harshness she had just experienced, offering a glimmer of hope in her otherwise disheartening day.

"Thank you, Liam." The book was gently taken from him, and as she glanced up, she appeared embarrassed upon catching sight of his warm smile. For a fleeting moment, their eyes locked, and she felt a flutter of something akin to hope.

"Those girls need a good slap." He said with a hint of frustration, referring to the group of girls who had been taunting her just moments earlier. A younger Liam had helped pick up the books and papers scattered across the floor, displaying an earnest kindness that made her heart race. The girl giggled, lowering her head in a mix of shyness and relief. "You know you can also stand up for yourself." He encouraged with genuine concern, his voice steady as the pair began walking down the hallway together, the echoes of their footsteps bouncing off the walls.

"But it would make things worse." She muttered softly, uncertainty lacing her words. She had always been the type to avoid confrontation, preferring to retreat into her own thoughts than face the harshness of the world. It was easier, in her mind, to let things slide than to stir the pot. Yet, deep down, she knew that avoidance was not a long-term solution.

"Then call on me anytime." Liam said, his tone reassuring, a promise of support that made her feel a little braver. Just then, he spotted a couple of his friends down the hall, their laughter drawing his attention. "Sorry, I have to go," he said, his expression shifting but still warm.

"Alright, see you." She replied, managing a wave as he began walking toward his friends, her heart sinking slightly at the thought of their separation. The girl stood frozen for a moment, watching the boy who she had a crush on, knowing nothing of the impact he had on her life. As he blended into the throng of his friends, she felt a mix of admiration and longing, thinking about how someone could be so effortlessly kind while she struggled just to find her voice. In that moment, she realized perhaps it was time to start believing in herself, to harness the courage Liam seemed to effortlessly exude.

Time didn't change anything; in fact, the harassment seemed to have gotten worse. She was able to get through it thanks to Liam's help, but the truth was soon revealed, and it cut deeper than any of the taunts she had endured. The day was no different than any other, with her heart heavy and a sense of dread weighing on her as she prepared for the inevitable bullying. The same trio of tormentors was lurking, their laughter echoing through the hallways like a haunting melody. Liam would usually step in after they left, offering her comfort and support, but today felt different. She was walking to the library when a cacophony of voices caught her attention. The reason she paused was simple: classes were in session, and no one should have been outside.

"So the chick only came onto me to get my money!" one of the boys shouted. She had reached the corner of the hallway and instinctively pressed herself against the wall, straining to listen. They were blocking her path to the library, her sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world.

"Do you want me to deal with her?" One voice stood out amidst the taunts, and her eyes widened in shock. It was Liam, and he sounded different—more aggressive.

"You say 'help,' but you just want to screw her." Another guy chimed in, laughter punctuating his words.

"It's not my fault they come begging for it." Liam replied, his tone laced with a mocking humor that twisted her stomach. He sounded like a different person entirely.

"You act all nice, but you're an ass." One of his friends said, chuckling. "I feel bad for those girls that fall for it." The betrayal cut through her like a knife, and she felt her heart sink, realising that the one person she had relied on for support was now a part of the cruelty she had tried to escape.

"Speaking of 'fall', you seem to be aiming for the piggy." Piggy was the nickname the bullies had cruelly assigned to her, a mocking reminder of her struggles with being overweight.

"Yeah, what's that about?" This question was asked with a mix of confusion and resignation. "Do you plan to screw that?"

"Hell no!" But Liam burst into laughter upon hearing it, the sound echoing cruelly in the air. "If I try, I would get sucked in and get lost." This comment caused the other two to join in, their laughter ringing out loudly, almost triumphantly. "She's a piggy bank, only good for money!" he added, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"You're evil!" As they laughed, tears began rolling down her cheeks, each drop a testament to the pain she felt inside. This was who Liam Major truly was, a boy who found joy in the suffering of others, and it broke her heart in ways she could hardly articulate. She had once thought he was a friend, but in moments like these, the truth was painfully clear.