Chapter 1
Chapter 1
“Hey Hope, I wonder why your parents called you that? Mabye they HOPED you’d be taken away!”
I cast my eyes to my shoes, and carried on walking, clutching my books to my chest. I didn’t understand why they had to be so cruel to me. Was it because of my looks or my weight? Because of my grades? I doubted I would ever understand. People barged into my in the corridor, and didn’t even look to see if I was OK when I fell to the ground. Some people laughed, others cast pitying glances, but didn’t help me up. I opened the door to my math class, and stepped inside. The teacher wasn’t here yet, so I braced myself for the worst.
“Hey guys, we’re all going to have to leave!” Stephanie called above the noise, “There isn’t room for us AND Hope in here is there?”
Everyone except me laughed. I glared at Stephanie. She had glossy red hair down to her shoulders, tanned and toned arms and legs, and emerald green eyes. I put my books down on the desk, and turned away from them all.
I reached into my bag and pulled out a Snickers bar. The wrapper crackled as I pulled it back, and the melting chocolate tasted so good on my tongue. I swallowed it, and reached to take another bite. Food was my only escape. I turned, and was suddenly aware that everyone was staring at me.
“Aww, is Hope a bit hungry? Why don’t you eat all of us as well? Mind you, is there room for her stomach to expand?” Stephanie laughed her cruel laugh again, and my eyes began to glaze over. I got up and ran to the bathroom, not wanting anyone to see me cry. I closed myself into a cubicle, and sat down, finally letting the tears out. Why did I have to be fat? A sudden thought occurred to me-I didn’t!
I got off the seat, and shakily lifted it. The water was murky and smelt disgusting, but I put my face over it anyway. My fingers crept up towards my mouth, and I prised my lips open reluctantly. My fingers continued snaking down towards the back of my throat, kept on pushing, and then snapped back out as a sea of green and orange mush came pouring out. I felt disgusted with myself after I did it, but pushed my fingers down again and again until my stomach felt empty, wiped my mouth, and then walked back to class.
“Hey, honey. You have a nice time at school?” Dad took my bag off and opened the fridge, “Do you want anything?”
I shook my head and took my homework up to my room. The computer room was open, and I quickly went in. A web-page was up, and I quickly closed it and logged onto Facebook. I typed my name into the Search bar, and looked at all the people and pages it brought up. I clicked on 1 and stared at it for a moment. Of course, Stephanie was one of the members. I shut it down and sighed. English homework was due tomorrow, but I could do it later.
“Sweetie, dinner will be ready in about 10 minutes!” Dad called up the stairs.
The smell of macaroni wafted up towards me, and I breathed it in deeply. I could hear it baking in the oven. Dad did it just how I liked it, with the crispy outer shell and soft, gooey centre. I went back downstairs and began to lay the table. Placemats, cutlery and glasses. I needed to keep busy to stop myself thinking about today. Dad looked over, and smiled at me. I took the juice out of the fridge and poured some for myself.
“OK madam, 1 delicious cheese pasta for you. Should I put the bill onto 1 of your bank accounts in Switzerland?” Dad asked, in his restaurant voice.
I giggled, and sat down to eat. I picked up my fork and stabbed a cluster of pasta. I lifted it into my mouth, and then chewed. The meal was delicious, and for afters Dad made ice-cream with chocolate sauce and fruit. After I had finished, I put my plates onto the side and went back upstairs. I heard a beeping sound, and went into the computer room. A message had come through from an email address I didn’t know. I clicked it open-dreading what I would find.
Oh, hey! You know that fat girl Hope-What a loser! I mean, she’s a total saddo and desperado. Who would want to go out with her anyway? I saw her in the toilets today, and guess what she was doing? Upchucking! She didn’t see me, but I need to get this word around quick. Send it to everyone you know! She’s going to be so depressed she’ll probably kill herself or something. Actually-I won’t get your hopes up about that! Anyways, I’ll see you at school tomorrow. Bye!
-Stephanie <3
I knew she had sent it to me by mistake, because it had a long list of names after the receivers address. Still, my heart began thumping harder and harder in my chest, and my ears were filled with a strange rushing sound, and I wasn’t breathing. The whole school knew.
So, what do you think? I know Stephanie's a total betch, but don't worry, things will get better for Hope ;). You'll just have to wait a little longer.