All Things Ruined

Danica POV

I’d like to say I was in shock, but I wasn’t. I was used to being bullied. To being belittled and embarrassed.

I slowly walked down Lake Road with the wet, sticky fabric quickly drying around my body. I picked up my pace, wanting nothing more than to be rid of this dress. But no matter how quickly I walked, I didn’t want to go home.

The black car I’ve come to know rolled down the street toward me. When it came to a stop, the driver’s side door opened and the first thing I noticed was Dmitry’s eyes on my dress.

The second thing I noticed was the red hair peering through the passenger side window.

I didn’t have to look twice. Nancy was in the car.

His eyes furrowed as he skimmed me up and down. He rushed toward me with open arms. “Danica! What happened to you?” His big hands landed on each of my shoulders.

I folded my arms across my chest, searching for any comfort I can grab before I released the words, “There was an accident at school,” I lowered my head shamefully toward t