For Sophia Green, things had never been easy, and at 17, she had often wished she didn't exist. After all, no one had ever cared about her, and the only person who had truly loved her had passed away 4 years ago, leaving her with the one who had abandoned her in the first place. But it's best if we explain this mess well so you can understand why this girl is suffering.

Sophia was abandoned by her parents at birth. In fact, it was her own mother, Lauren, who gave her to her paternal grandmother when the baby was only two days old. The woman was astonished because she never thought her son and daughter-in-law got along so badly, and she understood even less when she discovered that her son had abandoned the girl when she was six months pregnant. All she could do was take the baby and the bag with clothes and diapers that the girl left her and raise her as if she were her own daughter instead of her granddaughter. That was the best part of Sophia's life. Her grandmother loved her unconditionally, and whenever she scolded her, she did it with the love of teaching her what was right and what was wrong. She never raised her hand or her voice. She taught her to cook when she was old enough and to sew her own clothes when they tore. She taught her to heal those scrapes that the little one made when she decided to climb the tree in the back, believing herself to be a superhero, and also not to trust strangers. She helped her with her schoolwork and watched over her on the nights when the girl got sick. She was more of a mother than a grandmother, so the blow was so hard when she suddenly fell ill and almost fatal when she died two weeks later.

The family court determined that, since they could not find the father, even though he sent checks every month to cover all the little girl's expenses and leave a small savings for college, they ended up giving her back to her mother.

"I'm Lauren, don't even think about calling me Mom," was all she said as they walked down the courthouse stairs.

The 13-year-old understood at that moment that there was no one left in this world who loved her. On top of that, her mother lived with a man who only knew how to drink all day and yell at her when her mere presence bothered him. Darrel was dangerous, not only to Sophia but also to her mother. Every now and then, he would knock her unconscious with blows and fall asleep on the couch. He didn't work, and on top of that, he had to have his beer in the fridge every day, or his aggression was terrible. The girl understood that the best thing she could do was go unnoticed by these two characters, and when she couldn't, she ended up in her bed for several days without even being able to go to school so that no one would know what had happened.

The only person who knew what was happening in that house was Evelyn, a young neighbor who had struck up a friendship with Sophia and sometimes let her sleep at her house when the screams and beatings in her own were unbearable. She was 3 years older than her and tried to help her in any way she could, although sometimes Lauren got in the way, and she had already threatened her not to get too involved or she would end up badly. The truth is that the mother was only interested in the checks she received per month, since with that she supplied her husband's vices.

At 17, her life was packed into two boxes and a suitcase. Her mother had decided to leave the city for a town that gave her a job with very good pay, and she was still underage to say no.

"Sophia, if you want, you can stay here with me," Evelyn said when she went to say goodbye.

"Staying would only bring you trouble, Eve, and I could never do that to you." The hug lasted longer than expected because both women were crying. One because she knew she could no longer protect her friend, and the other because she was once again facing her abusers alone.

"I'm of age, I could ask for your guardianship if you want, but don't go," Eve pleaded. The fear she had of what might happen to her saddened her heart.

"I'll be fine, we'll talk every day," she said, showing her the cell phone that her friend had given her on her birthday.

"Don't let her take it away and sell it, and if you need money, just let me know and I'll pass it on to you," she said, wiping away her tears.

"Sophia, we're getting late, I want your ass in the car right now," Lauren's shout made both of them turn to see her. She was leaning on the vehicle with her arms crossed and annoyed.

"I better go, I hope to see you soon, and believe me, I'll write to you often," she said before walking away.

"If you don't write me or answer my calls, I'll go to Glasgow myself to look for you," she shouted loudly so that both Lauren and Darrel could hear.

The trip was extremely silent. Sophia replayed in her mind the words said by Evelyn. If she had said yes, despite being 20 years old, she herself would have done everything possible to get guardianship and take care of her. She would have been very well with her friend, but the problems that it would have given her would have been abysmal.

They arrived in an extremely beautiful town. The cobblestone streets were magnificent. The houses rose on the sides, mostly two stories, with black or red roofs. The central square was filled with stalls of street vendors, and the center of the place had all kinds of shops. Many young people gathered around a small lake to enjoy the afternoon, which, although cloudy, was warm, and there was no threat of rain in sight.

They stopped in front of an old house, very similar to the others, only this one had the wall covered by a vine with small purple flowers. The white front door was a bit peeling, implying that no one had lived there for a long time. Although it was a very spacious place, cobwebs and dust covered much of the surface of the place, and some furniture had white sheets on top.

"Look for the smallest room," Lauren said as soon as she saw her go upstairs.

"Yes, I know." The reluctance in the answer was noticeable and normal.

On the second floor, there were 4 doors. Out of curiosity, she opened them one by one, and in the last one, she found a small room with a private bathroom. For some, it would be unpleasant, but for her, it was a luxury, and she loved it, knowing that the only thing she would share with them would be the kitchen.

The window of the room overlooked a lush forest. The trees rose, covering most of the light that the sun could give them. It was noticeable that there was a path to enter, but she thought it was best to wait until the next day to explore it. Now in her head there was only one thing that was extremely important, to get a part-time job for her personal expenses and to continue saving. Lauren spent all her check on her husband, so Sophia ate what she stole stealthily at night from the fridge or what Evelyn gave her. At 16, she had started working at a kiosk and with that she had saved a little money. Her plan was simple, to turn 18 and get out of that house, and for that she only needed 9 months.

The morning had arrived, although like the previous day, it was also cloudy. Glasgow was known for being a town that lived most of the year with fog and under the clouds, few were the days of abundant sun; however, the crops and vegetation were extremely good. Despite the climate, the town was sustained by construction and fishing, those were the two most important businesses there and in a short time they were able to enlarge the place to avoid depending on the neighboring towns, now they had a school and high school and a state-of-the-art hospital.

The leader of the place was Mr. Morrinson, a middle-aged man who, together with his wife, did what was best for all the inhabitants and got construction contracts in other towns that gave work and food to his people. They had two twin sons, Caleb who was older by only ten minutes and Dante who, unlike his serious brother, had always known how to be the life of the party.

While finishing cleaning herself, Sophia closed her eyes hoping that unlike the city, in this town and in the school there would be no bullies. She had already had a bad time at school, she had a condition that according to her grandmother had been inherited from her father, she had heterochromia, or better explained one eye of each color, one blue and the other brown, for some that was fascinating, for others she was a freak and that's what they had called her most of her childhood.

She went down the stairs with her worn backpack on her back, inside she carried two notebooks and an old pencil case that contained two pens, a pencil, an eraser and a sharpener. As she supplied herself with everything, this time she didn't want to afford to buy new things or otherwise her little savings would drop and she already had enough with having to buy food until she got a job.

The school was near the house, so she would walk, the journey made her pass through the downtown streets, therefore she would take the opportunity to see prices and know of places that needed helpers. For once luck was on her side, a cafeteria needed waitresses in the afternoon and she did not hesitate to enter to ask for the position.

Good morning, I'm here for the waitress job- she said to the man who was preparing the coffees.

Good morning, little one, are you new in town?- the man said looking at her from top to bottom, but not with contempt.

Yes, we arrived yesterday to live here, I will study at the high school that is nearby and I could work during the afternoon- she explained kindly.

Very well, if it seems correct to you, when you finish classes today you can come and try your luck, my name is Henry- he said stretching out his hand.

Sophia did not hesitate to take it and thank him for the opportunity, the salary was good and left her a good margin to save. They agreed that as soon as classes ended at 3 in the afternoon she would present herself to work, he would have the uniform prepared for her and the schedule would be until 10 at night, she could have a snack and dinner there or take dinner to her house, which she loved because that avoided her buying food and Lauren or Darrel eating it.

She continued her way to the high school, but now a smile adorned her face, the happiness of knowing that she could again afford to buy clothes or stock up on hygiene products filled her chest.

The building where she was going to study was quite modern compared to the town itself, but it felt cozy. If there was something that Sophia did not like, it was being the center of attention, which was what was happening at this moment. As she was the new one, everyone looked at her as she walked through the halls and headed to the reception where they should give her the study material and her schedules.

Good morning- a blonde-haired, light-eyed girl crossed her just before she entered reception -my name is Katherine and you must be Sophia, right?- the girl extended her hand to greet her.

Good morning, yes that's me- she replied shaking her hand and returning the smile.

Well, I'm from the student council and my duty is to show you the place, but as we are the same age, we will surely share several classes together- she said while both entered the office to collect Sophia's schedules.

Good morning, girls, oh you are Green, welcome to Glasgow, these are your two study books and here are your schedules. I hope your stay in this place is extremely satisfactory- said Mary, a middle-aged woman, with a chubby face and extremely kind.

Well we have several subjects together, right now we must go to mathematics. Did you like the town?- Kat was very pleasant and talkative, she partly reminded her of Evelyn.

I can't walk much of this place yet, but it seems that everyone is friendly here. Fortunately, this morning I got a job, so I think I'll be fine- she replied also smiling.

Really? Where?- she asked curiously.

In Henry's cafeteria- she replied.

Incredible, so apart from being classmates here we will also work together- she said hugging her, which surprised Sophia.

Do you also work there?- she asked returning the hug.

Yes, when I leave school, if you like I can take you I have a car- she said while they entered the classroom.

I wouldn't want to bother you- she replied.

Oh come on it's no bother, besides when we leave I'll drop you off at your house. It's not nice to walk alone at night even if you live near there- she said leaving her backpack on the desk.

Okay, but you'll let me give you gas money when I get paid- she replied and sat next to her, where there was just an empty seat.

Okay, okay. If you want I can also bring you to school, I didn't tell you before, but I live two blocks from your house. When they told me I had to welcome you, I read your file, so if you're okay we'll handle ourselves together- Kat's smile was contagious and although Sophia had never been a very outgoing girl, the truth is that she felt very comfortable with her.

Are you going to be my driver?- she asked curiously.

No, if you let me, I'll be your friend- she proposed.

I'd love to, I really appreciate it- she said before the teacher asked for silence and started the class.

The first two hours of math and the next two of history had passed extremely quickly. Kat had told Sophia that they would go to the dining hall for lunch and then enter the labs for chemistry classes at 1 o'clock.

At first, she wanted to refuse with the excuse of looking for books in the library, when the truth was that she didn't have enough money to eat there, but Kat, who had realized that she was trying to evade the place, had convinced her by saying that because it was the first day, she would invite her to lunch, whatever she wanted, and that she wouldn't accept a no for an answer. That's why they were now in line to choose what they would eat, while Kat went for some vegetable cannelloni. Sophia noticed that a ham and cheese sandwich was the cheapest thing in the place, so she went to order that, while her new friend looked for a free table to sit at.

"Hey, watch out," the shrill voice of a girl made her turn around abruptly.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were behind me," she said, trying to balance the tray.

"Oh, you must be the new one. Shit, I didn't know they let freaks into this school. Tell me, are you wearing contact lenses?" the mocking voice made her whole body tense. She really hoped to go unnoticed here.

"They're my natural color, sorry if they bother you," she said, turning her back to pay.

"Kity, always being a pain in the ass to others," Kat said in a louder-than-normal tone. She had seen everything from the table and had stood up to interfere because she knew the malice that the other girl could have.

"Katherine, got a new pet, I see?" the other replied.

"She's Sophia and she's new here. Instead of being a bitch to her, why don't you act like someone your age?" both girls were about to spark with their eyes.

"Kat, it's not necessary, let's go have lunch," Sophia said, taking her arm.

"Yeah, Kat, go with your new toy, she looks like she needs too much feeding," the girls behind Kity burst out laughing, and Kat's patience died at that moment.

"Hey Caleb," she shouted to the table where the basketball team was sitting, "could you teach your girlfriend of the week to behave?"

Sophia noticed that two identical young men were approaching them. The mentioned looked badly at Kity, who shrugged and lowered her gaze to the ground. The other sported a big smile trying to detail Sophia as much as possible.

"I hate that you shout my name in the middle of the dining room," Caleb said.

"Then teach this idiot to be more cordial. It's not my fault she thinks she's superior just because she shares your bed," Kat said, resting her index finger on his chest.

"Jealous Katy?" the other boy said, turning to see her.

"Oh Dante, I would never be jealous of a plastic like her, don't offend me please and you put a muzzle on her, so she doesn't bother," she said and took the tray from Sophia's hands and took it to a table to eat, they had less time to feed and all because of the little fight just now.

"Who are they?" Sophia asked while eating her sandwich.

"The silly is Kity, the typical daddy's girl who gets everything she wants. The others are the Morrison twins, sons of the leader of this town, although they are not daddy's boys, they think they can do what they want without consequences and well the two silly behind Kity are something like her followers," she said while devouring the first cannelloni of the two she had bought - "shit my food got cold," she said puffing.

"I'm sorry I got you into that," Sophia said, hanging her head.

"Hey, lift that chin and listen carefully, here you don't have to feel less than anyone, we are all the same and if they think they are superior, then screw them," she said laughing.

They finished eating and went to the lab where only Sophia was going to enter, since Kat had geography somewhere else.

"Well, we'll see each other at the main door to go to work together," she said before leaving.

"Miss Green, please place yourself with the twins," the teacher told her as soon as he saw her enter.

Sophia walked to the last table where she had to study and noticed that both boys were looking at her in a strange way, as if they were about to jump on her and devour her.

"Hello," she said, taking a seat a little away from them.

"Oh, I see why Kity messed with you, you're quite special," Dante said as soon as he noticed the color of her eyes.

Caleb's penetrating and serious gaze made her look suddenly at the board and avoid any kind of contact with them. On several occasions and a rare shiver ran down her spine and made her hairs stand on end and when she looked sideways, she noticed that both twins were holding her gaze.

"Well, this is the work for the next class, they will do it in the groups that are now and please do not make excuses if they do not do it. Directly, do not come to my class," said the teacher as soon as the lesson ended.

"Well kitty, you'll have to do the work and bring it ready," Dante said smiling while passing his arm over Sophia's shoulders.

"Do you expect me to do the work alone?" she asked with a bit of anger.

"We know you'll do well," Caleb said taking his things and leaving the room with his brother.

"Shit, spoiled jerks," she said in a low voice while saving her things.

She left the school and Kat was already leaning on her car waiting for her to go to work, she approached with some haste to avoid colliding with some undesirable on the way.

"From the face you're wearing, I suppose the twins did their thing in the lab, right?" she asked as soon as she noticed that she was discouraged.

"I have to do the work myself," she said, entering on the passenger side.

"I'll talk to Caleb," her friend sentenced.

"No, leave it like that, as long as they don't bother me it's best," she said.

"I've known them since they were kids and every year they get more idiotic," Kat huffed and started off towards the cafeteria.

Both laughed and the tension of the memory dissipated in the atmosphere, luckily she had found a friend in this place. She had to tell Evelyn so she wrote her a simple text and told her that she would call her as soon as she got home after work.