Jeremy avoided Carla’s gaze as he passed by, not daring to look directly at her.
His family and the Barry family were business partners; he couldn't afford to offend Kinley.
Carla picked up the book from the floor. Haylee patted her shoulder consolingly. "Carla, those people are just clueless. Don't take their words to heart. From now on, I'll have lunch and go to class with you every day. I'll protect you."
Carla gave her a small smile. "Thank you, Haylee. I'm fine."
This minor bullying didn’t faze her. She had grown up enduring her stepfather's verbal and physical a***e and had long learned to turn a deaf ear to such harsh words. She knew what was most important – to live well.
As if completely unaffected, Carla went about her day as usual.
Back home, she ate, showered, and prepare
