Olivia nervously stepped through the school's front doors, clutching her backpack straps. It was her first day at Oakwood Middle, and she couldn't help but feel anxious about fitting in. As she made her way down the crowded hallway, a group of students suddenly blocked her path, sneering and laughing.
"Well, well, look who we have here. The new girl," taunted Chloe, the self-proclaimed queen of the school. Olivia's heart raced as the group closed in, their cruel laughter echoing around her. She tried to push past, but Chloe grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop.
"Where do you think you're going, huh? You don't belong here," Chloe spat, her friends nodding in agreement. Olivia felt her eyes sting with tears, but she refused to let them fall. She stood her ground, determined not to show her fear.
"Leave me alone," she said, her voice shaking slightly. Chloe's eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth to continue her tirade, but a teacher's voice suddenly cut through the commotion.
"What's going on here?" Ms. Everett demanded, striding towards the group. Chloe quickly released Olivia's arm, and the students scattered, muttering under their breath.