I could hear thumping. It was rhythmic, almost hypnotic. My head throbbed at the sound. I wanted it to stop. Why wouldn't it just stop? With a startled jerk, I realized that it was my own pounding heartbeat. I blinked rapidly and as the world around me slowly regained its focus, I became aware of another noise. Murmurs and shuffling but mostly, laughter. It cut through me like a knife. I wanted to do something. I wanted to shout at them, tell them to leave me alone, but my words caught in my throat.

My legs felt wobbly as I stood up. Mocking words were thrown at me but I ignored them. Like I always did. I somehow managed to make it into the bathroom. I curled my fingers around the edge of the sink, almost as if I needed to in order to keep myself upright. I felt weak, tired, but more mentally than physically. It was visible on my face, the crease between my brows, the dark circles underneath my eyes. A shuddering breath left my mouth. I didn't understand. Why did everyone hate me so much? It was always the same. No timetables or planners were needed to remind me of what was going to happen every day. The pushing, the shoving.

I just didn't understand.

After splashing some water onto my face, I somehow got my hands to stop shaking before I left the bathroom. My stomach churned when I realized that there were only a few minutes left before class would start. I wanted to arrive early so I could spare myself from what would happen when students flooded the hallways again. I straightened my shoulders but kept my head down as I began to make my way to the classroom. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse, I thought to myself.

I winced when a shoulder roughly collided with mine.

"Watch where you're going." A soft, feminine voice said. The lack of anger in it didn't register and I cringed, waiting for the inevitable. I didn't have the energy to fight anymore so that's all I did; waiting. But the pain never came. I clenched my jaw and slowly lifted my head. My eyes met bright blue ones and I don't know what it was exactly but something about them made me relax slightly. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

The sound of her voice took me by surprise and I automatically took a step backwards. "Like what?"

"Like I'm going to hit you or something." The girl replied with a frown, her features scrunching up. I thought she looked adorable but then I mentally scolded myself for even thinking that. She was taller than me but only by a few inches. Long blonde hair fell down her shoulders. She was wearing jeans and a light blue sweater, and a pair of glasses was perched on the bridge of her nose. My eyes flickered up and it was then that I saw her smile. It captivated me, for some reason, and I couldn't help but stare. She was beautiful. It wasn't until I noticed that her lips were moving that I realized that she was talking. "Just be careful next time, okay?"

"Sorry." I muttered.

I vaguely recognized her. I had seen her wandering the hallways a few times but I had no idea what her name was. This was the first time that I had seen her by herself. Usually she was with some blonde guy who seemed to always stick by her side. I was curious about them but I always walked on by them as quickly as possible to avoid contact with them, or rather, mean comments. I figured that that was the best thing to do right now as well.

"Hey, wait up." She called after me.

I sighed and ignored her, tightening my grip on the straps of my backpack. "I said I was sorry." I replied, my voice sounding strained and tired. Just ignore her. She'll go away eventually.

My palms became sweaty and I picked up my pace, wanting to get away from her as fast as possible. I kept my head down as I walked passed the classrooms, not wanting to risk seeing my own reflection in the windows. I already knew what image would be staring back at me. Dull brown eyes filled with anguish, daring someone to read the hidden messages beneath them. But nobody ever did. Nobody ever cared.

I cried out as I stumbled over my own feet, spiralling to the floor. I heard the girl's voice again, apparently she was still following me.

"Are you okay?" She jogged over to me and knelt down besides me. I refused to look at her, too embarrassed. I couldn't believe this was happening. If she didn't hate me already, she probably did now. I was surprised when she offered me her hand. I looked at her for a second but then stubbornly shook my head. She dropped her hand again, looking defeated. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine." I placed my hands on the floor to push myself up but a sharp pain shot up and down my wrist, making me wince. "Damn it."

The girl tilted her head, chewing on her bottom lip. "Are you sure you're okay?" She asked in a gentle tone that sent a shiver down my spine. She knelt down next to me, looking at me with those piercing blue eyes. I blushed furiously and ducked my head. "Let me see."

"I'm fine." I repeated, injecting some anger into my voice.

She seemed surprised for a moment but didn't back down. "Santana, that looks really painful."

My eyes snapped up to hers. "You know my name?"

She just hummed and carefully took a hold of my wrist. It was already starting to swell, much to my dismay. "I think it's sprained." She said, concern written all over her features. It made my stomach flip. She placed her hand on my shoulder and tried to urge me to my feet. "Come on, let me walk you to the nurse."

"No, it's fine." I protested, allowing her to help me up. I quickly looked away, not wanting her to see my crimson face. I had never felt this humiliated before and that said a lot. I don't know why this girl's opinion of me mattered to me but for some reason it did a great deal. "It doesn't hurt that bad."

"I'll just take you to the nurse and she'll give you some ice."

"I don't need ice." I mumbled, attempting to walk away.

She stopped me from doing so by stepping in front of me, cutting off my path. "Stop being so stubborn and just let me help you."

"I don't need help." I whispered bitterly, still not looking at her. She sighed in exasperation and reached out to take my good hand in her own but I backed away faster than lightning, harshly shrugging her off. She blinked in surprise. Her expression kind of reminded me of a kicked puppy and it momentarily made me feel bad. "Just- just leave me alone."

"Santana…" Her sentence was cut off by the sound of the bell ringing.

The scraping of chairs filled my ears and I jumped slightly at the sound. I noticed that she was distracted so I quickly pushed my way past her. "I have to go to class now." I said quietly. I didn't want to be pushed around again so I had to avoid the sea of students. "Bye."

I heard her call out my name but I ignored her. I just wanted to get out of here.