It hurt when they called her a bitch.

Even though she would scowl and insult them right back.

It hurt so much. The pain hit her hardest when he said it to her.

He taunted her. She knew she had never gotten over him.

Everytime he shot his pointed looks at her, it was a stab to her long broken heart.

It dulled the pain though, when she was wearing her shield.

She wanted to stop being so mean, so bitter.

Maybe then they would stop hurting her.

But she couldn't.

Without it, she was this weak little girl, lost and alone.

And there was nothing more Leah hated then being vulnerable.

But her anger and bitterness were her protection.

And she couldn't give up her protection.

No matter how much it hurt her.