Hayley wasn't kidding when she said she was going to look after me for the entire day.

While I've been so fixated on her and trying to stay out of Melanie's way for the past two years, I don't realise that at least one of the three girls is in all of my classes so I was never alone throughout the day.

At lunch, I told Hayley, Marina and Lana the full story of how Melanie Martinez had been bullying me physically and verbally for the past two years.

"Do you've any idea why?" Lana asked me, tucking into her salad.

I shook my head "No idea at all"

"She's really intimidating, like everyone is scared of her but I didn't realise she actually bullied people. Are you the only person or..." Marina trailed off.

I shrugged "I don't know"

Hayley gave me a sad smile and gave me a hug "We'll all protect you, right guys?"

The other two girls nodded.

"Of course!" Marina said.

"We'll be your friends" Lana added.

I smiled. I never had friends before.

"Thank you" I whispered. "Thank you"

By the end of the day, I managed to get to my front door unharmed. It was the first day that I didn't see Melanie face to face and it felt good.