A/N: This is a new story that I recently started. The chapters will be rather lengthy so updates will most likely be slower. I apologize in advance for this. Also, this story is going rather slow because I really want you to get a sense of the characters, especially the main character: Stella Luce. I hope you give her a chance and stick with her even if she is hard to deal with, but you'll be able to see new sides of her as she grows as a person each step of the way in her life. This story is totally original and something that I made up so all the work is mine and I claim ownership. I am not saying this to sound rude, but just to make sure so that no one will steal it. Thanks guys and enjoy reading!

God, I hated school. School was probably just a conspiracy made by adults just to bore their children to death anyway. It was seriously the most boring shit that I was forced to suffer through every day. That and the fact that just about every kid in my school went out of their way to torture me. You think I'm kidding but I'm not.

I shuffled down the hallway until I reached my locker. Shoving my books in and slamming my locker, I made my way down to lunch where I met up with my best friend. Well, actually, she more shouted a greeting from across the hall and waved frantically at me. I rolled my eyes at her. Viola could be so peppy and energetic.

When I reached her, she was bouncing up and down with excitement. She couldn't wait another second so she just grabbed my arm and yanked me through the doors to the cafeteria. That girl could seriously shove people rather hard.

"Watch it would ya?" I growled at her. No one ever said I was polite or had good manners.

Viola just grinned. She was used to me so she took no offense at my tone. "Sorr-e-e-e but you were taking so long and I'm starving!" She kept pushing me until we were in line.

I sighed, but listened to her as she prattled on about things. She loved to talk, but she was actually a good listener. That is, when she actually listened.

As we were talking, Bobby Fletcher strolled by with his new slutty girlfriend clutching on his arm. "Nice outfit Steel," he said mockingly as he sneered at me. I absolutely hated that nickname that he and his stuck-up friends used for me.

"Bite me asshole!"

"As if anyone would want to do that to you," replied his girlfriend as she wrinkled her nose in disgust at me. I hated the type of girls like her.

"Yeah I guess it's your job to get a piece of practically everything that moves. So just move along, bitch, before I kick your ass!" I raised my fist.

"God, you're such a freak!" Bobby exclaimed and his whole group of friends laughed.

I was already moving out of line, ready to take a swing at his face. I may have been an outcast, but I sure as hell knew how to fight. I was always getting into trouble with fights at school. And most of them were with guys, seeing as most of the girls at my school were just wusses who enjoyed gossiping and had no real backbone.

Suddenly Jack was there. He grabbed me from behind and was restraining me. Jack might have been strong, but with my temper and Bobby's big mouth, he wasn't enough to stop me. Viola probably knew that so she jumped out of line and helped him hold me back.

"Calm down Ella. He's not worth it and you know that you can't afford to get into any more trouble," Jack whispered in my ear. He kept tugging me away until at last I relaxed and stopped struggling. Jack always knew what to say to calm me down.

They were turning me back into line, but I didn't feel like eating anymore. "I think I'll just go sit down. I'm not hungry." I could feel their concern for me as I left them in line and moved my way across the cafeteria to the table we always sat at.

Jack was my other best friend. Whereas Viola was chatty, outgoing, vibrant, and just a little annoying at times, Jack was quiet, soft, smart, and distant. I know-we were a weird group.

First there was Viola, who was like a little pixie. She was always acting so flowery and bouncy. She wore bright colors that almost didn't match and her hair was colored a new shade almost every day. Despite that, I really did love her like my sister because she never judged anyone by their appearance and once she was on your side, she was on your side for good, even if you acted like a bitch.

Then there was Jack, who everyone thought was weird because he was gay. It seriously burned me up when people were mean to Jack. He was probably the nicest and most caring person I had ever met, but guys didn't like him and most of the girls just didn't want to get to know him because they wanted to look cool for the guys that rejected him. Jack was the one who was always looking out for everyone else. He was the kind of guy that you could tell everything to and he wouldn't judge you or hold anything against you. I loved him because he could always tell when I needed to talk or be alone.

Lastly there was me, who always acted so tough and angry. I was always cussing and starting fights. Not to mention the fact that I dressed like a guy with my baggy pants and shirts, my scuffed up sneakers, and baseball caps hiding the long hair I had. I wasn't actually bad looking at all. The opposite really, and I'm not saying that to be full of myself. I had thick, dark hair that contrasted well with my pale and creamy skin. I had deep green eyes over a small nose and a small mouth with thick lips. I was slim and only stood about 5'4". Yet, I still managed to beat people up pretty easily.

I know I probably stood like a bitch or a bully to you and I probably am, but as you might have noticed, I have rather bad anger issues. I never mean to start fights with people, but if someone is sitting there calling you a freak just because you are a little different, what would you do? I don't know about you, but I get sick of people making fun of me so I just make sure to teach them a lesson so they think twice about it next time. If you can't tell, I am so not a people person. I know, I know, I sound like such a bitchy girl complaining about all my problems, but if you think I'm trying to get your pity, than you are seriously mistaken. If there is one thing I hate more than being judged, it's being pitied.

My friends sat down at my table and I snapped my head up to face them. "Hey are you okay? Are you sure you're not hungry? Because if you are, you can steal some of my food," Jack said, attempting to comfort me.

I instantly felt stupid for getting so upset. After all, my friends had to deal with all that crap too and they almost never complained. Man, I was such a bitch.

"Naw, I'm good so thanks anyway."

He sighed. "If you say so Ella, but you know that you will be starving later."

I shrugged, but then Viola interrupted, "By the way, do you guys wanna come over after school. We can watch a bunch of movies and Elle can eat at my place if she gets hungry. O! And I got this brand new TV in my room that you guys will just love. It is bright green but has so many channels! "

"That sounds like fun V. I'll be there."

"Elles?" she asked, her big eyes turning to me.

"Sure, sounds better than hanging around my dump." I even managed to force a smile to reassure them. They seemed to be relieved. I hated lying to them, but I didn't want to worry them either.

Then the bell rang, signaling our lunch was now over. I frowned. I may have hated school, but lunch was the best part because it was the time that I could actually talk to my friends. Classes were just torture.

Teens rushed past us, laughing and chatting as they made their way to lunch. I managed to give Jack and Viola a smile and wave as we parted different ways. I went to my locker and grabbed the books I needed before taking my time to get to my next class. Truth was I usually showed up late to class because I was always taking my sweet old time. Of course the teachers got pissed at me, but did I get a shit? No.

Everyone looked up at me as I swung the door open to my next class. Almost everyone gave me a cold look or sneered at me as if they were better. As if they had more dignity. Bastards! I clenched my fists, but forced myself to look away and take my seat.

"Well it seems you finally join us Miss Luce," my history teacher said to me. I could tell he was mad, but I shrugged it off. He was always PMSing about this stuff.

"Yeah well I would've taken longer, but unfortunately, my locker is right near your room." My classmates snickered at my comment. Even if they all hated me, they did have to admit that I amused them in class. I fought with almost all my teachers.

"Miss Luce, I am sick of your comments and troublemaking. Go to the office immediately!"

I shrugged it off and got out of the classroom. The walk to the office was long and even though I normally didn't care about getting in trouble, I couldn't help but become slightly nervous. Jack hadn't been lying when he told me that I couldn't afford to get into any more trouble.

I recognized the secretary in the office. Her name was Miss Sherry and I had seen her many times. Getting into trouble was a regular thing for me. She glanced up at me as I walked in and immediately greeted me.

"Hi Hun, are you in trouble again?" She gave me a kind smile.

I actually didn't mind her since she wasn't bad, kinda nice really. I nodded.

"I'll ring up Mrs. Husk and she'll call you in, in a moment."

I nodded again. This wasn't a new process to me. I even claimed my favorite chair and propped my feet up.

"Get your feet off those chairs Miss Luce and step into my office. We have a lot to discuss," Mrs. Husk snapped as she came out of her office.

I jumped up. She sounded mad; really, really mad. And I knew right then, that as I shuffled my feet to her office, that I was in deep trouble. And I mean really deep shit.