I dreaded to go home after the confrontation with my uncle a few months ago. As much as I loved my family and wanted to go home, I knew he would punish me for what my captain had said. So I did what I did best. Avoiding any confrontation I called I parents to say I would stay at Barden because I needed to catch up on my school work. It was a lame excuse but it was the only way to avoid a new confrontation.

I hadn't expect that my uncle would show up at the Bellas house to yell at me. I happened to be the closest to the door when the bell had rang.

"What kind of poor excuse for a human being are you? You're not even worth to use the name Smith!" he started to yell as soon as I opened the door.

Not able to react I just stood there frozen. With a disgusted look on his face he looked at me waiting for me to react.

Before I could say anything the rest of the girls appeared behind me to back me up.

"What the fuck is your problem?" Ashley asked while she threw her arm protectively around me.

"I'm not here to discuss anything with you. You're just some dumb women who will end up to be staying at home moms living on welfare" he said angrily.

"You on the other hand young lady" he said with an authoritive voice. "Are coming home with me."

He wanted to grab me but before he could touch me Lilly appeared out of nowhere and stood between us.

"I wouldn't touch her if I were you, or I swear to God I will break your nose" Fay Amy said to my surprise.

I hated to be the centre of attention and I didn't want to cause a scene. And I saw that Fat Amy's words had scared my uncle a little. Or maybe it was the sight of Lilly who still stood between us with a pair of knives in her hand.

"Please Fat Amy don't hit him" I said quietly.

"Jess you need to stand up for yourself. It's not normal how he treats you. You didn't do anything wrong" Ashley said to me.

"I think John needs to go. You're not welcome here. And if you don't leave now I call campus security to escort you from our property" Stacie said.

"Fine I'll go. But we're not finished yet Jessica" he said with a threatening voice before he turned around and left.

Relieved and upset at the same time I just headed for my room and collapsed on my bed crying.

Embarrassed about what happened I just lay there crying. Wondering what I had done wrong to deserve to be treated like that. All my life I had been polite to everyone I met. I always had treated everyone equally and with respect. Even my uncle although he treated me like I wasn't worth breathing the same air as he.

I didn't know how long I had lay there but when someone held me, I knew it was Ashley.

"Don't listen to him Jess. You're the most sweet and kind human being I've ever met. He's a dick and you don't deserve to be treated like that" she said.

I didn't know what to say to that. Deep inside I knew she was right but after hearing such awful things my whole life it was hard to believe her.

I didn't say anything and she just hold me until I was calmed down enough to face her. She simply dried my tears and smiled at me.

"Are you ready to come down? The girls want to say something to you" she said.

And then I freaked out. Suddenly I was afraid that they would judge me. Or worse. What if they decided to throw me out of the Bellas because I was such a basket case.

Ashley must've noticed my change because she squeezed my hands.

"Don't worry Jess. They don't blame you for anything. It's not your fault" she said.

The girls all were seated at the kitchen table and I took my own seat, wondering what they wanted to say.

"On behalf of everyone here I just wanted to say that we're proud of you. You are one of the sweetest and kindest person I've ever met in my life" Chloe said.

The rest of the girls agreed with her.

"You're a Bella for life dude and we have your back" Beca added.

"Maybe your family doesn't treat you the way you deserve, but I wanted to let you know that you have a family here that will support you" Emily said.

"If you want me to kick someone's ass, just say the word and I will" Stacie said.

"You are my best friend and I'm proud of you. I love you Jess for who you are. Don't ever change" Ashley said.

I couldn't help but grin. Their words gave me confidence. Maybe my uncle was wrong after all. Maybe they were right and did I deserve to have a life were people treated me like a normal human being.

"Thank you so much guys. I really appreciate it how much you care about me" I said with a big smile.

At that moment I was truly grateful and blessed to have such supportive and loving friends.