The hand moved slightly, only a millimetre, but it was enough. Enough to set the noises off and the shouting voices being given a release. The end of the first school day. Random snippets of other peoples' conversations reached Anna's ears. Talk of clothes and celebrities and things that were utterly pointless but seemed to rule over young people. Fighting her way through the queue to the lockers Anna picked up more pertinent words.

'…the new girl, yes, weird isn't she? Why does she look so pale?'

'She's always this pale.' Anna turned on her heel to face them, enjoying the look of shock that shot across their previously smug faces. Her voice had been heard, despite the length of the room being between them and the constant din of voices, and they were surprised, and the chatter had died down. All eyes in the room flickered from where the five of them stood to where Anna was, she stole a glance at Pearl who looked shocked…and scared. Not of Anna, but her fear was directed to the other side of the room.

'So these must be the class bullies then.' Anna sighed inside 'Just like in every shit high school film.'

'Who are you, anyway?' One of them demanded, composure regained.

'I'm Anna Lovett. Who are you?' She mirrored their attitude-laden question with one of her own, and from the crowd, giggles could be heard and mutterings of '…she's asking for it.'

'Anna Lovett?' The girl smirked, 'Did you hear that?' She addressed her friends, 'She's Anna Lovett.'

'And I asked who you are.' Anna cut in and openly smiled at the look that crossed the girl's face. 'What's your name?'

'What are you going to do if I don't tell you?' She said mockingly, leaning forwards so as to patronize Anna into submission.

'The things I'd LIKE to do…'

Anna shifted her weight from foot to foot, her stance stable, ready.

'Would you like to find out?'

Hushed murmurs ensued, slowly, people began to leave. They glanced back, their faces clearly showing their fear for Anna's safety; they need not to have worried.

The girl sneered.

'Another time, huh? Anna Lovett…' She motioned for her friends to follow her and their bravado returned fully once they were outside the door, Anna maintained her position.

'Anna?' Pearl approached her, hand outstretched to touch her shoulder. Anna turned, Pearl's hand fell as she did so.

'Mm?'

'That was brave…or stupid, I can't tell which.'

'Neither, really.'

'They'll have it in for you now.'

'I don't care.'

Silence.

'You're fostered, aren't you?' Pearl looked up, concern obvious.

'She reminds me of Toby.'

'Yes.'

'Where's your Mum?'

'My Mum's dead.'

'Oh.' She looked around, awkward. 'Do you mind…'

'She died in a fire.' Well, it wasn't lying.

'That's terrible.'

'You could say that.'

'What about your Dad? Or is he…'

'Dead like my Mum, yes.'

'Oh. I'm sorry.'

'It's okay.'

'How long ago did they…'

'Die? A long time ago. Really, ages.'