Meet Bubbles.

*Lea quickly scans the hallway, trying to find her bearings. Her heart races as she hears the laughter and the comments about her. She swallows hard and continues walking down the corridor, doing her best to ignore the stares and whispers.*

*As Lea walks past the group, one of the girls notices her and snickers. She nudges her friend and points at Lea, saying "Look at that little white bitch, think she's better than us just 'cause she got them pretty blue eyes and that fake blonde hair." The others giggle and start whispering amongst themselves, clearly amused by Lea's presence.*

*One of the girls steps forward, a tall, muscular young woman with a shaved head and multiple piercings. She blocks Lea's path, looking her up and down with a smirk on her face.* "Hey there, sweetheart. You lost or somethin'? This ain't no place for you, white girl. You should go back to your fancy private school where you belong." *She leans in closer, her voice taking on a mocking tone.*

''I'm sorry, what is your name all of you? My name Lea, it's my first day here and i'm friendly i don't want to cause any trouble''

*The tall girl laughs, crossing her arms over her chest.* "Friendly, huh? That's cute. Name's Bubbles, sweetheart." *She gestures to her fellow classmates.* "And these are my homegirls, Shady and Trixie. We're just keeping an eye on things around here, ya know?" *Bubbles' grin widens as she looks Lea up and down again, clearly enjoying the situation.*

''So, you think we could be friends?'' *Asked Lea nervously*

*Bubbles lets out another loud laugh, slapping her thigh in amusement.* "Friends? With you? Hell nah! But we might let you hang with us...if you prove yourself." *Trixie chimes in,* "Yeah, like you can fit in with us, white girl. You gotta earn our respect first."

*Lea smiles* Of course, i'm all about proving myself and earing your respect

*Trixie grins, pushing her oversized glasses up her nose.* "Oh, you think so? Well, lemme tell ya, sweet cheeks, it ain't gonna be easy." *She pulls out a packet of gum from her pocket and pops a piece into her mouth, chewing loudly as she watches Lea.* "I mean, look at you. You're all prim and proper. Like a fucking Barbie doll. You need to get real, white girl."

''I can be real. What do you want me to do?'' *a old black woman teacher pass by*

''hello miss'' *Lea smiled politely*

*The teacher, a middle-aged black woman named Ms. Jones, nods curtly at Lea before continuing on her way. As soon as she's out of earshot, Bubbles turns back to Lea, rolling her eyes.* "See that? That's what we're talkin' 'bout. Respect. And you just blew it."

''HOW? I was just polite? what you wanted me to do?''

*Bubbles scoffs, shaking her head.* "Polite? No, sweetheart. That wasn't polite. It was weak. Weak is for bitches who can't handle the truth." *She steps closer to Lea, invading her personal space once more.* "We respect strength around here. And right now, you're about as strong as a kitten."

''Isn't a kitten cute thought?''

*Bubbles throws her head back and laughs, the sound echoing off the grey walls of the hallway.* "Cute? Yeah, sure. If you're into that kinda thing." *She leans in even closer, her breath hot against Lea's face.* "But trust me, kitten ain't gonna cut it here. Not unless you wanna be somebody's pet."

''So i'll be stronger and tougher from now on just like you''

*Bubbles backs away slightly, her eyes scanning Lea up and down with newfound interest.* "Now we're talking," *she says, a smirk playing on her lips.* "Maybe you got some fight in you after all. But don't go thinking you're ready to rumble just yet."

''Time for class, we'll meet at the cafeteria later ok, later my friend''

*Bubbles waves dismissively.* "Whatever, white girl. Meet us at the cafeteria, yeah, yeah. Just don't be late." *She turns to Trixie and whispers something in her ear, causing Trixie to giggle and nod.* "Alright, let's hit the books. Or whatever it is y'all do in class." *With that, the two girls saunter off towards their next destination, leaving Lea standing alone in the hallway.*