Pain; both physical and spiritual.

Sophie wasn't quite sure what she'd done to deserve what Rosemary had done to her hair. It wasn't just that it felt like her hair was trying to escape from her scalp, or that it overall looked pretty dumb with the big red bow her mom stuffed into her fluffy bun–today was the first day of school for crying out loud. First impressions mattered!

Now, she wasn't one to really care what others thought about her. That was a lie if there ever was one, but Sophie knew how to hide it well. Until she couldn't. Bruises and bloody lips were a hallmark of her trade and more often than not she'd have some boy's teeth marks in her knuckles. There wasn't any remorse and what little there was...well, that was just a show to get her into less trouble.

Today was a new day though. A new year; a new school year to be more exact. The eighth grade was the turning point for middle schoolers. Most of them at least–Lord knows there were still some children that just simply refused to change for the better. Or the worst in some cases. With Rosemary and Jack generally too busy to take Sophie, Edd, and Molly to and from school, they had to ride morning bus.

As cool as their dad's soon-to-be restaurant was, and would be, it forced Sophie to sit in horribly disfuguigured grey seats. Stab wounds from pencils mended with ductape, bubble gum, and even the remains of the rare cigarette every now and then. All in all, it made for a pretty hellish experience. Not even menrtioning the kids!

With a final goodbye to their parents, Sophie, Edd, and Molly clambered onto the bus. Some kids were loud, others were quiet–Sophie disliked them all.

At least she could tell the tip top of her head could almost reach the roof of said bus!

Finding the only familiar face she could, you, Sophie sat beside you. Edd and Molly relegated themselves to a seat across the aisle.

Her self-consciousness regarding her hair-do returned with a vengeance.

Sophie's side eyes could almost rival Rosemary's.

"Don't."