01

Bellatrix’s POV (aka Bella)

Don’t cry Bella, I chanted in my head as my Aunt started the car, taking me farther and farther away from my home. Well, not really. It was her house, but I had been living there for two years, and it felt right.

« Pumpkin, it’s going to be okay. » Aunt Evie said, looking at me through the corners of her eyes.

I quickly nodded, lowering my head to create a protective wall with my hair between the two of us. Thing is, this wasn’t going to be okay. First of all, I never wanted to leave England, but I did. That was two years ago, and in that same year, the kids were awful. They constantly ridiculed me for my british terms and my name… Don’t get me started on my name.

Yes, I’m aware that I share the same name as that evil witch in Harry Potter. But the observation was splendid. -______-

After only being in America for a couple months, I was able to convince my parents to let me move back, to live with my Aunt Evie. Everything was going so well, until that is, I got a call from my parents insisting that I came back to America for my senior year.

My mom claimed it was because she was ill, but I overheard her on telephone saying that my whole family missed me.

So ? Why can’t they just visit ?

I know, harsh. But really ? I couldn’t go through the bullying again. I used to be one of those girls who kept quiet and never spoke her mind. After coming back, I would like to think my confidence has soared. I am stubborn, sure, but is that really a bad thing ? Oh, and I tend to have a breaking point, and once its broken… well let’s just say, nothing good follows.

« Pumpkin ? »

« Yes ? »

« Like I was saying, everything is going to be okay. We practiced talking using only American terms, remember ? »

Oh Evie, if only you knew that was the least of my worries. In America, I felt as if I was never going to fit in, and my fellow students made sure of that. But now I have to just suck it up, and make it through my senior year.

« We’re here, hun. » Aunt Evie announced.

I looked up surprised. I had been so distracted while thinking, I hadn’t even noticed that the car had stopped. Looking at the large airport in front of me, I sighed and got out of the car. With each step I took, my feet dragged more and more.

« Listen pumpkin, I know you don’t want to go. But you must. Please understand this. » She pleaded, helping me empty the trunk.

As we walking inside, I could feel the tears pricking the corners of my eyes, but I refused to cry. Not yet anyways.

2 hours later

I took five deep breaths, slowly exhaling, something I’ve always done to calm myself down.

« Bye Aunt Evie. » I whispered, avoiding her eyes.

She gave me a long, comforting hug, « Only for a year, pumpkin. Only for a year. »

I pulled away, giving her a weak smile, and walked through the gateway.

Only for a year. Her words kept repeating in my head.

Maybe I can do this.

7 ½ hours later.

I was gently awakened by the friendly flight attendant.

« Honey, the plane has landed. » She said, her voice so soft.

I nodded, showing her I understood, and unbuckled myself, standing up. After spending five minutes straight, only stretching, I opened the overhead compartment, pulling out my suitcase and backpack. After waiting for ten minutes, I finally was able to file out of the plane, and through the gate.

30 minutes later

« Bellatrix ! »

Oh god.

I blushed as my mum ran towards me, throwing her little body onto me.

« Hello mum. » I murmured, shifting uncomfortably under all the stares of the other people in the airport.

« Hiya pumpkin ! » My dad called out cheerfully, from where he stood with my little sister and brother.

My blush grew deeper as I made my way over to my dad.

« Hi dad, » I mumbled, giving him a short hug before moving to my two younger siblings.

« Hello Sophie, hello Luca. » I smiled at them.

« Bellaby ! » They shouted, pouncing on me at the same time.

Oh yeah, my younger siblings call me Bellaby. I know. The nicknames… they just keep getting worse. I mean honestly- Bellaby and Pumpkin ? Really ?

3 hours later

I collapsed on my bed, exhaustion taking over.

« Bellaby ? »