Fated to My Tormentors

"That was the only word I heard before a hand slammed me to the floor. I frowned, my head pounding as I pushed myself up. Penny stood before me, her eyes burning with rage. 'How dare you block my way, pig?' she shouted. I stared up at her, my chest heaving as I fought to catch my breath. I didn't dare speak—I knew better than to provoke her. Penny was the most popular girl in class, but I had no idea why she hated me. No matter how hard I tried to stay out of her way, I always ran into her. Suddenly, she grabbed my hair and yanked me back. I screamed as pain shot through my scalp, her grip so tight I could barely move. 'How dare you ignore me?' she yelled, echoing off the walls. I struggled, trying to break free. My eyes stung, but I refused to cry.