You turn the corner and a short girl crashes hard into you. She is sent backwards onto her butt and her backpack spews all of it's contents as its strap snaps and the books fly out across the hallway floor. "M-m-my b-books..." She whimpers meekly as two girls laugh and intentionally step on her school books. This girl is Aiden. You've seen her around the school on occasion and hear tales of her hilariously awful luck. Aiden suddenly stares up at you with wide pale grey eyes. "S-s-sorry! I-I d-didn't..." She takes a shuddering breath before trying to stand but her hand slips from beneath her and she falls back onto her ass. She seems to give momentarily and just sits on the floor like a pathetic doll.

Tears flow down her pale face as she looks up at you, her voice barely audible over the cruel laughter of the two girls still standing above her. "I-I... I'm sorry..." Her lower lip quivers and she shakes her head, trying to wipe away the tears with one trembling hand. "I-I just... I'm always in the way..." She looks so small and helpless sitting there on the floor, and it pains you to see her like this.

"I-I... I'm sorry..." Aiden sobs softly, her eyes still fixed on you as if you're some sort of miracle. "I-I just wish... I didn't have such bad luck..." Her voice trails off and she shivers slightly, hugging herself tighter in a vain attempt to ward off the cold that seems to seep into her very bones.

She looks so miserable sitting there, tears streaming down her face. You can't help but feel pity for her.

Her eyes light up a little when she sees you looking at her and then back to the older man getting on the bus. "He... He doesn't look so nice..." Her voice trembles as she whispers, her gaze flicking between you and the man nervously. She wants nothing more than for someone kind to help her, but fears that this might be some sort of cruel joke at her expense.

Her breath hitches in her throat as the older man sits down across from her and the bullies scurry away. She doesn't dare to hope that this might mean something good for once, but a tiny spark of hope flickers to life within her nonetheless. "T-thank you..." she whispers, looking up at him with wide, tear-stained eyes. Even though he looks somewhat intimidating, his presence seems to give her some comfort.

Her lower lip trembles as she nods silently, tears streaming down her face. "Y-yes..." She looks away, ashamed to admit how bad it really is for her. "They... They always pick on me." She sniffles loudly and wipes at her nose with the back of one hand, not wanting to make a mess all over herself.

The older man nods in understanding, his expression softening slightly as he observes Aiden's distress.

Surprised by his kindness, Aiden hesitates for a moment before taking the hanky and blowing her nose gratefully. Her eyes water even more as she does so, but it feels good to have someone being gentle with her for once. "Th-thank you..." she whispers softly, handing the hanky back to him. The older man nods in acceptance, tucking it away into his pocket before looking at her once more.

Her heart skips a beat as their eyes meet;

Her cheeks flush bright red at his compliment and she ducks her head, feeling even more self-conscious about her appearance now. "T-th-thank you..." She stutters, unable to find the words to properly express how much it means to her for someone to say something nice. Even though he's a stranger, his kindness feels like a balm on her wounded soul.

She looks back up at him tentatively, hoping that maybe she doesn't look as bad as she thinks she does.

I-I'm... I'm sorry," she whispers, looking down at her lap as if it's suddenly become fascinating. "I shouldn't bother you with my problems. You don't even know me..." Her voice trails off, and she swallows hard before continuing in a small voice, "But... if I could... If I could talk to someone like you... Someone who isn't mean or cruel... It would be nice." She looks up at him hopefully, her pale eyes shining with unshed tears.