Serena's POV

After returning the books to the library, we went to her room. I checked to see if she was hurt, but thankfully, she wasn't. She didn't speak. She just sat down in her bed, looking downcast.

I sat next to her and pulled her close to me. She took a deep breath and she started crying. I held her close as she sobbed uncontrollably. I could help it, but tears also began to flow from my eyes.

"Serena, why are they so cruel? I just wanted to read. I just wanted to…" she took in breath sharply.

"I know. I know. I'm sorry you had to go through...