Crushed and Broken

Chapter 1
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"Hey ugly, get out of here!"
"Ew, it's Charlotte."
"Slut! Whore!"
I hear all of that as I walk down the hall, books pulled close to my chest. "Dont let them see you cry" I tell myself. All crying will do for me is lead to more torment. I just want to get to class, where no one can tease me. I'm not the things anymore that people call me. They torment me for my past, not who I am today. The things I thought were history are still my reality. I run into the dance studio, finally out of the hallway, and let out a sigh of relief.

I go to a performing arts academy in New York City. I'm a dancer, actress and a little bit of a singer. Mostly, I dance, and I want to be accepted into Juliard one day. The dance studio is the only place I can get away from everything at school and at home. My dance teacher, Emily, is so open with me, and I can tell her anything. My best friend Jonah is also in that class with me.
I run into the dressing room and throw my bags into my storage space. I sink down on one of the chairs and start to cry. Tears fall down my face slowly at first, then faster. Mascara runs down my face, leaving dirty black streaks. I'm supposed to be getting ready for class, but I can't. I'm not going to be able to dance today. All the names I've ever been called are running through my head, and everything I've been through at home isn't leaving my memory. A huge sob wracks my body, and I can't breathe. Finally, Rachel comes in and sees me sitting there, broken down and destroyed. She comes over and comforts me, asking what's wrong. She sits with me, until I calm down enough to change and go out to dance. As much as I don't want to go into the studio, I have to because Emily will make me feel better. I quickly change into my dance shorts and top, throw my hair up in a bun and run out to join the other girls, mascara stains on my cheeks. I don't think anyone is going to say anything until Emily's voice breaks the monotony of warm up music.
"Charlotte, will you stay after class?"
I nod in her direction, as tears begin to roll down my face again.