"Look, it's the scholarship girl," Madison's voice rang out from afar as Alyssa passed through the courtyard. "I wonder if she has enough money for breakfast today."
One of Madison's friends snickered. "I bet she doesn't. But maybe she'll beg for food at the church like she always does."
Alyssa bit her lip but didn't stop. She was used to these taunts. At Willow Ridge, everything revolved around money; those without it were invisible. But being ignored was sometimes better than being targeted by Madison.
After each long day at school, Alyssa didn't return to a mansion or a fancy restaurant like her classmates. She went back to her small apartment where her mother, Monica Carter, was still working her shift at the hospital. Their apartment wasn't big, but it was always warm. Monica, despite being exhausted from long hours, always tried to spend time with her daughter. But Alyssa knew her mother had sacrificed so much.
"How was school today, sweetheart?" Monica asked, forcing a smile even though her eyes were darkened from lack of sleep.
"Same as usual, Mom," Alyssa replied briefly, hiding the frustration of a long day of being looked down upon.