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One day at the Elliot manor, the typical story of Mr and Mrs. Elliot abusing Tessa was present. Tessa was currently hiding in the library in an attempt to get away from all of the world.
Next to her was a book. The book was the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. Tessa found the book relatable, a way. She felt almost similar to the beast— that feeling of not belonging— of not feeling wanted and feeling like a monster.
Her mother made her feel like a beast. No matter what she did she always felt like nothing she did was right by her mother.
Tessa had spent the last hour crying in the hidden corners of the vintage library, hoping that no one would find her. She hated when people found out she was upset. It made her feel venerable and she hated that feeling of utter useless.
Tessa had wanted so much but to get away from all of the pain. With the abuse and emotional neglect of her parents, it was all too much for her.
Luckily, she had really good robot friends she could go to, but with the amount of times she vented to them with her problems, she’d rather not bother them with any more of her own issues.
The drones had enough to worry about. They were the ones who had to suffer literal death over a stupid mess up— I mean— death by crows because you spilled coffee on the floor accidentally? That was such a stupid way to go out. But even so, Tessa wanted nothing more than to suffer that death herself.
Before Tessa’s thoughts could continue, she heard the familiar tap of multiple shoes walking her way.
Tessa backed away farther into the corner in an attempt at hiding her tear filled face but it was no use as she let out a loud sniffle as well as an uncontainable whimper.
She hated that she was a loud cryer. It always gave away her hiding spot.
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J was walking down the library corridors, along with V, as they searched for a book that Tessa might like for the book club that she and V were apart of.
J never really had time for books but she liked seeing her boss happy.
“So, what book do you think Tessa would enjoy?” V asked politely as she adjusted her glasses.
“Well, since I know her best out of both of us, I suspect that she’ll find a comedy book the most interesting.” J said smugly.
V interjected knowingly. “Actually, J, Tessa prefers to read romance books. I saw her collecting all of the sappy romanticy books for our reading sessions.”
J staggered at this new found information— Just about to grab a random book that she thought Tessa would enjoy until she heard a loud whimper coming from within the library walls.
J had heard this all before. This was usually the place that Tessa came when she was having a bad day but she thought Tessa was pretty well from earlier this morning.
J immediately ran over to the sound of sniffing, leaving behind V who was unknowingly following behind her.
In the corner of the library and behind a few book shelves, they found their beloved boss, Tessa James Elliot.
“Boss, are you okay?!” J said while stumbling to Tessa’s side but Tessa just looked away and hid her face.
V sat down next to Tessa, having the drones on either side of her— forcing Tessa to look at either one of them.
J knew that when Tessa was in a mood she usually preferred to not speak since her throat would feel the sensation of burning, so it was time for J to play the guessing game.
“Was breakfast not tasteful enough, boss?”
To that, Tessa shook her head.
V interjected. “Was Cyn creeping you out?”
Tessa shook her head— even though Cyn was a bit creepy. She swears that drone has looks that can kill. If only she knew what hid beneath the innocent gaze of that drone.
J made one final guess, hoping that it wasn’t true. “… Did your parents argue with you again?”
To that, Tessa finally nodded her head, pulling her knees to her chest and burying her head into her arms.
Both V and J looked at each other before scooting a little closer to their favorite boss.
“Would you like to talk about it?” Said V, but J immediately gave her a mean look.
J knew that Tessa didn’t like speaking when she was emotional but to her surprise Tessa spoke.
“I just— *sniffle* I feel like I’m never enough for them!”
J immediately shut up and listened, leaving her hand close to Tessa if she wanted to grab.
“No matter what I do-“ Tessa continued “it’s never enough!”
“I feel like I’m always coming to you two about this, even N, and I hate it so much. I feel like I have too many problems that I lean on you guys too much on. I feel like you’ll start to hate me if I come for you every day for comfort but I just don’t know how to handle this!”
Tessa wiped at her tears as J grabbed her hand.
“You can always come to me, Boss. I don’t mind helping you with your problems. You matter so much to me and ever since you saved me from that dumpster, I knew that I wanted to help you with everything wrong in your life… I’m sure V feels the same way as I do.”
“I know!—“ Tessa whimpered “I just feel like you guys will hate me if I say too much.”
V spoke up. “We would never hate you, Tessa. Like J said, you mean so much to us. We love you just as much as you love us and we’re here to help you with all of the problems you have. Don’t be afraid to talk to us.”
Tessa took time to herself to think. After a few minutes, Tessa leaned into J’s side for comfort.
J immediately wrapped her arm around Tessa, holding her close. V scooted just a tad bit closer, grabbing the book that Tessa had by her side and looking at the cover.
“Would you like me to read you this story? Maybe this could be used as our club time. Maybe it will make you feel a bit better?”
Tessa nodded faintly. Just wanting to hear the voice of her friends and wanting the close comfort of the only people who didn’t hate her.
V read aloud as Tessa and J hugged softly. Ending their story in sweet comfort.
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End