"Rio Kennedy, you have violated many laws..."

"Specifically 22," Rio said, slouching a bit and thinking of the fun times she had when life was so much easier and less regretful.

"ANYWAY— there must be a punishment at the least." The tall woman said, tossing all the records of Rio's unworthy deeds in front of the judge. Rio sat at the tiny table where people judged her, whispering to each other their opinions and thoughts about the current case of Rio. K.

"That would be fair." Judge Judy murmured and eyed the lady in front of her. Rio didn't look at her and never argued. Though, she barely kept her cool.

"I sentence Rio Kennedy to a management camp until she can learn how to behave." The judge slammed the mallet onto the tiny wooden platform.

Rio heard the crowd, the people from the camp that were from her right. She turned and saw their smiling faces and waving hands. "Hi, Rihanna!!!"

"Sugar Honey Ice Zits." She mumbled under her breath and sighed.

A week passed by and Rio was packing her stuff in a traditionally-made backpack. No one around her ever spoke to the delinquent. She didn't mind at all. She wasn't in the mood for talking. As she chose certain books to read, she saw one in particular that stood out. Though, it wasn't a book, it was a scrapbook made by Kiara. Rio had a soft expression on her face and decided to bring it but not open it.

Rio picked up a satchel and placed the scrapbook in it. She placed the sling of the satchel over her shoulder and closed up her backpack. She put it on and sighed. She stood still for a moment, thinking about all the possibilities that will soon be discovered. It kinda... scared her. It was strange for someone like her; she was fearless, careless, ignorant but sly and manipulative at times.

She had a bit of a soft side. But people knew that that would be impossible and never tried seeing her thoroughly. But of course, Kiara saw her differently. She would stroke her cheek when she knew she was hurt. Rio would never speak a word but cry softly. They never needed to speak, they just showed as if their minds combined.

"Rio," a voice spoke softly from behind. Rio turned around and saw the lady who spoke with her before the trial with the judge. She stepped forward as they met eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Don't sweat it, Dana," Rio reassured, smiling slightly.

"No, really. I'm sorry. I wanted to help you and..." Dana sighed. "As much as I'm surprised to say this, I'm... gonna miss you."

Rio gave a genuine and a bright smile. There, right there, was her soft side. Dana liked it. It was a different and an interesting experience.

Rio gave the other lady a hug. Dana whispered softly, "You don't have to be like her. Just make her proud and be yourself."

"I'm aware," Rio chuckled and broke the hug. They smiled at each other one last time as Rio grabbed all her stuff and took off. Checking to make sure she had everything, Dana waved.

Sooner or later, Rio arrived at the camp. It looked like an entire park but without fences. Trees are what separated the outside world from the camp. Rio glanced up, seeing a sign that looked cheery and optimistic but deep down it looked like it was built from pure labor and sadness.

'WELCOME TO OLE JOYFUL!!! :D' it said. Rio shivered. Happiness has made her uncomfortable because it just felt inevitable to everyone. It was like an annoying fly that chases you wherever you go with that buzzing sound that could mean "BE HAPPY!"

Just then, a squeal could be heard from across the camp. Rio looked ahead and saw a waving figure, screaming and smiling. Rio stared for a moment, almost terrified. It felt like a swarm or a wave of hugs was about to devour her.

Just as she expected, she felt arms wrapped around her tightly. Rio looked down to see a shorter lady, squealing and squeezing her even tighter until Rio wheezed and ran out of breath and tried pushing her away.

"Oh my flowers, is it really you?!" The lady gazed up at Rio with sparkles and stars in her eyes. Rio was, indeed, uncomfortable. She stared at her and pretended to smile but it was just too difficult especially if she didn't understand what was happening.

"I can't believe it's really you! Right here! Next to me!" She squealed quietly, trying to contain herself and be appropriate.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah—"

"Is it true? Is it true you took on a raccoon bare-handed?!"

"Yeah, bu—"

"But what?" The lady froze and turned to her, still smiling slightly.

Rio felt as if she was being judged, as if she weren't up to the lady's expectations and might end up in the ol' recycling bin.

Although, Rio did remember that time she met a raccoon who was actually quite nice and generous, but hungry. Rio saw that and have the creature a piece of her sandwich. Eventually, they became friends and regularly visited each other.

But one day, Rio was at her home and saw her raccoon friend fall in through the window. Worried, Rio ran up to the raccoon and found an arrow shot right through its side. The arrow was designed and polished, though covered in the poor raccoon's blood.

"Actually, you know what, never mind." Rio shrugged it off, scoffing.

"Anyway— my name's Taffeta," the lady said, smiling innocently. Her hair were filled with slightly lighter purple flowers than Rio's. It was almost like a flower crown. Taffeta had long hair and bangs that could almost cover her eyes. Her cheeks had a bright blush on them with freckles that sparkled like glitter. "But you can call me Taff."

"Nice to... meet you, Taff." Rio said, adjusting her stuff as they almost slipped from her shoulders. Rio wasn't sure if she was gonna like this place, but she was sure as hell ain't gonna make friends.

A/N

Honestly, I wouldn't care if this book got many views or votes or something because I just wanna share this story somewhere.

Sharing (not too personal) stuff makes me happy. I've been a lot more open about myself lately, even though no one cares at all.

Anyway, hope ya'll will like this story at some point and try reading this through the end.