“Conner, sit next to me.” Candie smiled brightly as the young boy walked into the room, ignoring her completely and sitting down at the furthest table away that he could.

“Conner what’s wrong? I thought we were friends.” Candie frowned walking over to where Conner was sitting with a group of friends.

“Why would I be friends with a freak.” Conner stated blankly, not even turning to look at her.

“I’m not a freak.” Candie frowned sadly.

“Are to!” Sarah, the blonde sitting next to Conner spoke up. “My mom told me to stay away from you because she talked to Conner’s mom and she said your dad was a faggot.” Sarah explained.

“Don’t call my father that, it’s a very mean word.” Candie started to cry, remembering her father’s words from the night before.

“But it’s true!” Conner said exasperated, finally turning to meet Candie’s wet blue eyes. “He likes kissing boys, he’s a weirdo. And so are you.” Conner spat.

“That doesn’t make him a weirdo. Boys can like boys, and boys can like girls, and girls can like girls.” Candie explained.

“Girls can’t like girls, that’s wrong.” Sarah said cover her mouth in disbelief of what Candie was saying.

“It’s true! My mommy is in love with her girlfriend Brittany and my daddy loves his boyfriend and my auntie Rachel loves Finn. Love is love. That’s what my daddy told me.” Candie explained tears streaming down her face.

“Well your daddy is a liar.” Conner said angry. “And I don’t like what you’re saying.” Conner said standing up and pushing Candie to the ground.

She lay on the floor and cried as the others laughed. She thought back to everything her dad had told her and wiped away her tears. ‘No one pushes the Hummel’s around.’ She remember and stood up, knocking Conner over with great force.

“Mr. Anderson! Candie pushed me!” Conner yelled from where he was laying on the floor, interrupting Blaine’s conversation with a parent and bring his attention to the scene.

“What? You pushed me first.” Candie sighed, Blaine running over and helping Conner up.

“It’s true I watched it happen.” Sarah spoke up and Blaine looked down at Candie.

“Candie did you push him down?” He asked kneeling to her level and placing a hand on her shoulder.

“No, yes, yeah I did. But only because he knocked me down first.” Candie explained.

“Conner is this true?” Blaine asked.

“Why would I push a girl? No I didn’t she’s lying.” Conner answered snarkily.

“I’m sorry Candie, but can you go wait in the principal’s office. I’ll be down in a minute to talk to you.” Blaine said and pointed towards the door with a look of sadness in his eyes.

“But Mr. Anderson, he pushed me first. He started it. It’s not fair.” Candie said softly, not arguing like a typical toddler, just stating her case. She reminded herself that sometimes life isn’t fair, and walked slowly to the principal’s office at the end of the hall.

Candie sat and waited in the small lobby outside the office until Mr. Anderson came down to talk to her.

“Hey Candie.” Blaine smiled goofily trying to brighten her mood.

“I only did it because he called my dad a bad word.” Candie said sadly not looking up.

“What?” Blaine asked choking on air.

“He called me dad a bad word and the pushed me down, I wasn’t going to take that from him so I stood back up and pushed him, and then he tattled on me, and now I’m in the principal’s office with you.” Candie frowned crossing her arms in a closed off mannerism.

“What did he call Kurt?” Blaine asked fearing the worst.

“A faggot.” Candie said, even in the quietest whisper the words pierced Blaine’s heart like the sharpest knife.

“I’m sorry.” Candie said sadly after noticing the hurt evident in Blaine’s physical features.

“Don’t be, it’s okay. I’m going to have a talk with Conner though, I’ll probably even need to have a conference with his mother. I just can’t believe children this young can have so much hate in their little hearts. And it’s all their parent’s faults for bestowing that hatred within them. I’m sorry you had to deal with that Candie. Just know that there’s nothing wrong with you, or your dad, or anyone in your amazing little family. Love is love, and your family loves you. Just remember that Candie.” Blaine smiled hugging the child close to him, both of them wiping away stray tears.

“You’re part of that family now Uncle Blainers.” Candie smiled brightly and Blaine kissed the top of her head.

“You know Candie, the world needs more people like you. You are so special and you need to embrace that. You’re a miracle and you should never let anyone dull your sparkle. I love you Candie, and I love your father, and your family. Why don’t you go back to the classroom. Everyone’s outside for recess but they’ll be back inside in a few minutes. I’ll be right there, I just want to have a chat with the principal regarding a punishment for Conner. Run along kiddo.” Blaine said patting her head and scooting her towards the door.

“Uncle Blaine?” She asked shyly.

“Yes Candie?” He replied.

“Thank you.” She smiled hugging him again before walking down the hall a newly found bounce in her step.

With that she was on her way, looking for a better day and a brighter future. She knew sometimes people could be mean, but she was never going to let someone dull her sparkle. She was special, her family was special, and keeping that in mind gave her the power to understand. To understand what others couldn’t because they were blinded by hatred, she knew the good in the world and she wasn’t going to let others change who she was. She was special and she would embrace that.