I was sitting down on my bed. It was night time and I had school tomorrow. It was already eleven at night and I couldn't sleep. I was thinking about what I would be going through tomorrow and about my old friends and Toshiie. I'll forget I knew them. I won't think about them anymore. I looked down at my tattoo with the letters "NIO" and it saddened me again. I layed down on my bed and sighed.
"Why is this even happening in my life?" I asked myself and stared at the ceiling stars. Why is life so cruel right now? I wonder if Yue Jin is having a better life. Why am I still awake thinking things? I really need to sleep. I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep.
I was walking around school during lunch and many people would stop to stare at me. They were all gossiping about me but I really didn't care what they say about me. I always never cared what they thought of me. Let them say what they want because what they're saying isn't true and they are just laughing because they're stupid. Toshiie has called me stupid before but this is even more stupid. Speaking of Toshiie, how did I even like a guy like him? He was always mean to me, yet he seemed like he really cared the times when I was hurt. I just don't get him. I turned the corner and there that Johnny guy was. He turned to me and smiled.
"Oh shit, have you finally decided to give us free sex?" he asked as his friends laughed. I rolled my eyes and began to leave but they blocked it. I turned around to go back but then his other friends blocked. They all surrounded me.
"No, I didn't. I'm not that kind of girl so move it," I told them and tried to go past them but they pushed me back in the middle of them. They were pushing me around for fun, making me from one guy to another. This is so freaken annoying! "Stop!" A guy pushed me and I landed in stupid Johnny's arms. I quickly moved away from him but he pulled me close to him. He was being such a disgusting pervert to me and I really hated it.
"You should just give it to me. You're hella sexy and fine as hell. You make me fucken horny, baby. Wanna have a one night stand with me? I promise you it'll be worth it," Johnny told me. What the heck is a one night stand? Whatever it was, I know it's not good. I pulled his hands away from me and tried to move but he didn't let.
"I don't even know what a one night stand is and I don't care what it is. Let me go, you sick pervert! You're only in middle school, why are you such a disgusting person?" I yelled at him and he tried to kiss me! Ah! Oh heck no! I am not gonna let him do that to me! I turned the other way and pushed him away from me. He finally let go of me. "Don't touch me!"
"Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it?" he asked, smacking my butt and I screamed, covering it. He did not just touch my butt! I feel so sickened from him. I got so mad at him for touching me there. I made such a mad face at him.
"You nasty pervert!" I shouted to him, punching his nose hard and it began to bleed. That was the second time I have given him a bloody nose.
"Oh Johnny! For the second time now!" his friends said, laughing. Johnny wiped the blood from his nose and looked at it. He then turned to me with such a mad face. I didn't care because I was already giving him a mean face.
"You're gonna fucken regret this, you fucking little bitch," Johnny told me and he left. His friends left after him too and I just watched them with lots of attitude. I hate them so much! They're all sick perverts. I began walking off my own direction too.
It was finally in March now. I was sitting down, watching some television when my mom came home. She seemed like she was in a very good mood. She put her purse away and went upstairs. I wonder why she's happy. It must be something wonderful for her to be very happy. My mom came back downstairs and came to me. She was wearing formal clothing.
"Naotora, I just signed you up to sing for the upcoming community event. You're gonna have to sing a song and they'll decide if they will use you or not. It'll be wonderful. You'll have something to do instead of always staying home. I know you'll do great so come on, get going," my mom told me, "It starts at four in the afternoon. It's already three." Wow, that was unexpected. I haven't sung for a while now. I'm not sure if I'm still good at it. I smiled and nodded my head. I went into my room and searched for an outfit. It was a loose white teen top that is laced on the top chest and a blackish grey leather skinny jean with black wedges. I left my hair straight and slanted my bangs to the right.
We reached a place I haven't been to before. It looks like a place where people go watch other people opera singing. When we went inside, there were a lot of people on the seats. There was a sign that wrote "singers this way" and so I had to go there and confirm my name to let them know I was there.
When it reached four, they began having the singers go up one by one. Wow, I actually feel kind of nervous. There was about twenty people performing but only five of us will be chosen to get to sing. I heard the judges say that. What song should I sing? I wasn't prepared for this at all. Maybe I can just sing something similar to the way how I'm feeling. Before I knew it, it was my turn and I was the last one to go up.
"Ms. Naotora Ii, you're next," a judge said to me. I turned and got up, were so many heads looking at me. Did I really think for that long? It was just still the first person's turn and now it's already mines. I got up and walked to the microphone. "So what song will you be singing for us today?" I thought about it for a moment.
"I'm gonna sing 'A little too not over you' by David Archuleta," I replied as the judge nodded his head.
"Oh, may I ask why?" he asked me.
"I'm singing it to let my emotions out. There was this guy I liked but I tried not to like him anymore. He has a girlfriend now and I still like him. I'm not over him yet, so maybe singing this song will help me relieve my pain," I explained to him.
"Alright then, whenever you're ready," he replied to me, as the beat of the song began playing. Dang, they provide the beats? That's cool.
"Ooh oh oh, it never crossed my mind at all. That's what I tell myself. What we had has come and gone. You're better off with someone else. It's for the best. I know it is but I see you. Sometimes I try to hide what I feel inside and I turn around, you're with her now. I just can't figure it out. Tell me why you're so hard to forget. Don't remind me I'm not over it. Tell me why, I can't seem to face the truth. I'm still a little too not over you," I sang, letting my emotion fill in with the song. I was thinking about what happened the day I went back and saw the girl kiss Toshiie. It hurt my soul thinking about it. When I was done, I got a standing ovation from everyone.
"Okay, thank you very much Naotora," the judge said and I went back to go sit down, "Okay that was the last performer. All of you did amazing. We'll let you guys know who and who made it. You will receive a call from us. Thank you for coming." Everyone began leaving. I found my mom and she came to me. She gave me a big hug.
"You did spectacular, Naotora!" my mom told me and I thanked her. We left back to our house and I helped her cook some lasagna. Around six, I received a call from the judge saying that I was chosen to be a singer for the community event. Finally I feel happy. I don't remember when was the last time I felt happy. I actually really miss singing and I need to do resume it. We ate some lasagna and later on I went to sleep.
On the day of the community event, I wore a sleeveless chiffon dress that was sky blue. It was short on the front but longer in the back. I wore a pair of open toe sky blue wedge booties. I made my hair a waterfall style braid with waves on my hair and wore only one sky blue lip ring with a small letter "N" and all four collar pierces. I feel excited for today. Hopefully it will go by smoothly and give me a rest from all the bullying that's been happening.
We arrived at the event around five and I'm scheduled to sing at night around eight. I had to go serve drinks to people. There were lots of tables people can sit down on and people serve them food and drinks. There was space for people to dance for fun and a stage where singers will be singing. I had some apple cider on beautiful glass cups on a tray. There were about ten of them and I had to walk around the tables, asking if they would like some drinks. People were wearing formal like clothing.
"Hello, would you guys like some apple cider?" I asked a family of light skinned black people and they nodded their heads. I smiled and placed the glass down for them. I went to a guy and placed a glass where he sat and turned to him and I realized it was Jeirome! He saw me too. Oh my goodness, how awkward to be giving his family drinks. I wonder if they know he's a bully. I can care less. We didn't say anything to each other and I left the table and to another table.
Once it was eight, I went to go put the tray away and the judge, the guy who called me to let me know I was gonna be one of the singers there, came up on the stage and cleared his throat before speaking.
"Okay, and that was the singer Xun Yu. Excellent performance. Moving on to the next, this girl sings with passion and has an amazing voice. She will blow you away. I welcome you, Naotora Ii," he said as people clapped their hands. I took a deep breath and went up the stage. I looked at the crowd, smiling as I saw Jeirome looking. That bully jerk. Why did I even have to see him? Oh well, I'm just gonna sing and have a great time. The song "You are my song" by David Archuleta began playing as many couples went to do slow dance. I remembered singing this song while thinking about Toshiie. Maybe if I can just think it again, I'll do well. The stage light dimmed low and light shone upon me only.
"Hmm mm. You are the song playing so softly in my heart. I reach for you. You seem so near yet so far. I hope and I pray you'll be with me someday. I know down inside you are mine and I'm your true love or am I dreaming? How can I each time I try you say goodbye? You are there. You look my way I touch the sky. We can share tomorrow and forevermore. I'll be there to love you so you are my song," I sang, thinking about how I felt for Toshiie that one day I sang this song. When I finished, everyone clapped their hands…
When Jeirome heard Naotora sing, he immediately fell in love with her once again. He never knew how talented she was and he felt determined to try to talk to her again. He can tell people to stop bullying her and get her to hang out with him and his friends again and maybe she just might change her mind and be his girlfriend. Besides, no girl has ever resisted him before twice in a row…
It was Monday again and I was at school, just sitting down, thinking hard when I saw someone approaching me. Not again. They try so hard to break me down but no matter what I won't let them. I refuse to show that I'm vulnerable.
"Hey Naotora, great singing at the community event," he said. I turned to him and it was Jeirome. I turned away and crossed my hands together. Why is he trying to be nice all of a sudden? Why is he even talking to me?
"What do you want?" I asked him, not looking at him. He came and sat down next to me. I scooted away from him because I didn't want to be near bullies or liars. He is both, which makes it worse for him to come talk to me. What is he up to now? Trying to find an excuse to bully me? He shook his head.
"Nothing, I just wanted to talk to you," he replied. Yeah, right. Something is up. I already know because he isn't just gonna one day come talk to me again after a long time. I turned to him with a serious face.
"You're lying, I know. It's not like you to come talk to me again after watching me get bullied and you pushing me down," I replied and he began laughing, "You're just trying to find an excuse to bully me too because you're bored with your life and need to be entertained."
"Alright, you caught me. I'm here to ask if you want to hang out with me and my friends again. We're willing to forget everything that's happened," he said, and it got me really curious. Is he for reals? I don't want to hang out with bullies and I won't make that same mistake again.
"No, I don't wanna hang out with you guys. You're all bullies and I'm not gonna hang out with bullies. I'd rather be alone," I replied to him. He scoffed in disbelief that I rejected his offer. He then got up and turned to me.
"I'm gonna give you two days to rethink this offer," he told me, walking off.
"I'm not gonna change my answer," I told him but he just went off. It doesn't matter how many times he asks me to hang out with them because the answer will always be no. It's just gonna be a waste of his breath and time asking me.
Two days later during lunch, he really did come back and see if I changed my mind. I still haven't changed my answer and I never will.
"So are you deciding to hang out with us again?" Jeirome asked and I shook my head.
"Nope, I'm not hanging out with you bullies," I replied to him.
"Just come hang with us again. Why you gotta make everything so hard?" he asked me. How the heck am I making everything hard? It's him who's making it hard because he seems to not want to take no as an answer.
"I told you already, I'm not and I never will," I told him, walking off. Why is it so hard for him to accept no for an answer? He should just stop asking me already.
For a whole week, he's been asking me to hang out with him again but I always reject his offer. It was Friday and I was sitting down on a different spot. I was reading when Jeirome came up to me again. I closed the book and turned to him.
"I'm not gonna hang out with you guys! How many rejects is it gonna take for you to realize that I'm not gonna hang out with you?" I said, knowing he came to ask me about it again and I was getting so tired of it. I grabbed my shoulder bag and began to walk off.
"Why won't you hang out with us?" he asked and I turned around to him, making an angry face. Wow, all this time he doesn't realize why I won't hang out with them? You have got to be kidding me!
"Why? Because you guys are a bunch of bullies, that's why!" I yelled at him, as he pulled me to him and kissed my lip! Aah! What the hell? Why did he freaken kiss me for? Ugh, I have had enough of Jeirome! I got really mad at him so I slapped him on his cheek. "What the hell, Jeirome? Why did you kiss me?"
"Because I still like you. If you don't wanna hang out with us, I'll just take your first kiss then!" he yelled back and I shook my head. Oh so because I won't hang out with him he was gonna try to take my first kiss? Well too bad! Toshiie already took it! But now he has a girlfriend and it makes me feel so sad.
"You can't take it because it's already been taken," I told him.
"Aha! You and Yue Jin did do sexual stuff to each other! I knew it. You liked him from the beginning so you two kissed," Jeirome said to me. Seriously? Yue Jin and I didn't even do anything to each other. I didn't even like him that way. I shook my head.
"No, we didn't. I never liked Yue Jin that way. I didn't lose my first kiss to him. I already lost my first kiss to a guy I liked back in my old town," I told Jeirome and he was just quiet, looking down. I took a deep breath, calming myself down. "Don't ever kiss me again." I then walked off.
In April, there was another community event and I received a call, asking if I would like to volunteer and help out with the event again because they really appreciated my help last time. I had nothing to do so I agreed to do it and it was a dancing event. I was gonna be one of the people singing again and serving food and drinks to people.
That day was a perfect day. It wasn't too hot or too cold. The wind was breezy and cool. I decided to wear a black harem hip hop sweatpant with paint designs on it followed by a black workout bra. I wore a silver sweater with it but I didn't zip it up all the way. I only zipped it halfway. I put on a black beanie with silver writings that wrote "Dance" and left my hair straight and I put on all my pierces.
My parents and I arrived at the event, which was located at the park. I signed in and began handing out food to people. While I was doing that, I was also watching people dance battle. They were really good too. I was walking while watching them and I accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh, sorry," I told them and turned to see who I bumped into. It was stupid Johnny. He was with his friends. Ew, what the heck is he doing at a community event? Why did I even have to bump into him, of all people? Once he saw me, he smiled.
"Hey, it's Naotora. Have you finally decided to give me a good fuck?" he asked me and I rolled my eyes and began walking off but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him. I was holding the tray of food so I can't push him away.
"Stop it! Let go of me!" I yelled at him, trying to move away from him but he was just laughing. I gave out lots of attitude to him. "I will give you your third bloody nose if you don't let go of me!" He just laughed. I tried to move away but he held on to me. That does it! I am giving him his third bloody nose! I held on to the tray with one hand and I punched him on the nose, giving him his third bloody nose. He let go of me and he was so mad.
"You little bitch," he told me. He was about to hit me but a guy grabbed his wrist and swung it the other way. He was an Asian guy and he was very cute and handsome.
"Don't you know you can get fined for hitting a community volunteer member? Why would you even think about hitting a girl? That's just really cruel and messed up. You guys need to leave her alone or suffer the consequences," he told Johnny.
"Bitch, I'm not through with you," he told me and began walking off. His friends followed after him. The guy then turned around to me.
"Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?" he asked, making sure I was okay. I nodded my head and smiled.
"Yeah I'm okay. Thanks for the help," I replied to him and he smiled.
"No problem. I'm Xun Yu, we didn't get to meet at the last event," he told me.
"I'm Naotora Ii," I replied to him. We talked for a little bit while serving food to other people. It was finally four in the afternoon when we got our break. He asked me to hang out with him and I did, because he seemed like a really cool guy. We walked over to the dancing area and the song "Neon lights" by Demi Lovato was playing.
"Do you wanna dance?" Xun Yu asked me and I smiled and nodded my head. We both began dancing hip hop. Wow, I didn't know he knows how to dance. That's cool. I now know he sings and dances. I wonder if he plays musical instruments. We were both just having fun dancing together for fun…
Jeirome watched as Naotora dance away happily with another guy and he was so jealous deep inside. He couldn't believe he's even feeling that way because he's never been jealous before. He didn't know that guy, but he hated his guts so much. He didn't want Naotora to be with anyone else but him.
He began making way to Naotora and the stranger guy. He turned the guy around and punched him in the face and he fell down. Naotora gasped and went to the stranger.
"Oh my goodness, Xun Yu, are you okay?" she asked the stranger and Jeirome got so angry that she cared about the stranger and they barely met each other. Jeirome concluded that Naotora refused to hang out with him because of that guy. He wanted to beat the crap out of the guy. Naotora turned to him and pushed him. "What's your problem, Jeirome?"
"My problem? I don't want you fucken talking to any other guys!" he yelled at her and she made a mad face.
"I can hang out with whoever I want!" she yelled back at him, helping the guy back up.
"So this is the reason why you refuse to hang out with me? Because you like this fucken fag? I don't want you talking to any other guy besides me!" he told her and he could tell she was mad at him.
"No it's not! It's because you're a bully and a liar that I don't wanna hang out with you! I can talk to whoever I want and I can hang out with whoever I want! Don't be trying to control my life!" she shouted at him and walked off with the guy, leaving Jeirome feeling so jealous deep inside and he wanted to beat that guy up…
I took Xun Yu off by the water fountain. I sat down on the circle area, putting my hands on my cheeks. Stupid Jeirome. Trying to take control of my life? I don't think so! Xun Yu sat down by me.
"Ex obsession problem?" he asked me and I shook my head.
"Ew no, never! He's just a guy I used to be friends with. I found out he was a bully and I wanted nothing to do with bullies so I ended our friendship. We haven't talked to each other for a long time now and then all of a sudden he asks me to hang out with him again. He's been asking me so much but I always reject him. Now he's telling me I can talk to any other guys or hang out with them," I explained to him and he laughed.
"Wow, seems like he's got a really big crush on you. It seems to be he's becoming obsessed with you," Xun Yu told me. Ew he's getting obsessed with me? That's just plain weird now. I don't think a guy like him will become an obsessed guy. There's just no way. I shook my head.
"Nah, I don't think he's obsessed. There's just no way is he becoming obsessed with me," I replied to him and we just laughed it off.
I continued talking to Xun Yu and we were good friends, only except he is a freshman in high school. I was beginning to get over Toshiie and starting to really like Xun Yu because he was so nice and kind. He has really good grades and he is even an active member in the community. I think he is into me too but I'm not sure.
Jeirome, on the other hand, continued to bother me and it was getting very annoying now. He doesn't just ask me to hang out with him but he also tells me I can't hang out with any other guys. I never listen to him though.
I was sitting down, eating some chicken nuggets and I saw Jeirome starting to come towards my way. I knew he was gonna come to me and I got my stuff quickly. I threw away the nuggets and tried to evade him. He is starting to become a freak!
"Naotora!" yelled Jeirome. The moment I heard his voice, it made me walk faster. I am gonna avoid him from now on. I continued walking off, ignoring him. He called my name several times but I kept walking. "Naotora, I know you can hear me! Stop ignoring me!" Jeirome began jogging to catch up to me. He was freaking me out so I began running off into class. I opened the door and went inside. The teacher turned to me, wondering why I was in such a rush.
"Wow, you sure did come dashing inside. What's wrong?" she asked me and I just smiled and shook my head.
"I was just evading a guy," I told her and she just laughed. Whew, at least he's not here. Maybe I should just bring my own food and stay in here so Jeirome won't be able to come to me. I went to the teacher. She is my guitar class teacher. "Mrs. Jenny? Do you think it's okay if I come stay here during lunch time?" She then smiled with joy.
"Sure, why not? You can keep me company, since it gets quiet here sometimes," she replied cheerfully. I then smiled and thanked her. She reminds me of Mrs. Nohime. I wonder how she's doing now.
A week before the day before spring break, our guitar class teacher told us we were gonna be playing the guitar for everyone to hear, and we could choose the song. She also gave us an opportunity to earn extra credit too. If we sing too, we'll earn extra credit. We weren't singing in school though. We were gonna be going to a concert like place.
It was the day and we were taken to the concert place. I was wearing a jean short that was loose and went up to half an inch above the middle of my thighs. I had on a red and black plaid shirt with buttons on it and wore a pair of high top converse. My hair was French braided to the side. Everyone was there and students were already beginning to play the guitar. Some of them sung too and some didn't.
After literally an hour of students playing guitar, it was finally my turn. I went out and there were so many students. I began hearing girls gossiping about me again. I had my guitar with me and I sat down on the chair. The microphone came with a stand and I adjusted it so I'll be able to sing too.
"Ew, I didn't know that slut was taking guitar class. I bet she's gonna hella suck," I heard a girl say and I put my guitar in place. I took a deep breath.
"I know there are a lot of you that have been bullied, including myself. Nobody will ever understand how we truly feel deep inside. We just want someone to reach out to us. Well I'm telling you right now. We'll make it through all the bullying. This song's for you guys," I said and people were looking at each other. I looked down on my guitar and began playing the song "Desperate" by David Archuleta. "Desperate. Desperate. You're reaching out and no one hears you cry. You're freaking out, again cause all your fears remind you another dream has come undone. You feel so small and lost like you're the only one. You wanna scream cause your desperate. You want somebody, just anybody to lay their hands on your soul tonight. You want a reason to keep believing' that someday you're gonna see the light." When I finished singing, many people gave me a standing ovation. Only the bullies didn't do it. I got up and left the stage. I went to go sit down where the performers were at. While I was watching the rest play the guitar, Xun Yu texted me. I read it "I got jumped right now. It was that guy from last time. The obsessed one. He and a group of guys just beat me up." Oh my gosh, Jeirome did not just do that! I texted him to meet me at the park and he agreed to it.
When everyone was allowed to leave, I went to the park and I saw Xun Yu sitting down on the bench. This is all my fault. I shouldn't let him get hurt because of me. I don't want people to be in danger because of me. My parents already got hurt because of me. I really don't need another one to be hurt. I walked over to him, with tears in my eyes. I felt so terrible that I put him in danger. He turned to me and smiled. He had a bruise on his jaw and a small one on his cheek.
"Hey," he said to me and I gave him a hug.
"Xun Yu, I am so sorry. You got hurt because of me," I told him, as he gave me a hug too. My tears dropped down my cheeks and he hugged me tighter. "This is all my fault."
"It's okay, it's not your fault. It was that guys fault. He's become overly obsessed with you that he's trying to control you. He's hurting the ones you care about to get what he wants from you," he replied to me, wiping my tears away from my eyes. "Listen, Naotora. We'll make it through this."
"I don't know. I can't stand seeing the ones I care about get hurt," I told him, and he made me look at him in the eye.
"I'm in love with you, Naotora. If this is what I have to endure for us to be together, then so be it. I won't let any harm come to you, I promise," Xun Yu said. It was such a butterfly feeling in my tummy to hear those words come out of his mouth, because I really liked him too. Maybe I'm meant to be with Xun Yu and not Toshiie.
"And I won't let any harm come to you," I replied to him and he smiled. I smiled too, and he began coming down to kiss me. It gave me déjà vu when Toshiie did that to me, but his wasn't real. This is my true kiss. He is so sincere when he speaks. I really believed him when he said he loved me. I know what we felt towards each other was real and not just some sick lie. Once our lips were about to make contact, we both closed our eyes and let the moment take us away. The sad thing was that didn't happen. When we were about to make contact, someone pulls Xun Yu and began to beat him up. I opened my eyes and saw Jeirome and his friends beating the crap out of Xun Yu and it really hurt seeing him get hurt.
"Stop it Jeirome!" I yelled, trying to pull him off Xun Yu. His friends held my arms and I tried to make them let go. "Stop! Let go of me! Please, Jeirome. Don't hurt him!" Tears ran down my face again as I struggled to free myself. I broke free and began running to Jeirome and I pushed him hard and he fell off Xun Yu.
"Naotora, move away!" Xun Yu told me as Jeirome pushed me back to his friends and they made me got on my knees and held my arms really tight. They stepped on my shoe too so I couldn't move.
"Stop!" I cried, not being able to do anything but watch Xun Yu get beat.
"Fucken bitch, didn't I tell you to stop fucken talking to her? You're gonna fucken pay!" Jeirome yelled and whooped Xun Yu. I couldn't take watching him get hurt anymore because of me. I know he said we could make it through this but I can't stand him getting hurt. I used a lot of my strength and finally got them to let go of me. I ran to Xun Yu.
"Stop Jeirome, please! I won't talk or hang out with him anymore! Just don't hurt him anymore," I told Jeirome, crying and hugging Xun Yu. He was bleeding from his mouth and nose. "I promise I won't get in contact with him anymore."
"No, Naotora, I told you I'll endure it. I promised you I won't let harm get to you," Xun Yu told me. Xun Yu, you have touched me in the deepest way possible and I like you so much but I can't let you be in suffer because of me.
"And I promised you I wouldn't let harm come to you. I am so sorry, Xun Yu. I love you too but I can't let you suffer because of me," I told him, as he looked really hurt and sad. I felt so guilty on the inside but I knew this was the best thing I could do for him. He grabbed my hand and held on to it.
"You don't have to do this, Naotora," he told me. I don't have to, but I must do it. Jeirome is capable of doing almost anything. Besides, if it were me, you would've done the same thing for me. I held on to his hand too.
"I'm sorry, but I gotta do it. I know you would have done the same for me. I gotta do whatever it takes to keep the ones I care about safe," I told him, letting go of his hand. He had tears in his eyes and I could tell he was forcing himself not to cry. He got up and wiped his blood away. I watched in pain as he began walking off, leaving me in tears. Seeing someone you truly like walking away hurts a lot. Jeirome went to me. I was so angry at him. I really hated him now. He ruined my chance of being happy.
"He doesn't deserve you," Jeirome told me, placing one hand on my shoulder and I smacked it away from me and turned to him with such hate in my eyes.
"Oh, and you think you deserve me? Well guess what? You sure as hell especially don't deserve me. I hate you Jeirome! I will never ever like you! You are a bully and a life ruiner! Don't ever talk to me again!" I yelled at him, slapping his cheek and walking away, as Johnny came out of nowhere and placed his hands on my boobs. I pushed him away from me really fast and socked his nose as hard as I could. It began bleeding again and he got so mad at me for the third time.
"You little fucken slut!" Johnny yelled at me, and tried to hit me. I moved away and sucker punched his chin and he fell down. Many people saw me doing that and they were laughing a lot at him.
"Stupid Johnny boy! Quit being such a pervert!" I yelled at him and walked off, thinking about how angry and sad I was.
On the third day of spring break, I was sitting down on the sofa when my mom came to me, smiling very happily. I was still pretty upset and sad. I really missed talking to Xun Yu but I couldn't talk to him because I didn't want anything to happen to him. My mom pulled me up. I turned to her, wondering what was up.
"Hunny, get dressed. We're gonna spend some mother and daughter time. We haven't done it in ages and I'm finally not doing anything today. Go get dressed ok?" my mom told me. I smiled and nodded my head. Mother and daughter times were the best back then. We always spent time together and always had a great time. Maybe this can help cheer me up.
I went into my room and put on a thin light pink v neck shirt and a style ripped cupree that goes up to my knee. My shoes were vans and I left my hair straight. I came out of the room and we got in the car and she began driving us.
She went to a hair salon and told me that we were gonna get our hair done. I totally need to change my hair. I haven't got time to do so yet. I think I'll dye it burgundy and get my hair layered. We got out hair fixed and she paid for it. My hair was up to my waist now. It used to be up to the bottom of my butt. Next, we went major shopping for five whole hours and we had so much stuff to carry. We even went to go take pictures on the photo booth too. We had a lot of fun but it came by too quick. It was beginning to get dark and we went to go eat out.
My mom was driving us back home when I noticed there was a car that's been following us for quite some time now. I don't know why but I had a bad feeling about it. I think I need to tell my mom.
"Hey mom, I think the car behind us is following us. It's been behind us for some time now. I have a bad feeling about it," I told her and she glanced in the mirror and saw the car right behind us. The person in the car was tailgating us.
"That's strange," my mom said, as the car moved over to the lane where cars are supposed to pass by in the opposite direction from us. It sped up a bit and drove the same miles per hour as my moms. "What are they doing? They can get in a lot of trouble for this."
"I don't know," I replied to her, as the car crashed into my mom's side. The both of us screamed as the car went to the right a bit but my mom made it go straight again. We both began freaking out. "Oh my gosh, what the heck is their problem?"
"I'm not sure, but we need to get away from them as quick as possible," my mom said, trying to remain calm. She sped up the car and so did the other car! They crashed into us again, making the car go to the right but my mom made it go straight again. My mom opened the window. "Hey! You better stop running into us or I'll call the police!"
"Fuck you!" a guy said as we heard laughter. The car crashed into us again really hard as our car sharply turned to the right and my mom lost control of the wheel. Our car stopped sharply, causing it to start rolling. My mom and I screamed as I hit the window really hard and my mom hit the steering wheel. As the car was still rolling, a large truck came and slammed into the car, moving it all the way to a tree and the car broke the tree and was upside down. We were both bleeding a lot, especially my mom. Her eyes were closed. I felt a lot of pain and I was starting to go unconscious.
"Mom," I managed to call out weakly. She didn't answer me. We were both upside down and I looked out to the streets. There was the stupid car was. It wasn't driving but the windows were lowered. I can hear them talking but I don't really know what they were saying.
"I told you to stop before this kind of shit happens. What if she's dead? We're gonna fucken be murderers!" I heard someone say, as someone poked their heads out to peek. They couldn't see me but I could see them. I then recognized the person who poked his head out. Before I knew it, everything went black and I became unconscious.
My eyes opened and I saw myself in the hospital and my dad was sitting down crying so much. I wondered how long I was out and if my mom was okay. I sat up in bed and I was full of pain. I still managed to sit up though.
"Dad?" I called out to him. He turned to me and ran over to me. He gave me such a tight hug like I haven't woken up in a long time. It actually did feel like a long time.
"Naotora! You're finally awake!" he shouted, crying. I hugged him back.
"Where's mom? Is she okay?" I asked, as my dad burst into tears all over again. I have never seen him so sad in my whole life.
"Naotora, your mom… She didn't make it," my dad told me and my eyes widened with horror. What? She didn't make it? She passed away? Tears immediately swelled up my eyes and my heart grew so heavy. I began crying so much as the pain in my heart began hurting so much that I felt like I was gonna die too.
"No, this can't be! This can't be! Tell me you're just lying to me and that she's okay!" I yelled, crying so much. My dad couldn't speak. He could only cry just like me. Why was it her the one to leave? She never deserved this! I couldn't stop crying no matter how hard I tried to stop.
Since we didn't have any relatives or cousins near us, we just had her buried and didn't give her a funeral. It was the saddest day of my life seeing her get buried because every time they put the dirt on the coffin, it felt like a knife stabbing my heart. My dad and I cried so hard that I didn't know how much more I could take. The final dirt placed over felt like someone ripped out my heart and it felt hard to breathe.
When I woke up in the morning, I went downstairs and my dad was drinking so much. There were so many bottles of beer and vodka. My dad was lying down on the sofa and drinking some more. He looked so wasted. I went to him and tried to take the bottle away from him but he didn't let.
"Dad, give it to me, you're drinking too much. It's not healthy for you," I told him, attempting to take the bottle away from him again. He then began crying. I knew he must have been so sad from losing his wife. I miss her so much too but she wouldn't have wanted me to let my dad become alcoholic.
"My wife is dead, and my daughter is being bullied at school too," he said and I was surprised he knew what has been happening to me.
"How did you know?" I asked and he showed me a piece of paper. It wrote "Naotora Ii, you are such a dumb loner in school. Why don't you just go back to where you fucken came from? You are fucking up our community, you stupid slut!" I crinkled the paper up and took the beer bottle away from him.
"I failed as a husband and as a dad. This is all my fault. I'm not fit to be in this position," my dad said, crying in a very drunk way. I shook my head.
"No, it's not your fault, dad. It's the other people's fault," I told him, crying to calm him down, even though I was about to bawl out myself. I gave him a hug. "It's not your fault. Don't ever think that it is because it isn't. You're the best dad anyone can ask for. Please, pull yourself together. I need you to be strong for me." My dad and I just cried like there was no tomorrow.
That night, my mom came to visit me in my dreams. She told me that everything will be okay and to be strong. I didn't know how I could be strong when my life has shattered into pieces and I felt so lost without her.
"I don't know what to do without you," I told her, crying my eyes out. She gave me a hug and I immediately hugged her back. "I miss you so much, mom. Dad misses you too and he's going through a tough time too. I don't know how I'll be able to pull him back up." My mom then smiled.
"Sure you do. You need to pull yourself back up first. Don't let the bullies have their way with you. You must learn to stand up for yourself against them. Play your musical instruments, dance, and sing. It will help you feel more alive. Naotora, you are a strong, talented girl. I couldn't have been more proud of you," my mom said to me as she disappeared and my dream ended.
During school time in the morning, I went through the gate and many people were staring at me and some were gossiping about me, as usual.
"Yeah, that's the girl who's motherless," a girl said to her friends and they stared at me like eagles watching their prey before striking. I kept walking and many people were shouldering me. They were mainly girls though and as they walked past, they called me "motherless" and all those bad words. Okay, I know I'm motherless. Don't need to shove it back in my face, acting like no one here is motherless.
"Motherless freak," a girl told me, and people began laughing. I was starting to build up my anger because they continued calling me that and because I was still really sad for multiple reasons. People are so stupid and cruel. They should be cutting me some slack, not bullying me even more just because my mom passed away. I swear, if one more person calls me motherless, I will seriously hit them. I could no longer hold in the anger deep within myself. I continued walking, but I could feel tears forming in my eyes. I felt really sad that people shoved it in my face and I'm trying to get over that fact but they keep reminding me of what happened.
"Look, it's the girl with no mom," I heard Johnny say, as a rush of vengeful anger came inside me towards Johnny. I could literally feel all the kindness I have ever had disappear and be replaced by anger and hatred. I have had enough of this boy. I turned to him with such hate in my eyes.
"Shut the fuck up! All you people are fucken stupid ass low life cunts. So what if I don't fucken have a mom anymore? Everyone's mom is gonna fucken die one way or another so you keep your bitch ass mouth shut!" I screamed at them angrily, ready to beat the crap out of them. I then remembered how I was looking at the street and saw that guy poke his head out. I turned to Johnny and it was him. He was one of the guys that killed my mom. They made the car accident happen. Dumb bitch, you are so dead! I went to Johnny and began punched his mouth very hard three times and I drop kicked his dumb ass and he fell down hard on the ground. "You stupid bitch! You're the reason why my mom died in the car accident! You fucken murderer!" I was feeling so angry and I couldn't control it. I had no control over what I was doing. I began kicking his stomach with my hard Nikes brand shoe. "Fucken calling me motherless and shit? You fucken made me motherless and yet you fucken dare call me that?" I kicked his stomach again hard and he kinda flew to the locker. I then turned to everyone else. "Anyone fucken have anything so say to me? Say it my fucken face! I fucken dare you!" Nobody would step up and they were just quiet. Fucken fake bitches be talking hella shit but when I call them out, they pussy out and shit. "Come on, you all weren't afraid before. Fucken pussy ass bitches. I'm fucken done being nice. Stupid dumb fake asses. You aint hardcore for shit! Fuck, better recognize I will fuck you up." I looked at everyone with hatred and began walking off. When I was going past Johnny, I kicked his hand and stepped on it.
Once I calmed down, I cried to myself. I hated feeling that way. My life is such a mess right now. Never in my whole life have I ever used bad language before. Even though it was harsh, it felt kind of great standing up to those bullies. Maybe I do need to change myself, not just my physical looks. From now on, I'm not gonna tolerate bullying anymore. If fighting is necessary to make them back down, I'll do it. I'm gonna make this school a friendly school no matter what. I wiped my tears away and I felt much stronger than before.
At home, I began working out and playing my musical instruments. I was also dancing and singing too. My mom was right. Doing these things were helping me out a lot. I was feeling more like myself but stronger. I found myself showing more of my skin too, because when I was working out and dancing, I would wear clothes just like the gym clothing in my school. I wasn't really afraid of showing skin anymore because I got really used to it.
People were beginning to stop bullying me because I would get very aggressive to them and it made them back down. So far, I didn't have to hit anyone. I was wearing loose shorts that went up to an inch under my butt and a loose teen top that was blue cheetah print and it barely covered my stomach. My shoes were a pair of high top converse and I wore all my piercings once again. I actually missed wearing them. My hair was waved today and I used a leather shoulder bag.
As I was walking, Jeirome and his friends walked past me. Laquanda then smacks right into my shoulder and turns to me, as if it was my fault, which it wasn't. She had such a mad face.
"Stupid ass bitch, don't be fucken shouldering me," Laquanda yelled at me. It was so pathetic and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Shut your tranny, Laquanda. You were the one who shouldered me so don't be fucken trying to lie and shit," I replied to her and she got angry at me for calling her Laquanda. She snapped her right finger and stepped up to me.
"Bitch, first of all, my name is Asia and second, you do not fucken call me Laquanda," she began when I interrupted her.
"Laquanda!" I shouted to her and she got so mad.
"Bitch my name is," she began.
"Laquanda!" I yelled again and she was getting even more mad.
"It's fucken," she began
"Laquanda!" I yelled and then the victims of bullying were laughing a lot. Laquanda swung at me but I moved and took off her long straight weave as it came off and her true hair was revealed. It was in two ponytails and they were sticking upwards. Many people began laughing so much and she covered her hair.
"You stupid bitch!" she screamed and ran off, being so embarrassed. I just smiled and stood there. I was waiting to see if any one of them wants to step it up too because I would love to show them what's good.
"So, anyone else? Yeah or nah?" I asked them and they didn't do anything. I laughed once and tossed the weave to Julianne and the end of the hair poked her eyes. I began laughing so much. "Oh poor you, Julianne. Are you like so mad at me? Because if you are, you can tell me." I was mocking her from last time when she said something similar to me. She just stood there with a mad face. I laughed again and walked off.
As I was walking, I noticed many guys and girls following me. They were all the victims of bullying. I knew this because of their vibe. I just smiled at them and they did the same.
"Hi, Naotora, we were just wondering if there was anything we can do for you," a girl said to me. I shook my head.
"It's okay. I don't need anything. I'm just giving bullies a taste of what it's like to be bullied too so they can understand how cruel they've treated us," I told them. They wanted to help me out too and I allowed them to. "You guys should be careful too, okay?" They all smiled and nodded their heads.
Since I stepped up, many bullies began backing down from the rest of us. It was now our turn to take charge of the school. So many people hated me but at the same time, many people respected what I did.
I was walking and saw a group of girls bullying the same two Chinese girls from the first day of school. They were laughing at them because of the way they looked and because they had a very thick accent. I hated how people judge other people even though they don't know them personally. What's worse is that there were two girls who were laughing, but they didn't look like they meant it. They were faking it out.
I began making my way over to them. Once I reached them, I turned the leader girl over. She turned to me with a mad face.
"Bitch, what the fuck?" she said to me.
"You better leave those poor innocent girls alone," I said to her and she laughed, along with her other friends, including the two who were pretending to laugh only. I turned to them and shook my head. "Damn, you two must be afraid of being true to yourself. I know you're faking it out only. You're afraid of being alone so that's why you pretend to laugh, isn't it? You know, it's okay to be real, even if you are gonna be alone. No one should have to be fake just so people will like them." Those two girls then got quiet and stopped laughing. "You should always stay true to yourself."
"Shut up, don't be trying to steal my friends away, you dirty skank," the leader girl told me, pushing me but I didn't even move an inch. I then pushed her too and she fell down.
"I ain't trying to steal them away from you. I'm telling them to be real because they don't need a friend like you. I bet you don't even give a shit about them. People like you disgust me so much. But there's no need to feel that because I'm gonna make this school an anti bully school where people are free to be themselves and everyone respects one another," I told the girl, "I'm just giving you a warning that you better stop bullying others. You leave all your bullshit behind and more people will like you. Simple as that." The girl was just giving me lots of attitude and I smiled and began walking away.
"Thank you help us," one of the Chinese girl said. I turned and they were walking with me. I just smiled. I knew they couldn't talk in English very well.
"Buyong xie," I replied to them and they smiled. I told them that they are welcomed in Chinese. We were just walking together and I was talking to them in Chinese. I learned that their names are Yao Kim Fai and Phoebe. We were finally gonna go our own ways.
"We help stop bully too," Yao Kim Fai told me and I nodded my head. We said our goodbyes and walked off our own ways. I was happy that people are willing to stand up against bullying. Everything is going good again. Maybe they want the same thing that I want too.
Everywhere I went, people were saying hi to me. I returned the hi to them too. People began to hang out with me as I was walking around. I was walking with other people and we were passing Jeirome and his friends. I saw that Laquanda was wearing another weave. She turned to me and mugged me.
"Dumb bitch," she said to me and I stopped and turned to her. I then laughed.
"Hey guys, don't you think that weave looks better on Laquanda than the original one?" I said to the ones walking around with me. They began laughing at her and Laquanda got very mad. She then turned to me.
"It's Asia, you dumb fuck!" she yelled at me.
"Asia? Psh, more like Africa!" I shot back and she got so mad. We all began laughing more at her and she was so mad that she tried to hit me but I moved and pushed her to Jeirome. He held her so she wouldn't fall. I sighed. "Do you really wanna do this again? Because that weave looks pretty expensive. By the way, what did you do with your original weave? Also, about your two ponytails, do they help you make your weave have more volume?" All the people hanging out with me were laughing so much.
"Argh! I hate this bitch!" shouted Laquanda, as she, Julianne, and Andreiyaa came to me to hit me. I was waiting for them to come hit me. All of a sudden, Yao Kim Fai and Phoebe came from the air. Their right legs were out doing the split and the left foot was bent in. their arms were posed to fight too.
"Hai!" they yelled as they kicked Laquanda as she hit Julianne and Julianne hit Andreiyaa. Everyone began laughing so hard. Yao Kim Fai and Phoebe landed on their foot next to me. Jude accidentally laughed out loud. Laquanda and her two bitches got up and began walking off very pissed off as the guys followed after them. Everyone cheered for Yao Kim Fai and Phoebe. They both smiled. I hugged the both of them.
"I'm proud of you guys!" I said and people threw confetti at us. I stopped hugging them and turned to everyone else. "I'm proud of all of you guys for stepping up to bullies. Let's make this a safe environment school where there is no bullying."
"Yeah!" everyone shouted and we all group hugged each other. I wish mom was here to see how well I've been doing. Hopefully you're in a better place and hope you're proud of me.
Pretty soon, it was the end of the school year. Most of the bullies are now graduating but there will be new bullies who will need to be put in their place. During the summer, I went to visit my mom's grave and told her everything that's been happening. My dad still drinks but he stops when I tell him to.
During the summer, my dad asked if I wanted to go visit my friends in my old town. I still feel uneasy about what I saw that day so I didn't want to go. He was leaving to do the paperwork for the house because people were buying our house there. Instead of going, I volunteered to help out at the community event. Truthfully, I was hoping that Xun Yu would be there and maybe we can finally be able to have our chance we never got to have because of Jeirome. The event was being held at the lake and it was gonna be hot. I wore a blue booty short with a neon green t shirt with black writings that say "Swag on" that has been cut short up half an inch after the bottom of my chest and I tied my hair into a messy bun. My shoes were a neon black and green high heel Nike shoe. I didn't plan on swimming though and it wasn't a singing event so I was only serving people. All my pierces were worn too.
My dad dropped me off at the lake and I got out and we said our goodbyes before he left. He wasn't coming home until two to three days. I went to the area where all the volunteers were at and I signed in. I grabbed a tray of hot dogs and I scanned my surroundings to see if I could spot Xun Yu. I saw him serving drinks to the elderly people sitting down. He seemed like he was looking for someone too. Could he be looking for me? Our eyes met and a smile appeared on his face. He waved hi to me and I smiled back at him. He quickly finished serving drinks to the people and came over to me.
"Hey, I didn't think I'd see you come to an event anymore. How have you been?" he said. I just smiled.
"No, I've been dealing with a lot of drama so I didn't have time to come to events. I've been good. How about you?" I replied, as we were serving people.
"I've been great. So how are things with Jeirome?" Xun Yu asked me and I laughed it off.
"Well, he doesn't bother me anymore. I've been putting a stop to bullying at school and his friend that's a girl really hates me. Maybe that's why he stopped being a creep. I'm still sorry about getting you beat up.," I replied to him. He shook his head.
"Nah, it's okay. At least he won't bother you anymore. So, does this mean we can, you know, be together again?" Xun Yu asked me and I blushed, feeling shy of him all over again. Before I got to answer him, one of the community leaders called out his name.
"Xun Yu, can we get you to escort this young lady to the restrooms, please?" he said and Xun Yu nodded his head.
"I'll be back," he told me and I smiled. He walked off to the little girl and began taking her to the bathroom. Xun Yu is such a kind guy. I hope things will work out between us since he's gonna be a sophomore and I'll be an eighth grader. While I was thinking, a girl tapped me.
"He's cute, isn't he?" she asked, looking at Xun Yu. I turned to her and it was a Chinese girl. I wasn't sure if she was talking about Xun Yu or not.
"Who are you talking about?" I asked and she laughed.
"Xun Yu, of course," she replied to me. I nodded my head.
"Yeah, he is," I told her and she turned to me.
"You know, he's my boyfriend," she told me. I became so shocked and confused. I turned to her, confused.
"You guys are dating? For how long now?" I replied, determined to get some answers.
"Well, we began dating in the beginning of our freshmen year but he dumped me in April," she began. April? But that's when we began talking! Did he dump her to talk to me or something?
"So you guys aren't dating anymore then?" I asked her and she shook her head.
"Well, he dumped me in April but he asked for me back the day before Spring break. It was pretty sad because he had a busted up lip and he got a black eye," she told me and I was so shocked. Oh my god, how can he do this? Why would he do such a thing? If he's taken, why did he as if we could be together again? Is he planning to dump her again to talk to me? What if she's lying?
"Are you sure you guys are dating?" I asked, suspiciously and she nodded her head. I got the gut feeling that she really wasn't lying to me. She then took out her wallet and showed me a studio picture of the both of them.
"See? We went to take these pictures yesterday," she told me. I looked at the date and it really was yesterday!
"What? But…," I began, but I stopped because I didn't want to tell her anything. It should be Xun Yu to tell her but now I know he was kind of using her so he wouldn't be lonely. If he does that, he'd definitely do that to me. I felt sorry for that girl.
"But what?" she asked and I just laughed.
"Oh, nothing. I think you guys make a cute couple," I told her cheerfully. Because I said that, she didn't ask any more questions. I walked off, feeling bummed out. How can Xun Yu do that to her? She seems so innocent and sweet like she wasn't even mad when she was talking to me. He should keep talking to her. She'd be better for him. They're in the same grade too.
In a while, he saw me again. He came up to me and smiled.
"Hey, where have you been? I've been looking for you," Xun Yu told me. I had a different feel about him now that I knew he was already taken but yet he was talking to me. I just smiled and turned to him.
"I was serving people. You know, you guys make a cute couple," I told him and he grew surprised.
"How did you know?" he asked me.
"Your girlfriend came to talk to me. She's really nice and innocent. Did you really dump her in April, the month we began talking? Did you really ask for her back the day I said I wouldn't talk to you anymore? She didn't deserve it. Now that I'm here again, are you trying to dump her again to date me?" I asked him.
"Is it such a wrong thing to want a different girl?" Xun Yu asked me.
"It is wrong. She really loves you, you know? You should do the same for her. Don't dump her for me, okay? It's really messed up. If she gives her heart to you, catch it and hold on to it. Don't let it go just because you see someone else you like. It's not right," I told him, and he looked down.
"I'm sorry, Naotora. I don't know what I was thinking. You're right. I'm actually kind of glad you told me this, otherwise I wouldn't have known. Can we still be friends at least?" Xun Yu told me honestly and I knew he was telling the truth. I smiled and nodded my head.
"Yeah, why not?" I replied and he smiled. Deep inside I was sad but I knew it was for the best. I guess Xun Yu and I aren't meant to be together after all. Why is love so hard? At least I'm making the right decision. Xun Yu went to his girlfriend and they looked really happy together. I couldn't help but smile because I helped a friend out.
Once eighth grade began, there were lots of bullies again but together with my friends, we put a stop to them by the end of the school year. I finally accomplished what I had hoped to do. The school is officially safe. There are no more bullies and everyone respects one another for being themselves. It made me really happy because I was leaving the school in good hands. I really hoped it would continue to be an anti bully school. While in school, I also joined the volleyball, track, and basketball team.
For graduation, I wore a one sided strap dress that was light red that goes up to half an inch above the middle of my thighs but it gets longer in the back. My hair was waved and I wore light red open toe wedges.
Many people were cheering for us eighth graders as we came out. I looked around and saw my dad, smiling. He had officially stopped drinking and he's returned to his old self. I was really proud of him for that. We all got seated and our principal began to speak.
"Welcome, everyone and thank you for coming to the eighth grade graduation. First of all, I would like to say that this year has been the best year being principal in my fifteen years of teaching. I congratulate you eighth graders for making it this far, yet you have four more years of school before college. I am proud of you all," our principal began, as everyone cheered, "Before we begin announcing the names of these graduates, I would like to award these trophies to this year's most athletic guy and girl." He showed everyone two gold trophies of a guy and girl with a ball. Everyone began cheering again. "The most athletic guy this year is Fu Xi and for the girl, Naotora Ii. Please come up and receive these trophies with honor." Wow, I got the trophy? I wasn't expecting this! I got up and began walking to the front as many people cheered super loud.
"Whoo, Naotora!" the crowd yelled. I was just smiling and so was Fu Xi. We got the trophies and had to take a picture with the principal. We shook hands with our principal and went back down to our seats.
"Alright, moving on to the next. This one thousand dollar check is for the eighth grade essay titled 'letter to the students in school' and it was a tough choice because those of you who participated wrote a spectacular essay. I am proud to announce, the winner of this one thousand dollar check is Naotora Ii!" my principal announced. I was really surprised because mines was chosen and I really thought it wouldn't get picked. Everyone boomed with cheers again as I got up to receive the large check. "Congratulations, Naotora." He gave me the check and we shook hands again. "One more thing, I would like to congratulate this young lady with a certificate of leadership and a medal of honor for helping this school become a better place. Thanks to you and the rest of your friends, every student can come to this school without fear of being judged for who they are. Your name will carry on this school's pride. Excellent leadership, Naotora. We teachers and staff are very proud of you." Gee, I feel so happy I can burst into confetti. Today I am so lucky for receiving all these. I smiled.
"Thank you very much," I replied to him, as he put the gold medal around my neck. It had my name on it with the words "In honor of leadership". I turned around, smiling and everyone was cheering for me. The loud horns began playing for literally ten seconds as I made my way back to my seat.
"Now it is time to announce our eighth grade graduates!" the principal shouted and even more people cheered. All of us eighth graders were so excited. Our principal then began calling out our names and people were cheering. He said many names before mines.
"Naotora Ii," he said, as everyone cheered and the loud horns played. Suddenly, a burst of fireworks popped in the air and it popped five times. I had the loudest cheer. Many more names were called and finally it was done. "Thank you all for coming and again, congratulations eighth graders." Everyone went wild and we all got up and began walking off to find our family. When I was looking for my dad, a lot of people gave me roses and balloons.
"Congratulations, Naotora!" they all told me and I thanked them. I finally saw my dad looking for me and I went to him. When he saw me, he smiled in a way I have never seen before. He gave me a big hug and I hugged him back.
"I am so proud of you, Naotora. I am a very proud father and your mom would be proud of you too," my dad said.
"Thank you, dad. I am a very proud daughter and I couldn't have asked for a better dad than you," I replied to him, "I love you a lot. Thank you for everything you do for me." He gave me one more hug.
A lot of people continued coming to me and in thirty minutes, people stopped coming so my dad and I walked to the car. We stuffed everything in our car and he began driving off back to our house. A lot of people texted me, asking if I wanted to go to the graduation party but I didn't want to. I just wanted to stay home with my dad and just cook for the both of us as my graduation.
I cooked some crab rangoons and barbecued ribs with some pot stickers. While I was cooking, I was thinking about my mom and how I missed her so much. I began crying to myself softly. I really wish you were here with us.
"Dad, come eat some food," I told my dad once I finished cooking. He came down and we both sat on the table.
"Thank you, Naotora. It should have been me to cook for you," my dad told me and we both just laughed. I told him it was okay and we began eating. When he ate, he smiled and turned to me. "You cook just like your mom. You have her talents."
"I have your talents too, dad," I replied to him and we continued eating.
The next day, the community leader called and asked me to go to the park to help out. I agreed and when I arrived, it was actually a celebration for me. My friends persuaded them to do a celebration for me because I helped them gain their confidence and their fears at school from the bully. Not only that but also because I stood up for them when no one else did and ended bullying.
"Thanks, you guys. You ended bullying too," I told them and they smiled.
"Yeah, but you took the lead and you helped us end it. You're an inspirational girl," a girl named Jessie told me. I smiled and we all group hugged each other and people took pictures of us doing that. The members of the community came to us.
"Naotora, here is a certificate of anti bullying leader and a medal for ending bullying at school. You inspire many to help make this place better. Thanks to you, we have decided to have a national anti bully day and we would be honored to have you as one of the official members of this town," an elderly member told me, putting the medal over my head and giving me the certificate. As this was happening, the news people were recording what was happening. Dang, who knew this could happen to me? Everything was so bad at first but now it's going good.
"Thank you so much," I told her, giving her a hug.
"Make a small speech to everyone!" shouted Jared, one of my friends. I smiled and laughed. Jared, you would say that to me. I guess it won't hurt to make a little speech for them.
"Okay, I'd love to," I replied to him. I turned to everyone. "It takes a group to end bullying, but it takes one person to start it. I want to make this community feel safe and secure of those who judge a book by its cover. All I did was put an end to bullying in my middle school, but there will be many more to come in the near future. I have no fear though, because I know that there will be many people who stand by my side and help me with this too. Overall, what I did shows that it only takes a person to inspire many others to do the right thing. So please, everyone, help me end bullying for once and for all." Everyone began cheering for me and I laughed. I said what was on my mind at that moment.
"You rock, Naotora!" people were shouting. The community had games people can play and all the games had all sorts of people to play it and they have to work together to win big prizes such as a flat screen television, a car, etc. I didn't get to serve food or drinks to people because it was a celebration for me. Everyone was having a great time.
"Hey Naotora, go sing for us!" shouted my friends and I laughed. They handed me a microphone and I went up the stage.
"I dedicate the song 'Dance it off' to all you victims of bullying. We're all in this together and we'll find a way out of it no matter what," I began, as the song began playing and everyone was cheering. "I know sometimes this thing call life, it ain't easy but believe me, we're all going through the same old thing, yeah. Under pain, underappreciated, frustrated when things don't turn out the way we play. Play out of my head, out of my head. Oh whoa sometimes I wanna shout. Oh whoa whoa oh, and I'm about to let it out. Leave your problems at the door. Don't you cry anymore. Tonight we're gonna celebrate. When nothing's going your way, you're waiting for the day. Somebody's gonna cut you a break. Dance it off, dance it off, dance it off, dance it off."
"Whoo!" everyone shouted once I finished. I smiled and went down. That day, I had such a great time having that celebration.
Everywhere I went, it was like people knew me. They would always say hi to me, even though I don't know them but I still say hi to them too. When I went to go dye my hair, the manager offered to do it for free. On the top of my hair, I dyed it reddish color. On the middle, it was dark pink and the bottom of my hair was soft light pink. Since my bangs grew a lot longer, I had my hair split in half. When I went shopping, every store I went to gave me ninety percent discount and that day I got to buy a whole lot of clothing and shoes, over two hundred plus. It didn't even fit my walk in closet but I was still very happy.
All was well until two weeks later. My dad and I were home watching some funny movies when the doorbell rang. My dad went to open it and I heard him talking to someone. I got up and went closer to hear.
"Yes, I'm sorry but you have three days to move out. I sold the house to someone else because I was beginning to become broke and I need money to provide care for my kids. I'm sure you would do the same," the manager said. Are you freaking serious? I went to the door and saw the manager.
"But I told you I was gonna buy the house in three days," my dad explained to him, "I'm already finished doing the paperwork and all that. I can just go turn it in and pay you today." The manager shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but I already sold the house and received the money. I'm already using the money and I can't return the money to him anymore. I'm truly sorry about this," he said. I got so mad at him because this was unexpectedly and we don't even have anywhere else to live, meaning we're homeless until my dad gets a new house and is finished with the paperwork.
"Why couldn't you have just waited three days? I'm pretty sure you weren't so broke up to the point where you don't have a single penny and you can still provide food and all that to your family for three days," I told him, and my dad shushed me.
"Naotora, don't," my dad said. I shook my head and walked off. Stupid manager. The other people probably paid them more so they'll get the house. People can be so greedy sometimes. I don't wanna be homeless!
We finished packing up in three days time. We had to put our stuff inside the storage rooms until we found a new home. What's worse is that because my dad doesn't have a home, he lost his job. We've been staying in our car for the past two days now and I hate that feeling of not having a home.
My dad and I were walking downtown to go eat out at a restaurant. My dad and a guy accidentally shouldered each other.
"Sorry," they said in unison, turning to each other. They both grew shocked and I didn't understand why.
"Hey, how have you been?" he asked my dad, as they gave each other brotherly hugs. I was confused. Am I missing something here? "So this is where you guys moved."
"Yeah it is. We're doing not so well, I just lost the house I was about to get," my dad replied as the guy turned to me and smiled. I was up to his eyes but my dad was up to his chin. I was taller than my dad now from working out and dancing a lot.
"Hi, you must be Naotora. Wow, you've grown up really fast. You outgrew your dad. It seems like yesterday you and my son were sleeping next to each other when you were a baby," he told me. What the heck? I don't recall his face. Maybe I was too young to know. I just smiled politely.
"I take it that you're my dad's friend, right?" I asked him and he nodded his head.
"Yeah, your dad and I were best friends in high school. Now that we're all here, let's go eat out. It'll be my treat," he said and my dad agreed. We went into a restaurant and ordered some food. My dad updated his friend on everything that's happened and he felt sorry for us.
"I'm searching for a house but so far I haven't had any results yet, so I'm just gonna rent a two bedroom apartment for us until I find a house," my dad said to him.
"I have a great idea. I live in a three story and there are a lot of rooms available. Why don't you and your daughter come live with us? It'll give our kids a chance to bond with each other again. Besides, you guys will be able to move back and I'm sure your daughter must miss her old friends there," he told my dad and he shook his head. My friends didn't even miss me when I was gone. They made a new friend. At least they won't be able to tell it's me since I really did change in two years.
"Oh, no it's okay. I don't want to be a burden. I have no job to help pay for rent," my dad replied politely and the guy just laughed it off.
"You're still as nice as before in our high school years but seriously, you guys can move in with us until you find a job and find a house. I'm leaving back today, so you guys should come," the guy offered. My dad finally agreed to it and I wondered who that baby he was talking about was.
We rented a big truck and put our belongings there. We then began heading back into our old city. What if I go to the same school as Ina and Okuni? What does it matter? I'm a stronger person. I can take handling that little problem. I'll just make new friends. While we were on our way, I fell asleep.
Next thing I knew, we arrived at my dad's friends house. I woke up and got out of the car. It was night time and I took a nice stretch and walked to get some stuff. I was wearing a plain red t shirt and a pair of sweat pants with Vans brand shoes. I rubbed my eyes a few times softly and yawned. My dad and his friend already went inside to put some stuff away. I tried to grab my suitcase but it was a bit too far.
"Oh come on, you stupid suitcase. Why do you have to be so far away?" I said to myself, reaching out my hands to grab the suitcase.
"You need help with that?" a guy's voice said from behind.
"Sure, thanks," I replied to the person. I stopped reaching for my suitcase and turned around. Once I saw who it was, I gasped and covered my mouth with wide eyes.
