A/N: This one is in memory of my friend Jared who was bullied through high school and died at 17 of suicide. I wish something like this happened instead. He was a great person who didn't deserve to be hurt the way he was.
I hope you guys like this little one shot, it means a lot to me. The tone and style is different than anything I've written so far, please don't be thrown by it. I know the pacing won't be for everyone but give it a chance, the message is important. :)
First person POV. Enjoy.
Highschool... the place decorum goes to die. There were rules. For some people; those born lucky with beauty and brains, Highschool was and would always be the best four years of their lives, for most people it would be four years of ups and downs, average and simple, then for the remaining few, it would be hell.
I managed, most of my life to avoid the abuse and bullying brought about in school, on school property at least. I got enough of it at home, I didn't need it here too.
In school it was simple; I'd keep my head down, avoid eye contact, and I'd just walk in circles so no one could catch me. Then the bell would ring, school would be over and evasion was nearly impossible. I would have to get on that bus.
Maybe it's just me, but as I have played witness to this hell bus for three and a half years now, I can see clearly what it really is. It is a prime example of the social ladder, unattainably high and impossible to climb. Where you start, is where you'll be, unless someone at the top makes an exception. As far as I'm concerned, it's just plain cruel.
The most coveted seats were the ones at the back of the bus. Why? Simply because it sat higher than the rest, and the long walk to the back made sure everyone would have a chance to look at you and bask in your glory. They were occupied by kids who were treated like human beings; bipedal primates belonging to the Mammalian species. Homosapien in the family Hominidae. Normal kids would just say 'the popular kids.'
Beneath them; everyone else, but more specifically sharks, the kids who fed off of them, hungry and desperate for their attention and acceptance. The majority of the school was the pack. They were your average highschoolers, coasting along and surviving by leaning on each other. The further down the list you went, the closer you got to me. When you hit the bottom, you'd have to dig a little deeper. There I am.
When I step on the bus, all eyes focus on me and people recoil. I'm a social leper, always have been. The popular kids could care less, they just focused on their phones, texting each other because talking is overrated.
I head for my seat, like I do every single day... in fear and agony. Walking the short distance to my seat should be easy enough, I sit across from the bus driver, I am the dirt beneath everyone elses feet. It should be quick and easy, but it isn't. I feel two hands on my back and the next thing I know, I'm pinned beneath a larger kid, the others are all laughing and cheering for the person on top of me. I manage to look up at the bus driver but she rolls her eyes, sighs and shuts the door. She sees this kind of thing all the time. Lucky me.
I wanted to cry; now, at this moment. I wanted to burst into tears on the school bus floor. Pathetic. I already cried at home that morning and the night before. I wished to be non-existant, to disappear. I wanted to die. All the time.
I felt the blows on my back like daggers. I'm thin, it doesn't take much for me to hurt and bruise and ache. I bit on my lip, stiffling my cries, I didn't want anyone to see me cry. Then nothing. Everything stopped, the kid was still on my back, but I felt everyone's gaze and attention shift to the opposite end of the bus. I heard footsteps and then whispers. The person who was on me got off slowly and backed away. I wanted to get up, but I was still shaking so much, I couldn't find the strength to support myself enough.
Another set of hands were now on me and I flinched, but these hands were different, they were kind. I turned my head and I was met with a sad smile, beautiful dark brown eyes that were filled with concern. Helena. We had never spoken, she transfered here from England last year and her flawless pale skin, silky black hair, amazing accent, and perfect smile had her automatically at the top. She was the queen and she was at my side, helping me.
"I'm Helena." She whispered into my ear as she helped me off the ground. We stood there for a moment so I could get my balance.
"I know." I said in return. Who didn't know this girl. She was Helena Wells. "I'm..."
"Myka Bering. I know." She knew my name. "Are you okay love?"
I nodded like an idiot and she took my arm. At first I thought she was making me the exception, everyone did. I could see them as they assumed she'd take me to the back of the bus with her. She didn't. She looked at the girl who was on top of me. "Grow up." She hissed at her, wrapping her arm around my waist protectively. The girl cowered beneath her glare and sat down. Helena didn't take me to the back of the bus, she didn't make me the exception. This entire time, she was making an exception for everyone else. "May I sit with you Myka?" She was breaking social mores.
"But the rules..." I started to say, but she wouldn't let me finish. She pulled me even closer as we sat together at the front of the bus.
"Change the rules darling."
My life changed that day. I was given a gift that I had never known before... hope.
Thank you for reading this. I hope if you're bullied, you know that you're not alone and please don't hesitate to find someone to talk to. This world is better with you in it, so please stay safe and love yourself. I Love you all, with all my heart, unconditionally. XO
