The school auditorium was buzzing with life. Jade fiddled with her thumbs as she waited. The principal was giving his opening remarks. He was going on about bullying, mental health, and acceptance. Some students have already checked out.
"Now, our first speaker, Jade Hansen," the principal said. A few people clapped as she walked onstage.
"Um, hello," Jade said awkwardly. "So, I was Aaron's friend. Yep, we've been friends since about halfway through sophomore year. Well, has been since his sophomore year. He approached me one day in the library."
A few people gave her skeptical looks. Jade knew it would be best to stop speaking lies. "The truth is, Aaron felt a sinking loneliness," Jade said. "He felt something that no one should feel. He felt like he fell in a forest, and no one was there to hear him cry for help. He thought it would be easier for everyone if he just disappeared."
"No one should feel that crushing loneliness," Jade said. "If you feel like you should disappear, reach out. Someone will listen. No one deserves to feel like they need to take their life. Even if you think the world is crashing down, you will be found."
Jade's speech blew up. It was on trending, and so was the Aaron Project's Facebook page. The page started with seven followers now it had over ten thousand. The fundraiser to save the apple orchard also had raised over a thousand dollars.
Jade now had a group of friends to sit with. Her new table consisted of Katie, Dirk, Abbey, and Hanna, one of Katie's friends who was helping with the Aaron project. Jade was happy. Even though her new friendships were built on lies, except for Dirk, she now finally had a group of friends.
"We've been getting donations from across the world," Abbey squealed. "And it's all thanks to you, Jade. No one is going to forget Aaron."
"That's great," Jade exclaimed. She then turned her attention to Katie. "So, the fair is coming to town this weekend. I was thinking we could go Saturday night. You know, celebrate the success of the Aaron Project?"
"Sure," Katie said. "That sounds great."
"Like a group hang out?" Hanna asked.
"No," Jade said. "Like a Katie and I hang out. Well, not necessarily a hang out-"
"Ms. Jade Hansen," Katie asked. "Are you asking me on a date?"
"Yeah," Jade said. "I guess I am."
"Sure," Katie said. "I'll be free after five."
"Okay," Jade said. The bell then rang that signified the ending of lunch. The group got up from their table and went to the trash cans. Once they were done throwing away their stuff, the group went their separate ways.
They walked away. "Katie, wait," Jade called. Katie turned around and Jade ran to her. Jade smashed her lips together, and Katie was quick to reciprocate the gesture.