Thanks to everyone who read the last chapter and left a review. You all are awesome.
This chapter is a little different then my normal story vibe. This chapter does have a quote, but it also has a purpose. This week was bully awarness week at my brothers school, so when I pulled this quote out it felt like a good story line. This is a sadder story and does include Bullying and Suicide so be cautious if this kind of thing upsets you.
I think that this is an important problem to discuss because it happens everywhere, everyday.
Sorry is this is confusing, the words in bold are being heard by Bella and Edward through the TV.
Setting- Edward and Bella are in their cottage watching the news together. Year is 2013 in a small town in Oregon.
Quote- You are far more influential than you think.
POV- Bella
-Mark (News Man) - I've just heard that we have some breaking news. Jen, could you tell us more about this tragedy?
-Jen (News Woman) - "Sure, Mark. Fear is defined as an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger. This can be common things like heights, snakes or clowns. Or maybe something more unique, like the fear of things that don't exist. Something in your body tells you that you should be afraid and that you should stay away from them. But what happens when these fears are always around you and you can't ever seem to get away? Well, for the unfortunate children these fears hit in a place where they should feel safe."
"Yesterday at around noon someone made a call to the 911 dispatchers here in forks. It was a mother telling us that she had found her daughter, 16 year old Abigail murphy, cut and bleeding in the bathroom of their family house. By the time that the ambulance had arrived at the house, Abigail was dead. On a note that she had left on a table, she said, "I'm tired; tired of the bullying, of the verbal abuse. I don't want to live the rest of my life like this. It hurts so much. Am I that much different then they are? I guess that doesn't matter anymore because in a short time I won't be a bother to anyone. I love you mom and dad, please forgive me." Pondering this investigation, cops unleashed a few suspects. From Abigail's cellphone, cops have found the people behind the abuse. 17 year olds, Samantha and Julia. Supposedly these two have been posting comments and spreading rumors about Abigail. She had finally had enough; they two young girls had made her life a living hell. Alone and hurt, Abigail went home and silently ended the unneeded and heartless pain that Samantha and Julia caused. Now, Abigail's mother is trying to charge Samantha and Julia with her daughter's death. "
"How could those girls be so heartless? And why do they think they are any better than that girl? Abigail hadn't done anything to those wrenched things." Bella said while burying her head into my chest. She was worried about the bullying thing since Nessie was a tad bit different that the other children out there and she would be starting school soon.
"I don't know, Love. Some people just are heartless and don't care about the impact they have on other peoples lived. And then again, some people bully others because there jealous or want to feel better about themselves." I explained softly. This topic seemed to greatly distress her.
"That isn't an excuse for her actions. Bullying is such a horrible thing. That poor girl; I can't imagine what she went through. All these people thinking she was a bad person, but in reality everything was a lie. Those evil girls completely ruined that family and I think that they should be charged with her death. I wish there was something I could do to stop this kind of thing from happening again." Bella said and then started pacing around the room.
"How about you give a bullying awareness speech at the high school? Talk to them about the effects of bullying and what to do if you're being bullied." Maybe that would help ease her mind a bit.
"Why do you think a bunch of teenagers would listen to me? I'm not exactly the speech giving type."
"I don't know love. You're far more influential than you think." I really wanted her to do this and I know that she could make a big impact.
"Okay, I'll try it. But I still doubt they will listen."
-PART 2-
Scene- High school gym
-Edwards POV-
Since Bella and I had decided to be homeschooled this year, we didn't really know that many people at the high school. Bella had spent hours and hours working on her speech. She wouldn't even let me read it saying that I would have to wait like everyone else in the world. Our whole family was sitting proudly in the bleachers as Bella walked onto the small stage and began her speech.
"Hello, I'm Bella Cullen. I know many of you have heard about the tragic death of Abigail and the reasons behind it. Well, I'm here to supply you with some facts that might help prevent this tragedy from every happening again. You see, Abigail committed suicide after a small group of heartless teenagers made up a bunch of lies about her. They spread rumors and called her many names. Once the verbal abuse turned physical, Abigail decided that she had had enough. She died cold and alone because two people decided that they should be on top of her on the food chain. Let me tell you now, you are no better than anyone out there. Everybody has a purpose in life and you should never try and stand in the way of someone path to finding that purpose. Did you know that every year, around 25 people commit suicide because of bullying? That is far too many lives taken by others ruthless acts. It disgusts me and many others out there. If you are bullying someone and they end up killing themselves, do you really want their deaths on your hands? Trust me that guilt will never go away. And if you are someone getting bullied, you don't have to go through this alone. Talk to a teacher or parent; call a bullying hotline, or you can even call me. I will do everything in my power to make sure this stops. Thanks for listening and I hope you will take what I said into consideration."
Wow. I didn't know Bella had that in her. That was an amazing speech and brought out the right emotions in people. And those emotions had to be pretty big because Jasper looked like he was about to puke.
"How was it?" Bella asked.
"That was utterly amazing. I can assure you that you have made a difference and that some of the bully's will think twice before saying something rude again. "
-Three weeks later-
"Thanks for coming in Bella. I know you're probably busy so I will just jump to the point. I wanted to thank you. You have made such a big impact in our school. With your help, more kids are contacting parents and teachers for help with bullying. We now have a mailbox outside the counselor's office where students can leave her notes to ask for help. We also have seen a large reduction in behavior problems here. Your speech was a major eye opener to all these kids. I doubt you will ever understand how big of an influence you've had on them, and again I just wanted to say thanks for it."
"Wow. I can't believe it actually helped. I never thought they would actually listen to what I said. I'm glad they did though. Bullying is such an unneeded and horrible act. It should be stopped. Hopefully one of these days' people will be able to only see the good in others, and just ignore the bad."
FACTS-
It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Source: National Education Association
56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school. If you see it happening, please report it. It could make a huge difference.
According to bullying statistics, 1 out of every 10 students who drops out of school does so because of repeated bullying. DON'T RUIN SOMEONES LIFE FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL PLEASURE.
Suicide remains among the leading causes of death of children under 14. And in most cases, the young people die from hanging. (AAS)
• In 2005 (the last year nationwide stats were available), 270 children in the 10-14 age group killed themselves. (AAS)
Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University
study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying
Thanks for reading, and I hope it was barable. There will be a happier chapter later on this week. Please write a review and tell me what you think.