I noticed I have not gotten a lot of feedback, so I'm hoping I will still get some. I apologize that it is taking longer than I thought, but I do want to finish this story without rushing it, so I hope it's good so far. THis NOT the final chapter, but we are getting very close! Enjoy!

Cheeks of Glitter

Chapter Eighteen

"The dance is tomorrow," Butters said before the social class began, "I'm so nervous."

"Don't be nervous, man," Kenny muffled as he patted his friend on the back. He didn't like any girls in particular, but being surrounded by them was heaven for Kenny. In fact, it was his plan to possibly show up at the dance and steal the girls away from their dates, but he wasn't going to tell anyone that. He chuckled at his thought.

"Yeah, you can do it," Clyde added, trying to comfort Butters as well. He was already confident enough that he was able to ask Bebe to be his date, but just like Butters, he was feeling nervous. However, he felt talking positive to others would help himself in the long run.

Stan was only half listening to the conversation, because he was mostly thinking about his talk with Wendy the other night. He hadn't spoken to her or Heidi or even Eric since then.

Stan wondered if it was really okay to go out with his friend's ex-girlfriend. He was already feeling okay with Butters doing it, so there didn't have to be a reason for him not to, except maybe filling his obese friend with rage.

"He will get over it," he remembered Wendy saying to him that night. Stan glanced over at Eric, who was snacking on a chocolate poptart. He hadn't said much that morning, nor did he even complain about the class.

Stan noticed that Kyle still hadn't arrived, and he was beginning to feel nervous, wondering if Ike had another horrible night to keep his best friend up. He bit his lip nervously.

Wendy was one of the last few students to walk into the classroom. Her purple sequin tank top practically made Eric's eyes blind as he scoffed in annoyance.

"W-w-wow, Wendy," Butters said awkwardly as she fiddled with his hands, trying to meet his eyes with hers. "You look lovely."

Wendy smiled as she placed her hand on the boy's desk. "Thank you, Butters," she said in a mature voice before continuing to her own seat. She heard the side comment of Jimmy's, saying how Butters was acting shy and didn't deserve a pretty girl like Wendy. She didn't care.

"Mmmkay, I had a request from a student that a kid from another class join our sessions," Mr. Mackey said as he stepped into the classroom. "Apparently, only the third and fourth grade students are having these sessions, and some of the younger kids are struggling, mmmkay. Also, one of our students would like to lead today's session. Go ahead, Heidi."

Stan's eyes widened as glanced over to the girl, who stood up and made her way in front of the class. He watched as she scanned her eyes over toward the door.

In came Kyle, and with him, was Ike, hand in his. "It's okay," Kyle whispered to his little brother, "nobody is gonna judge you." He led Ike over and the two shared the same desk.

Stan was surprised to see Ike, and when he caught eyes with Kyle, it was almost as if they had a secret conversation. "I asked," Kyle said to him with his eyes.

"We've been talking about peer pressure," Heidi started, getting Stan's instant attention, even if it was hard for him to look directly at her. "One thing we hadn't got to talk about very much," she continued, "is bullying. Bullying can come in different forms, whether it's physical, verbal, or even on a computer screen."

Stan watched for Ike's reaction. He was only listening softly. He realized that this session was all for Kyle's little brother. The only way for that to happen is if Heidi knew exactly what was going on.

The girl continued. "Bullying is a part of peer pressure. Sometimes people become the bully because they think it will back them up and become stronger. If we talked about it more, maybe the victim wouldn't feel so trapped."

Stan was amazed with Heidi's words. He listened as she talked about sharing problems that make people feel less lonely. Also, there were ways you could get help by talking to people, and even mentioned that she was wanting to be one of those people.

By the time Heidi was finished, the class was over, and the other students were murmuring about the topic, as if they understood and wanted to talk about it more.

"Thank you, Heidi," Mr. Mackey said. "You see, class, everyone struggles with something, even if you don't admit it, mmmkay. We are all equal in our own way. So as we started this special class with the school dance, I hope everyone will attend tomorrow, mmmkay."

Stan jerked his head over at Heidi, who was chattering with the rest of the girls, who were complimenting her space. Heidi was smiling and her eyes were glowing as she enjoyed the attention.

Stan was, however, sure that Heidi was more content with the fact that she possibly helped Ike with his problem.

"See, Ike?" Kyle said to his little brother. "There's nothing to be ashamed about. Do you feel better?"

Ike didn't hesitate to answer. "Yes, Kyle! Screw the bullies!"

Kyle laughed happily as he received a hug from his little brother. "Alright!"

Stan was impressed. Heidi's speech had actually made a positive impact on the five-year-old, and not only that, but the rest of the class was also happy with the girl's words.

Butters' idea got Heidi to do what she could to help him and attempt to get Eric to move on. Not only that, but Ike was feeling better, and Kyle could possibly now get some decent sleep.

"Stan, I don't like it when kids suffer," was all the boy could think about. What Heidi told him was no joke.

"It had nothing to do with her still like Cartman," Stan said to Kyle after school that day. "It was because she cares. She cares about everyone." He constantly walked with his best friend as he kept his hands in his pocket.

"So, you're not mad at her anymore?" Kyle said. "I mean, why be mad now, right?"

Stan glanced over at his friend. He still seemed tired, but looked as if there was hope and everything would get better. "So you really did ask her to help Ike?"

"Yeah dude. Also, it helped you, too, didn't it? Not mad anymore, right?"

Stan wanted to hug his best friend, but had too much to think about. He leaped in front of Kyle with a brave grin. "Tomorrow, I am going to the dance, and I'm gonna surprise Heidi with my song."