It is my first morning of my second year of high school.
I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I love and a smile on my face. As people start boarding the bus, instead of glares like I got last year I get things like "Hey Melinda, Hi Melinda, how are you Melinda? '' Rachel, Ivy and Nicole all board the bus and we are sitting next to each other. David is sitting behind me. I feel confident and Happy. Confidence and Happiness, they are such weird foreign feelings to me, feelings that I only got back this summer. Feelings I haven't felt in a long time, but they're nice. I am proud of my looks. My lips aren't chewed anymore and look red and pink and beautiful, the bags under my eyes have lightened, my hair clean and I have a pretty tan. I'm pretty sure my body has gotten more curvy over the summer. Whatever. My soul no longer feels broken and fractured but nice and healed and whole again. As we get to the school Rachel, Nicole and Ivy all hold my hand.
Rachel: don't worry Mel, this year I'll be by your side.
Ivy: Me too.
Nicole: Me three.
David (holding my shoulder) me four.
I smile a real smile at all four of them.
Me: thanks guys
Of course once we get to the school, we head out for our respective clubs. Nicole for the Jocks, David with the cyber geniuses, Rachel with the exchange students and Ivy and me for the artists and thespians in her case.
I now know that the Plain Janes are history. We're all so different now. Even if I had not been raped a year ago we would have still drifted apart but more gradually. I know though that they will always be my friends in my heart and my memories even if life takes us in different directions.
Last Year I was outcast, this year I am an artist and maybe I'll go for the basketball and Tennis teams next year or the year after.
Last year I spoke, this year and every year I am in these halls….
I will shout.
I am Melinda Sordino.