Speak Up and Stand Strong
by: Jessica Knepp
Fear ran through my body, tears covered my eyes, I couldn’t see. “Just punch her already!” Somebody yelled. The whole 7th grade was surrounding us. Everyone watched impatiently waiting for Tanisha to hit me.
“She is such a little nerd; of course I am going to hit her, just waiting for her to cry first.” Tanisha said acting like she was going to punch me. A taller bigger girl came up behind Tanisha and cleared her throat. “Are you sure you want to do this?” She asked slamming Tanisha into the lockers.
Everyone bursted into laughter and ooo’s. “Susan, leave.” She told me. I walked through the crowd and three people tripped me and each time I landed on my face. Hot tears ran down my red face my vision got more blurry every time I took a step.
I sat in the girl’s bathroom trying to pull myself together. “I wish I was just like everyone else, I can’t take being bullied one more time.” I said to myself. “Susan are you in here?” an unfamiliar voice asked. I peeked thru the open stall door so I could look and see who it was. It was the taller girl that saved me from Tanisha. “Who are you?”
I asked walking out. “My name is Clover. I saw the big crowd and came right over. I am so against bullying and I try to help everyone I can.” Clover announced.
“It breaks my heart when everybody just sits back and relaxes while somebody is getting seriously hurt. Bullying is such a horrible thing.” “Yeah well when you look like me, you get bullied all of the time.” I admitted.
“It’s not about how you look, how smart you, are, what kind of clothes or shoes you wear. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Clover said.
“Thanks again Clover.” I said grabbing my bag.
“Anytime Susan you let me know if anybody ever gives you trouble.” She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a hug and let me go to class.