One Flew INTO The Cuckoos Nest

Chapter Eight

"Ethan, he didn't mean that. What the hell Brandon! I swear you've got a terminal case of asshole!" (Blystoneja quote.) Jenny scolds Brandon who is laughing hysterically as I wake up shaking from my flash back like a returning nightmare.
Brandon snorts, "Are you kidding? Of course I meant it! He's a freak!" He laughs and suddenly I feel as small as I was in elementary school. I feel like that kid alone at lunch. I feel like the boy with all eyes on him but not an ounce of support. You know what though? I'm sick of feeling that way.
"What makes a person a freak anyway?" I say. It comes out quiet but my tremors stop and I can feel the soft plush of my skin hardening into a thick shell.
"What did you say, freak?" Brandon antagonizes but it pings off of me like a bb off cement block. I guess Jamie was right in saying 'I'm rubber, your glue. What you say to me goes back to you.' because I feel like that's exactly what happens.
"What makes a person a freak anyway?" I say standing up and staring Brandon down. The girls scoot their chairs back a little then Jenny stands but I put up a hand to stop her.
"Um... " Brandon says and I smirk. Obviously no one has ever actually challenged him.
"Is it abnormality? Is it being different? Or is it maybe being too sad? Too angry? Too loud? Does seeing things make me a freak? 'Cause you know what, maybe I am a freak by your definition. And I'm okay with that. Because if I'm a freak and your a freak and she's a freak." I say pointing to everyone randomly around the table, "Then maybe we ought to own it. 'Cause I'm sick and tired of people trying to hurt me with my differences. They aren't flaws. They're part of me. You don't back off they can also be a great weapon." I finish.
Brandon's eyes are as big as saucers but his mouth is closed. That other girl, Lily, is smiling widely, she brings up two delicate looking hands and claps slowly. Jenny joins in, her hands clapping louder and picking up the pace.
Suddenly there are kids clapping all across the room, droppin the cards even though they have no clue what's going on!
It's like helium is filling me up! I'm light as air and little balloons are lifting my mouth's corners into a wide smile.
Pride. That's what they call it I believe. I am full of pride! And I didn't ever think I'd say that!
I take dramatic bows even though my audience is ignorant and from the corner of my eyes I watch Brandon leave grumpily.
Serves him right.
Jenny pats me on the back. "So that's basically the hospital. Keep up that kind of attitude and you'll be just fine!"
I nod. She's right, I'm going to be just fine.

Authors note:
I'm sorry this is SO short! I am on break at work so this is all I can give for now!!!! Love you guys!
-TEM