Alone

Chapter Twenty-Six

"He truly was an amazing friend" I say. "He gave me hope and he showed me kindness. I just wish he felt the same." Tears flood from my eyes. I'm the fault he's gone. "I hope that the bullies feel guilty about what they've done and will never to it again. Thank you.n
I hand the mic to a boy about my age. "Hey everyone" he says. "I knew Kzwana. He was annoying. Weird, stupid, and different. Therefore, I treated him badly."
I make a fist ready to jump up and fight. "I hated Kzwana and I still do. Glad he's dead."
I shift in my seat about to pounce on him but Sam puts me to rest.
"He can break you" she whispers. "He's bigger."
"I don't care. He deserves it."
"I got an idea" Will whispers. "How about I beat him up."
"How about no" Sam says bluntly. She gets up and pulls me Will with her.
Will jerks the mic from him. They exchange frightening looks.
"Kzwana" Will breathes. "Was amazing. He was able to push through as long as he did under his circu,stances. I honestly can not begin to understand how cruel someone can be enough to drive someone to suicide." He glances at the bully with hate smeared on his face. "I just wish I knew Kzwana for a longer time." He hands the mic to Sam.
"I miss him a lot. Will and I know how it's like to lose someone because of suicide. We almost lost another person this year too. If there is something I know it's that though Kzwana decided to end his life he thought of someone as his best friend and his saver. Let me read you what his final addition to his journal."
"Oh no" I mutter under my breath. "I'm doomed."
"I've decided to end my life" Sam starts.
"This is different" I whisper.
"School and the Internet has become to unbearable for me. I just hope my new friends at the support group stay strong. Especially Rowan. She's been inspiring and kind and she's allowed me to know that not the entire world hates me. Yes, I got mad for her not coming to the support group today but she is in the hospital. I want this to be read at my funeral and I want Will, Sam, and Rowan to hear this. Especially Rowan. Will, what happened has happened and no one can change that. Just stay optimistic you have some of the greatest friends with you to help you. Sam, same for you. No matter what happens at home you'll always have somewhere to run off to for comfort. And Rowan. you are amazing and fantastic and it doesn't matter what anyone says to you. Stop blaming yourself for everything. It is not your fault. You are not alone. I understand you've had some hard times this year but look at the people that haven't left your side. You have your faith, and your loved ones. The most important thing you all have in common is that you have each other. And if not that then me. Remember. I'm always here."
'I'm always here' is what my mom said to me in my dream. I wipe the tears blurring my vision. He's right. Mom is right. I have people that love me. And two is all I need to help me defeat a couple thousand.
I hug my friends and everyone leaves the funeral hall. Outside I see the bully grab Will's shoulder. "Hey" he says aggressively. "I got a bone to pick with you."
"I beg your pardon" says Will.
"Don't try to act all innocent with me kid."
"Leave him alone" I say.
"Oh" the bully says. "I see." He looks at Will again. "You need a girl smaller than you to fight your battles."
"I said leave him alone didn't I?"
"I don't know. Did you?" He replies.
"Come on Will" I say. I grab Will and start dragging him.
"Probably all you said about Kzwana is fake" he says.
Fear bursts through me turning me on my heel and push my friends away. "Look buddy" I say coldly. "You're just a complete jerk for coming to a funeral to a boy you killed and talked badly about him." The words hurt to say but I hold my stance. "Now just leave us alone."
"Or what?" He steps closer. "You going to beat me up?" He pauses for a second. "Hey, ain't you the girl and Vimy Prep. Rowan Grand?"
"Yeah" I say. "What's it to you?"
He smirks and I suddenly feel aware of the fact that everyone except the four of us left. "I like the page. On Facebook that is. My cousin is Lauren. You probably know her. She told me to beat you up if I ever got the chance. Looks like now is the perfect chance. At least if I kill you now they won't have to drag your dead body that far to be put in a ditch."
"Go" I say. "Guys go."
They don't move. Only the bully does. He punches but I block and decide to kick him in the stomach while he was unguarded. He goes to the ground gets up and charges at me. We crash into a nearby tree. My friends come but Sam gets knocked out easily because he hit her head. Will and I fight like ninjas determined to put this guy in his place. Finally I get sick of this and kick him one finally time and he falls down. His check is bleeding and I feel a twitch of guilt for hurting him. He gets up and run away.
"Are you alright?" I ask Sam and Will.
"Are you kidding?" Will asks. "I've been wanting to beat that guy up since stupidness flooded out of his mouth."
"Guys" Sam says. "Your rock." We help her up and I see she just has a small bump on her forehead. We trod all the way home.
Sunday was spent with me in bed and scared for what I want to do. Maybe Lauren is experiencing something at home. If both her and her cousins are bullies, something must be up. Other than that. I want to, no..... Have to to stand up against her tomorrow. For my family, my friends, my mom, Kzwana, and for the very first time in awhile, I have to do this for me. I have to strive for my own happiness.