Fairytale • Robby Keene

two

The following day at West Valley High School, the cafeteria was filled with the usual noise of students chatting and eating. However the atmosphere changed when Counselor Blatt took the microphone at the front of the room. Standing in the center of the cafeteria, her serious expression demanded attention.

Odette, wearing a white and green striped sweater, ripped jeans and brown lace-up boots, sat at her usual table with her friends Miguel, Eli and Demetri. She absentmindedly poked at her food, showing little interest in the unfolding announcement.

While her friends paid attention to the counselor's words, Odette's mind drifted into daydream state, clearly disengaged from the current situation.

"Cyberbullying is no laughing matter." Counselor Blatt's voice rang out firmly. Her tone was weighty, emphasizing the gravity of her words to the students. "Sending a cruel message to someone online can be just as hurtful as saying it to their face."

Odette sighed quietly, poking at her salad with her fork. She would have rather been anywhere else hanging out with her friends, but instead, they were stuck in the cafeteria, enduring a lecture on cyberbullying. It was important, no doubt, but not particularly thrilling.

"I'm not gonna name names." Counselor Blatt continued. "But the other day a mother called me up because her son was crying after some kids online made fun of his facial deformity."

When the counselor spoke, the atmosphere in the cafeteria changed. Odette noticed most students' eyes turning towards Eli. Whispers and quiet snickers filled the air as some students pointed at him.

Eli tensed, feeling the all-too-familiar discomfort of being the center of attention. He instinctively covered his mouth, as if trying to hide his face.

Odette's protective instincts were triggered and she reached across the table to gently hold Eli's hand. "Don't mind them.They're just a bunch of losers. I think you're great."

Eli mustered a small, grateful smile, though it failed to alleviate his unease. The whispers persisted, and he sensed the scrutiny of onlookers, the gravity of the situation bearing down on him. Odette offered a comforting squeeze of his hand, wordlessly conveying her support and solidarity.

"But today, our goal here is to make this school a safe place for all students." Counselor Blatt added.

Miguel, always the optimist, broke the silence. "You know, if you're sick of getting bullied, my karate dojo's looking for recruits."

Demetri chuckled, not bothering to conceal his sarcasm. "Yeah, right. You hear that, Eli? A little karate training and you're gonna kick some major ass."

Eli raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, unsure of how to handle the situation. Odette didn't blame him. The idea of karate, while tempting, didn't seem like the magic solution to the problems they faced at school. Still, it was Miguel's way of trying to help.