Pieces Of Grace

Chapter 28

LILY POV:

Sitting on my bed, I stared at the wall, memories flooding my mind. I had been so cruel, so consumed by my own insecurities that I'd let my jealousy turn me into a monster. The bullying, the whispers, the way I tried to tear Alice down—all of it stemmed from a deep-seated need to feel superior. But really, I was just hiding the pain that had taken root in my heart.

It had been a rough few years. My parents' divorce shattered whatever stability I thought I had. They were more concerned with their own lives than with me. I'd bounced back and forth between houses, feeling like a burden. Popularity became my shield; I used it to mask my loneliness and to control others in ways I never realized were harmful. I craved power, yet all it brought me was emptiness.

Alice, on the other hand, seemed to float through life with this effortless grace. She was the teacher's favorite, always smiling, always kind. It ate away at me, the way everyone gravitated toward her. I couldn't stand the thought that she might have what I could never grasp. The more I tried to hurt her, the more I realized that I was just hurting myself. Seeing her spirit diminish didn't bring me joy; it left a hollow ache inside.

Then, when I was at my lowest, Alice reached out. After all the pain I had caused her, she chose to show me kindness instead of hate. It was shocking. I remember sitting on that bench, tears streaming down my face as I confessed to her about my dog's passing, the last thread connecting me to a happier time. Instead of turning away, she spoke to me about faith, about Jesus' love, and forgiveness. It felt like a lifeline.

Alice and Alya became my unexpected allies, my friends. They didn't see me as the bully I once was; they saw the broken girl beneath the facade. Their support gave me the strength to face my own demons. I started to understand that all those years of trying to be someone I wasn't led me to lash out at others, especially at Alice. Jealousy had clouded my judgment, but their compassion began to clear the haze.

As I embraced my faith, I found peace I never knew existed. I began to see the world differently. The pain I had inflicted on others became a burden I wanted to lift. I wanted to use my influence for good, to spread positivity instead of hate. Alice had shown me that it was possible to change, to be better. I wanted to embody that transformation and be someone who uplifted others rather than tearing them down.

It was amazing how God had taken the darkest parts of my life and turned them into a testament of hope. Now, with Alice and Alya by my side, I felt like I had a purpose. I wanted to encourage others who felt lost or alone. I wanted to help those who were struggling, just like I had.

Every time I caught sight of Alice laughing, I didn't feel jealousy anymore. Instead, I felt gratitude. Gratitude for the friendship we shared and for the strength I found through my faith. She was a light, and I wanted to be one too.

As I lay back on my bed, I smiled, knowing that I was no longer defined by my past. With Alice and Alya, I was starting anew, ready to spread love instead of hate. It felt liberating to finally break free from the chains of my former self. I knew the journey wouldn't always be easy, but I was committed to walking this path with my friends, guided by faith and a desire to do better. I'm never going back to how I was. 

My world changed completely in a matter of weeks. All because one girl showed me light. One girl chose to BE the light. For that I'm so, so grateful. And I am forever changed.