Faults, Scars, and Guitar Strings

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

"Oh yeah, right," I said, "My idea."

"Would you say it?" Lolita laughed.

"I'm sorry!" I laughed, "You said so yourself: when I told my story the school listened. It seriously affected them and I wasn't their target anymore. They don't exactly talk to me now, but the bullying has stopped and that was our goal."

"So?" David said.

"So," I continued, "They need to hear other stories, the ones they are bullying. They need to know EVERYONE'S stories. We can video tape other students telling their stories and create a video then the video can be shown to the school."

"That's brilliant!" Lolita said, "How'd you think of it?"

"The principal was worried about the other students because the bullies have new targets. I remembered what you said to the class about how I got to them. It seemed like the perfect idea," I explained. "If it worked for me then it will guarantee to work for those students too."

"It's the perfect idea!" Lolita said, "It's what we need to get it through these bullies' heads."

"Yes!" I said, "I was hoping so. I'm going to go talk to the principal now. Sorry I bothered you."

"Very funny," David said, "School's over."

"Yeah but she's still in her office," I said, "I need that list so I can get started."

"Whatever," David said, "See ya."

"Carry on," I laughed walking out the door. I ran to the school as fast as I could hoping to catch the principal before she left. Luckily I ran into her office just as she was packing up her stuff.

"Do you have the list?" I asked.

"You're just in time. I was getting ready to leave," she said opening her brief case. She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me.

"This is a long list," I said in shock, "There have to be at least 10 or 15 kids on this list."

"There are 13 of them actually. Apparently bullies are really creative with their numbers these days," she said.

"I don't get it."

"13 is the unlucky number. I heard around that there's a reason they are bullying 13 kids," she said. "It's a disturbing message to send."

"That's horrible," I said.

"That's why this needs to stop. These bullies aren't afraid of me punishing them. Nothing stops them anymore. Someone needs to," she said.

"That's exactly what I'm going to do," I said, "I just need time."

"How much?" she asked.

"Well...today's Monday. So schedule an assembly Friday. It will be ready then," I said.

"Wait, what will?" she asked.

I smiled at her before responding, "A video."

I saw a smile spread across her face as I walked out the door. I slowly walked home, enjoying every moment. I actually feel like I'm going to make a difference. I walked in the door and mom was in the kitchen like usual. I didn't see dad, but I assumed he was in the study. Figures... I may be better, but he's not. I can only deal with one problem at a time though so I walked up to my room and pulled out my laptop. I logged onto Facebook and started typing in the names of everyone on the list. If I wasn't friends with them then I added them. I opened the messages tab and sent one message to all of them:

I know you're all being bullied and I'm so sorry. This all started with me, and that's why I want to end it. I was the first one they ever bullied. They bullied me for years with no end. I don't have many of you in my classes, but I did explain it in one class. I don't want it to get that bad for you guys. Lolita Scarlett has been working with our school to get rid of bullying and I have been helping. I figured out the perfect way to stop this bullying, but I need your help. I've worked everything out and if you are in, then show up at the address below tomorrow instead of going to school. Please?

I typed my name at the bottom and included David's address. I figured his house was big enough to film it. I logged off my computer and tossed it on my bed. I sat at my desk and pulled out my journal. It was the same journal that David gave to me that mom made. Lolita's pictures all over it with the one quote in the middle. It was almost full now. I will definitely be sad when it's full, but that just means I get a new one. I already asked mom if she would make me one. I told her how special this one has been and she gave me a hug before responding about how happy she would be to make me one. When she comes home from grocery shopping I see magazines tucked inside the bags with Lolita's face on it. It makes me feel special.

I opened the journal and pulled out my pen to start writing in it. All my deepest secrets were hidden in this journal. I opened to the first blank page and started writing:

Dear Journal,

Today I started making a difference. I feel like I am actually doing something to help the world. Before, this whole journey was about helping me. Making sure I eat and making sure I believe in myself. Making sure I'm not depressed anymore and won't cut myself. It was all about my safety and health, but that's not the case anymore. Maybe after this my school won't feel the need to bully anymore. The bullies at my school have taken new targets. They have 13 bullies on purpose and they are torturing them all day. I invited those 13 people to David's tomorrow. For once they are not going to have someone to bully during the day. I've asked the principal to secretly film the bullies tomorrow. She's asked some trusted students to do the secret filming. While that is going on, we are filming a video tomorrow; an Anti-Bullying video. I don't care how hard I have to work, this bullying can't continue. I was their first victim, so I'm going to be the one to stop it. For once in my life, I am taking charge. I am going to be the one to lead the pack. I have confidence and I believe in myself.

Sincerely, the new Kayla

When I was finally satisfied I closed the pen and shut the journal. I put it in the normal spot in my bag and got ready for bed. I practically fell into bed I was so exhausted from the day. I turn on my Lolita playlist and turned up the volume on the stereo. Tomorrow was the start of it all. There can't be an in between result tomorrow. We will have to succeed or we will have to endure years more bullying. We have to give it all we've got.