Saving Cheyenne

Chapter 3

Cheyenne came downstairs as her dad was leaving.

"Bye dad have a good day."

"Ditto kiddo."

They both laughed but that was something they hadn't done together in a very long time.

"Hey Mom, what's for breakfast?"

"I made you French toast with strawberries and whip cream." She smiled

"Thanks, you know that's my favorite. Do we have any milk?"

She sat down to and started eating then the telephone rang and it was Brad. Who told her he wouldn't be at school today because he wasn't feeling well so he was going to the doctor.

"Okay Brad. I hope you feel better soon."

She was dreading the day because when Brad was with her it wasn't so bad. She still got made fun of but not so much when he was around. She went upstairs and reluctantly dressed. As she walked by Brad's house he was leaving so he waved when he saw her. She waved back then went on to school. When she got to school the the principle came on the P.A to make an announcement.

"At 11:00 we will be having an assembly in the auditorium. All staff and students are to attend. No exceptions."

Cheyenne went through her 1st and 2nd period classes without a hitch but when lunch time came that was another matter. Two girls started acting very ugly toward Cheyenne but Becci the girl who admired her drawing stepped in and took up for her. Then introduced herself to Cheyenne and apologized for the two girls ignorance.

"I wanted to talk to you yesterday but I actually didn't know what to say. However, I can say we do have one thing in common. I love to draw to."

Becci took out her sketch pad and showed Cheyenne some of her drawings.

"You're really good Becci. These are fantastic. So much graphic detail."

Becci thanked her then asked if she wanted to eat lunch together.

"I'd love to. Let's get in line" She replied

After lunch they went to the gymnasium and sat together. It seemed like everyone was trying to avoid them because no one wanted to sit near them. The principal came up to the microphone and started speaking.

"This assembly is about bullying, ridiculing and harassment or whatever you want to call it. The incident that happened the other day with Mr. Baldwin and Cheyenne Compton will not and I repeat will not be tolerated here in this school. Now she was very upset about Mr. Baldwin being let go. Ms. Compton is not a bad person she is just different from you and I but we are all different. You, me, everyone. When a person is born with a disfiguration sometimes we don't know how to act around them but we sometimes act with brutality. We don't have to be cruel or harsh to someone just because we don't know what to do or say. You don't know someone's story or life by the way they look. As the saying goes. You can't judge a book by it's cover."

He paused and looked around the room then started speaking again.

"Have you ever even tried talking to Cheyenne? Why don't you give it a try. You never know what you might find out. Who knows you may just become good friends. One final note. Anyone caught doing any bullying, harassing, fighting, smoking or drinking will be expelled immediately. Also any of the seniors that that risk getting expelled just remember getting expelled means you will not graduate."

One of the other seniors spoke up then.

"Isn't that a little harsh?" She complained

"Is it not being harsh or cruel to the person you're all bullying or harassing?" He responded