A Bundle Of Sticks

Part 4

It's been a year since the bridge incident.

Surprisingly enough, it had an effect on everyone.

I think people bullied and harassed jack because he would stand there and take it. He would turn the other cheek and say, "go on, hit me again."

Jack never got violent; he never had a bad word to say about anybody.

Stephen transferred schools after I told the police after the millionth questioning session that he threatened to kill Jack but rumor has it that Stephen is openly gay now. Never would have guessed. Jacks dad divorced Tully and his family are now one hundred percent less judgmental. The school now has a club for friends and family of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. That was especially great, I reckon. There’s a lot more respect going around. It's awesome.

And me? I just miss my old friend.

"Hey, Liz! Give me ride home?" Jack yells.

"Sure!"

Yes, the old Jack is gone. No longer subdued or constantly looking behind his back.

He made the soccer team and is the new captain, is one of the most popular guys in school and no one has a bad word to say about him.

So me? I'm great. My best friend is happy, my dad’s in rehab and we all have a bright future ahead of us.

"Hurry up, ya bundle of sticks!" I yell to Jack.

"Yeah, yeah, if you say it in a French accent it sounds like I'm a subway sandwich", he laughs.

"Baguette?" I question.

And we both just fall into a fit of giggles. Life is good.

I think Jack had learnt to face his fears. He is courageous and they aren't scary.

I've come to learn that: yes, I have a story but no, it doesn't define me. Now is the only time I'll ever have and sometimes I just have to let go and lighten the load.

We've both learnt to stop asking, "Why me?" And instead ask, "Why not me?"