The Perfect You

(characters, plot and everything belong to me! Please enjoy C:)

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be true to yourself. It’s a simple concept that I follow by. No matter where I am, who I’m talking to, I’m still me. Olivia. By being yourself, you will reach a level of happiness and appreciation you never thought imaginable. I always say “do you first” yes that may sound funny but it’s the truth. You may find it selfish to do things for yourself, but it isn’t. Everyone has to figure out who they are as an individual before becoming that “perfect self”. And that “perfect self” will know who they are and what they want in life. I didn’t know by saying these exact words I would of changed somebody’s view on them self.

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

It was just like any ordinary day. I woke up from the sound of my alarm clock blasting near my ear, completely ruining one of the best dreams I had in a long time. Or logically speaking, ruining one of the best dreams I could actually remember. I had my typical breakfast; green-tea, a banana, yogurt (strawberry to be exact) and maple and brown sugar oatmeal. Once I had finished my meal, I rushed upstairs to get ready for school. Minutes later I came bombarding down the staircase in a hurry, realizing that I was going to be late for my first period class. I mentally scolded myself to stop spending half an hour in my room, struggling to decide what to wear to school.  

“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.”

 – Judy Garland

I settled in my math class, sitting in my usual spot at the front of the class. I was always a good student, pulling off straight A’s with ease and got along with my teachers quite well. I had a few of my close friends with me, but I never talked to them much to everyone’s surprise. I was in math to learn, get good grades and leave. And so that was when my classmates labeled me as the “teacher’s pet”. Like I cared, it’s who I was and was proud of it. I was perfect just the way I was. Sadly not everyone thought like me. Just before the bell ran for students to get into class, the new girl Hailey arrived and silently made her way to the back of the room where the “popular girls” were sitting, gossiping about the latest break-ups. I didn’t really know anything about Hailey besides that she was very beautiful, quiet when no one was looking and acted like a princess when she was around people. She certainly was a mystery. Throughout the period I couldn’t help throw a few glances in Hailey’s direction. She wasn’t acting like herself, but I couldn’t pin point as to why. The teacher announced that she was going to leave and would be back in a few minutes. Once the door closed, the “popular girls” burst into laughter. Courtney the leader of the group raised her voice and smirked at Alex, who looked absolutely miserable after breaking up with her boyfriend Will after 3 years.

           “I knew your boyfriend was going to dump you any day. He looked like he was suffering, like a dog chained to a lease by the hands of his mistress. You Alex were nothing to him, the entire school knew that. Right Hailey?” Courtney raised her perfect blonde eyebrow at Hailey who looked petrified to answer. Courtney repeated herself again.

“Right Hailey?” Courtney said with venom in her tone. This time Hailey responded with an evil smile plastered on her face.

“Right. Sorry about that I was thinking about how unattractive Alex looked beside Will. Poor Will he deserved so much more.” The group laughed, saying nasty things to Alex until she broke down and cried where she was sitting. This sight made me disgusted, and apparently Hailey secretly felt the same way. Her expression turned from taunting to utter sadness, as if she might break into to tears at any moment. As soon as the teacher arrived, Hailey made her escape before anyone could question. I quickly made an excuse, looked at the girls with all the hate I could muster and left, leaving the teacher to deal with the problem at hand.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t care, and those matter don’t mind.” – Bernard M. Baruch.

It didn’t take me long before I was able to find Hailey outside, sitting under a tree crying. I made some noise to let her know of my presence before approaching her. Hailey looked up at me and from the sight of her mascara smudged on her cheeks I knew she had been crying for awhile. I took a spot beside her and we both sat there for who knows how long in silence before Hailey quietly spoke with a crack in her voice.

            “I didn’t mean to say such horrible things...I’m so sorry.” She said. I shook my head.

            “Don’t apologize to me. Say that to Alex. You hurt her feelings why?” I spoke a little too harshly as I noticed her flinch at my question. Hailey exhaled a long breath, as if she was holding it in the entire time.

            “I was trying to fit in with the group. It’s hard being a new student and I wanted to be someone else. I wanted to be popular and have everyone know my name wherever I went. But now, I’m not so sure. The girls are mean and all they do is gossip and make fun of others.” Hailey hesitated for a moment before continuing on. “Yet I’m scared that once I leave the group I will be there next target and I won’t be the popular girl anymore. I can’t even be myself around them.” I crossed my arms and nodded. I understood where she was getting at, but she needed to be herself and have a group of friends who truly knew her, not the persona she was going for.

“Hailey just be you! Don’t try for the persona you’re going for. People will like you much more if you behave the way you do on a daily basis as yourself. Here’s some piece of advice: discover who you are. Find that “perfect you” and be the best version of yourself. No one’s view on you is more important than yourself. You must stand tall and be proud of who you are. You will find happiness in the people who are truly your friends.” I said encouragingly. Hailey looked at me as if I was an old wise woman and smiled. A real smiled make made her dull grey eyes sparkle in the light.

           “You’re so right Olivia! I don’t need them. They never once acted like a true friend. And people will like me more for who I truly am instead of pretending of who I wanted to be. You are such an inspiration to all who don’t have a voice. Your confidence has now motivated me to become someone like you. Thank you so much for helping me!” I laughed as I waved her compliment away, I wasn’t used to anyone complimenting me, I don’t think I ever will be.

The both of us hanged out for the rest of the day, getting to know each other and building our first friendship. I was surprised at how much Hailey and I had in common. Just as I thought everything was peaceful, the “hags from hell” aka the popular girls made their way to us and they sure weren’t coming over for a warm welcome. Hailey glanced at me and I nodded at her just before hag #1 aka Courtney could make some snarky comment.

            “Well well look who we have here. Miss cries a lot and the teacher’s pet banding together. How nice. Maybe you should go and look around for more stray’s like this one.” Courtney glared at Hailey and rolled her eyes when Hailey stared her down just as she previously did.

            “You know what Courtney? You and the hags should just leave and be quiet. I hate how you treat others and boss people around. It’s not cool at all. You think everyone likes you? Well sorry to break the news to you your majesty but they don’t. They just feel pressured to do things you tell them to do and say. I don’t need you guys, I never did. So if you excuse us we will take our leave.” Courtney and her gang looked us shocked. No words came out of their mouths. Once we reached a safe distanced I said my thoughts out loud.

            “Wow Hailey you did great back their! The looks on their faces were priceless! I will always remember that moment for the rest of my life.”  Hailey giggled at my comment.

            “It was nothing really..”

And from that day on I changed a person’s life, including mine. I saw a whole new me.

“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”

– Lady Gaga