Back to the Beginning

Chapter 2

Don't you just love when people insult you and you can't say anything back because they're right?

This happens every time. Every single time. I need to learn how to stand up for myself more. You see, after that little...encounter with the boy who stole my precious, long lost necklace, I got used to just keeping my opinions to myself and not speaking up. It avoids a lot more trouble than you think.

So when I'm out and about trying to shop, it's kind of hard when my high school bullies continue doing their job of making fun of me.

"Dude, would you just change your outfit just once? Maybe then, we wouldn't make fun of the fact that this is the only clothes you own." One of the guys snicker, while another is playing with my hair, telling me that a brush or two wouldn't hurt.

"Ohmygawd, look at how my pathetic she is." Angie, the super-totally popular girl who made my whole high school career a living hell. She eyes me up and down and tries to hold back an obvious laugh, and I suddenly feel very self-conscious.

Hey, what's wrong with comfortable skinny jeans and a tribal, giant sweater? Its better than those skin-tight mini skirts and crop tops that show your belly button. My mama raised me better than you, you can be sure of that.

And as for my hair, like, what? No one has a bad hair day? Even if its been going for years? Psh, I don't need to prove myself to her.

"Im surprised we caught you in an actual modern store. Weird, right babe?" Angie turns to one of the guys, whose name has slipped my mind. I could've sworn that she was with that dark haired guy before we graduated...

She smacks her gum around in her mouth in a way that makes me want to strangle her, and instead of trying to find a sly comeback and create a huge problem, I give her an attempt to a friendly smile, convincing myself that being nice will only get me farther than her.

"Angie, what a pleasant surprise. Well, if you'll excuse me, I'd love to stay and chat but these clothes aren't gonna try themselves on." I give a weak laugh before turning on my heel and walk away. I can hear the whispers and laughs and it's not hard to figure out they're laughing at me.

I decide to ignore them. It's a lot harder than you think.

It's okay, Sam. I tell myself, no need to stoop to their level.

I'm greeted by a curvy redhead at the dress up counter, who seems as though she hates this store with a fiery passion. I take in the way she greets the customer in front of me with a smile, and when the customer walks away, the warm smile turns into a gloomy frown. Of course, when she sees me, another joyous customer, I'm greeted with the same warm smile as the last.

"Hi, there. How many items of clothin' do you got there?" Her cheery, southern accent giving her away as a person with a bold personality.

"Four." I say, returning the smile, no matter how fake it is.

"Alrighty then..." She mumbles while taking out a laminated paper that has the number 4 in bold. I follow her to one of the stalls, taking in the giant dressing room while she unlocks the door with the key. When she finally finishes opening the door, I give her a friendly thanks before walking in and closing the door behind me.

I look at my clothing and silently shame myself for choosing such a tiny dress and modernly tight clothing. Just as I was about done with trying on the first outfit, my phone rings, and of course being me, I fumble for a few seconds looking for my blackberry before answering by the last ring.

"Hello?" I say breathlessly from all the searching. I didn't even get a chance to look at the caller i.d.

"Sammy, you okay? You sound kind of tired." I hear Taylor's voice and roll my eyes immediately.