His Camelia [Completed]

Chapter 11- Stefan

Stefan wanted to wring her neck, his palms clenching and unclenching at his sides. 

What he just witnessed was enraging.  It made the blood in his veins boil. He wanted to interfere but held himself back.  Partially stunned by Sammy's earlier comments and uncomfortable, it left him completely speechless by the spectacle Kelly left in her wake. 

Who thought bullying happened in college and not just in high school?

He didn't expect to see something so childish, so immature, so stupid, rude and inconsiderate to come from college students. Usually people grew up by the time they passed their teen years and matured into adults with reason and common sense. 

The girl was small minded and living in her own insecure bubble, using words to hurt others when she in fact may be battling her own personal faults.

What astounded him the most was Camelia.  She said nothing to defend herself. Did nothing to stop the verbal onslaught.   Most girls would have fought, having something smart to say back.  Hell, he at least expected a cat fight to break out.  But Camelia stayed muted as a statue with only Sammy standing up for her. 

He didn't know what to make of her friend, who insisted on calling him Superman. Stefan admitted he was a little irritating but Sammy appeared a genuine friend who cared for Camelia and she in return appreciated his company. The male had enough sass and a even sharper tongue to dissect the spoiled girl alive, but uttering a few insults would do nothing to prevent future occurrences.

He sensed Camelia was accustomed to it.  But he hated seeing her compromise her self-respect.  The most sensitive people hurt the most. 

Nearly a decade later, however brief he'd got to know her, he could see what a good, pure spirit she had.  She was nothing but honest and loyal. Her nature was friendly, the type of person that doesn't fight, the type of person who sought balance and harmony with others. Still, to this day, her smile was genuine. And everything about her was real. She was composed of rare qualities that were hard to find in a single individual.

Her silence spoke volumes in itself.

It was common knowledge amongst many and said: the most powerful thing to say is say nothing at all.

The older, more mature generation believed wasting words with foolish and ignorant idividuals is the only way to combat the negative.  Some would argue otherwise.  Silence is almost always misinterpreted as a weakness. It was more than obvious Kelly strived on her potential victims lack of verbal strength.

Only when Camelia chooses a different result will the outcome change.

He could not underestimate the reason behind her emotions.  Since a child Camelia was always sensitive and considerate.  However, everybody had a breaking point no matter how strong they portrayed.  He knew the damage ignorant words could do.  Anybody was susceptible. 

Whatever she hides deep inside will only resurface and grow.  He just hoped Camelia, being the sophisticated, level headed person she is, never changed her behavior nor her personality and never gave up her self-respect because of the opinion of others.

Once she parted ways with her friend, and they were alone again, Stefan had to say something as she continued towards her first class. "I know it's none of my business but a take a word of advice from a stranger...Never believe the words that come out of people's mouths.  When someone judges you, remember it's never about you, but their own insecurities.  Their actions reflect their character."