BRAVE: A Bryan Breeding Story (B5) [Completed]

30

After my speaking engagement was over, I helped everyone clean up. After that, I ended up walking back to my dorm. Paige was gone to a meeting and Ms. Karen and Bailey just left off to go home. I was worn out, tired and really ready to get in the bed. So that's what I would do.

"Hey!" I heard someone call out but I didn't think they were talking to me. So I kept walking. "Wait up," they said. So I turned around to see who it was. Some guy was running up to me and I didn't clearly recognize him so I continued to stare. "Looks like you don't know me too well," he told me.

I shook my head no. "I don't."

"Bryan, you don't remember me from high school? I'm Dustin."

Dustin.

He looked terrible.

I never heard what happened to him after they all got expelled from school and I never cared to find out. I'm just amazed at how he looks now.

He laughed a little. "I know I look a little different. A lot different.."

I nodded. I really didn't know what to say to him. I was so shocked to be seeing him after five years.

"Um," he scratched the back of his head. "I was at your event. I listened to everything you said."

I nodded again.

He spoke again but faster. "Back in high school I never really thought about how I was effecting you. I didn't even care if I was hurting you. I was selfish. We all were. And I never knew you went through what you went through but I can tell you that karma's a big bitch and she doesn't play. We're all getting what we deserve for bullying you." He told me. His face was so honest. "After we got kicked out of school, we started selling drugs. Kelly was already on crack.. he got worse. He's in a mental facility now. Patrick and Carnell's in jail. I just got out of rehab and I'm actually in school here this semester. I found out that you were doing a speech and was like 'wow!' So I came out to see what you have been doing now. I'm glad your life has changed for the better."

"Me too." I told him. "I'm really shocked to be seeing you right now and for you to say things like this to me, makes me so happy to see that you've changed."

"I'm actually surprised you didn't walk away from me when I told you who I was."

"I should've. But I've grown over the years. A lot actually, which is why I'm still standing here with you. If you would've caught me two years ago, I would've just beat your ass. You know you guys have caused me a lot of pain.." I told him.

"I know. That's why I feel obligated to help. I want to help. It would make me feel a whole lot better if you let me at least donate money.. at the most, be a mentor and tell the world my mistakes on what I did to you. It would only be right."

"Okay..." I told him.

"I'll start by giving you my number and then when you need the money, call me. If you need anything else, I'm here to help."

He put his number in my phone and gave me my phone back.

"Thank you." He told me. And I nodded.

I couldn't believe this just happened. Here I was talking to the one of the people that caused me so much hell in my life and I'm giving them a chance to make his right. He was struggling, I could tell but he must've still had his parents connect. I couldn't wait to give him a chance and see what he would do and even say to the kids in the community.

He started to walk off while I stood there looking dumbfounded at the situation. I was ready to forgive him since he seemed sincere. So if he asked, I could say that I do. Forgiveness is a BRAVE trait. Especially in this situation. I couldn't wait until Paige got out of her meeting so I could tell her this one.