Who I Am

Chapter 13 - Amelia

I remember how it felt. Standing there in front of everyone. Everyone in the school. My school wasn't very big, but our gym was. Therefore, it could fit everyone.

I remember when I was handed the microphone. Asked to share my personal past and struggles with a bunch of people packed into a gym, all of whom I didn't know. Well, almost all.

I remembered being able to just vaguely see Charlotte and Ella's eyes trained on me as I finished my speech and handed the microphone to the principal.

After that, everyone was frozen with shock and awe for what I had just revealed to them. Then, the room absolutely exploded with applause.

I smiled at them, bowing and shouting at the top of my lungs: "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

I then quickly remembered what I had wanted to say after my speech. I swiftly went up to the principal. "Mr. Macinnis?" I asked. He smiled at me. "Yes?" He said. "May I please use the microphone one more time? I promise it will be quick." At my request, he nodded and handed the microphone to me.

I walked back to the middle of the gym, microphone in hand, and said what I'd wanted to say. "Can Ella Sterling and Charlotte Ackerman please come up beside me?" I requested into the microphone.

I watched Ella and Charlotte's stunned faces as they started towards the places they were sitting. Their bewildered expressions soon transitioned to the brightest smiles I have ever seen them wear.

Once they were in front of me, we just stared at each other, trying to take it all in. And then we hugged. There was a chorus of cheers and "aww's" as we kept on hugging.

We eventually let go and I, once again, brought the microphone back up towards my face. "These are my two best friends. Ella Sterling," I gestured to Ella. "and Charlotte Ackerman." I then gestured to Charlotte. "These absolutely amazing people helped me get through the rough times that I just talked to you about. But, just like everyone else, not including Mr. Macinnis, they didn't know that I would be here today." I said.

They both gave me smiles. "I'm just glad you're here," Charlotte told me, smiling as Ella nodded in agreement. "Thanks, guys," I said, returning their smiles.

"And thank you so much, Amelia, for being the person you are, and congratulations for being our Star Student of the year!" Mr. Macinnis shouted (so that the whole gym could hear) as everyone in the gym gave us standing ovations.

And it was pretty much the best moment of my life.

So far.

* * * *

"No! That's not fair!" Charlotte complained as I laughed. "Wow, Ella you're absolutely crushing me and Charlotte!" I told her as I tried to tap the screen of my electronic as quickly as I could.

Today was the last day of school. Yes, that's right, the best day of school there ever is. We were allowed to bring our electronics (of course) and it was basically a free day with friends.

Ever since that assembly, I had made so many other friends. There were so many other assignments, tests, projects and other things that I had to worry about, but they all lead up to right now. And it was so worth it.

Also, during the year, I had taken a course for my alexia. And boy, did it ever help. I mean, my alexia was still mildly effective, but it was barely bothering me anymore. I'd say that this year contained the most change of any other year in my life.

I still remembered the passionate cheering of the crowd while I was presenting my speech in the gym. To be honest, it was kind of nerve-wracking, standing up there in front of all those students. But I still did it.

As of now, I was kind of into boxing and acting. I don't know why, but they just caught my interest. It just seemed really... indescribable to be in one of those boxing rings. Especially as a girl.

Believe me, I know there are girl boxers out there, and they are the people who inspire me to want to box. But I know there are some people out there who could be against that.

Regardless, I'll try my best to make this dream come true.

I suddenly, albeit instincevly, jerked my head back as a hand waved in front of my face, as if trying to wake me from a trance I could've possibly been in. "Hey, Amy! Come on! You're losing!" Charlotte laughed. I smiled.

"Right." I responded as I looked down at my electronic again. It was really fun being with them. No matter what we were doing, I always enjoyed Charlotte and Ella's company. And I hope they enjoyed mine too.

And there we were, all sitting in a classroom, tapping our electronics furiously as if our fingers themselves were having seizures (and yes, this said game does require an immense amount of tapping). Regardless, I was having fun. And I was also having fun thinking about what the future held for me and what I wanted to do for a living.

And I was determined to get there. Someday.