The Girl Behind The Screen

Chapter Fifteen: The Return Of Gargamel And Azreal

"You don't need water to feel like you're drowning."
- Ariel

Song Suggestion: Break Free - Ariana Grande ft. Zedd

• • •

"Don't be a bystander, it isn't difficult to stand up for someone in need. Yet 88% of the audience are bystanders. Studies show that when a bystander intervenes they can stop bullying in ten seconds over 50% of the time. Every seven minutes someone is bullied, everyday over 160 000 children skip school due to bullying and every year approximately 13 million people kill themselves due to bullying. So next time you don't do anything in a situation - think of the impact you have. Even a simple 'leave them alone' or 'are you okay?' can save someone's life. You don't need water to feel like you're drowning and it's true, so you don't need to physically die to be dead. Bullying breaks people to the point where they feel numb, under the misconception that they are alone and what's worse is when the bystanders are your so called friends. They say ignorance is bliss, but can you really live with someone else's death on your hands? Let us remember that in the end, we don't remember the words of or enemy, but the silence of our friends." I ended my presentation with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.

My eyes scanned the classes expressions and they all just stared at me as if I grew wings. Miss Finch then clapped and the whole class followed her actions. A smile took over my face.

"Well done Kensi. I loved your presentation," Miss Finch complimented.

She handed me my flash drive and I made my way to my seat. The bell then rang and everyone exited the class. "Your presentation was amazing!" I looked up and saw Chase.

"Oh, thanks," I mumbled, my eyes trained on the ground.

It was lunch now so I was probably going to meet up with Ethan. "Well, I have to go."

And with that I speedily walked to my locker. I placed all my books in and checked my phone.

Ethan: Meet me at my locker, then we'll go.

"So how was it?" Ethan asked me as I neared his locker.

"Amazing! I didn't mess up, I left the class speechless, everyone clapped at the end and Miss Finch even complimented me!" I squealed, Ethan embraced me in a hug.

"I'm so proud of you!" He exclaimed.

"We'll eat at the cafeteria today?" I asked and he nodded.

"I just have to go get a few people, wait here please," and with that he jogged off.

I saw Miss Finch walking in the hallway and decided to approach her, "Ma'm, honestly, what did you think of my presentation?"

"It was phenomenal. I gave you an A+ Kensi," she informed me, I could have sworn my smile widened.

"Omg, thank you so much!" I exclaimed, my excitement showing.

"No, thank you. It's wonderful to see students have such a passion for my subject," she beamed at me.

I nodded and said, "Well, I have to go Miss Finch. Bye."

"Bye Kensi."

I received an anonymous text.

Unknown: Meet us in the science lab now, you'll want to hear what we know.

Not caring that I was supposed to wait for Ethan, I dashed to the science lab. My breath hitched as soon as I saw who was waiting there for me.

"Long time no see Kensi Summerskill," Grace grinned at me, along with Parker.