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φ Chapter Five φ

There never were any anti-bullying posters on the school walls. The school never thought that there was a problem, so they never took any action. But they did have their annual anti-bullying assembly. "This next slide are some reasons bullies behave the way that they do." said the principal. The slide read, "People can direct frustrations, hurt, anger and difficulty at home or in class to you by bullying. Lack of attention from friends, parents or teachers can make a person bully you, just to feel popular and seen as 'tough' or 'cool' and in charge. Some kids have learned to bully from others (parents, brothers or sisters, friends).They have seen them getting their way by being angry or pushing other people around. They believe that by putting fear in you, they will have the best shot at everything in school or in your neighborhood. Some people also do that because they are victims themselves. Bad upbringing at home can make people insensitive to other people's feelings and emotions. They are happy to see their classmate depressed, sad and hurt. Watching a lot of violent films (movies and TV), and video games can make a person try out violent things. They usually try them out on people who appear smaller or weaker to them."

Harper hid in her hoodie as she sat next to Vincent, "I like your haircut." Harper didn't speak "I know that it's the same thing as last year-" "And the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that..." Harper interrupted. "Right." Vincent said awkwardly "But can I just ask... Why? What happened?" Harper just answered, "You know why."

"Some young people are bullied for no particular reason," continued the principal into the microphone "but sometimes it's because they are different in some way- perhaps it's the color of their skin, the way they talk, their size or their name. Sometimes young people are bullied because they look like they won't stand up for themselves."

The assembly continued for another half hour, but Harper didn't pay any attention to any of it for she had heard those same words before many, many times. Vincent and Harper went out to lunch. Harper wouldn't eat. "Harper." Vincent pleaded "Please talk to me. I'm your best friend and you can tell me anything."

Harper sniffled and looked up at him; her cheeks were sticky and her eyes were swollen. "I just..." she choked "I just don't know how much more of this I can take." Vincent studied her features, they were all different. Harper was different. She was hurting. And he could see that.

Vincent scooched closer to her and wrapped his arms around her, letting her sob onto his chest. "I'm sorry," she was crying so hard she was hyperventilating "I'm so sorry that I've been so mean to you. I'm sorry that I've been ignoring you when you're just trying to help... but n-no one can help me." Vincent could feel tears coming, himself. He sighed, "What can I do?" he begged. Harper got composed herself and sat up, "Ahem... you can't do anything."

A.N/ I have another idea for this book, I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to put all the pieces together. Please comment and vote, thanks!!!