Stand Up

Chapter 8: Come Together

I waited at the corner of the street. The sun was just setting in the sky. The clouds were turning a light shade of pink and orange. The trees stood tall with their green leaves waving to the cool wind. It was the perfect scene for a portrait.

"There you are. What was so important?" I asked Greg as he approached.

"What happened in that hospital? I mean, Are you okay? What's this about surgery?" Greg spilled a whole bunch of questions in my face. He was talking so fast it was hard to understand him. I was being overwhelmed with questions.

"Whoa, Whoa. Slow down there. Eating something gave my legs a reaction. They had to put me through surgery or I would've almost died. See." I lifted my pant leg to show him the scar. "They fixed up my leg so that virus is pretty much gone." Greg looked really concerned.

"You almost died? Oh my goodness!" He bent down and gave me a hug. It was a surprise because I didn't quite expect that. I slowly wrapped my arms around him. I could feel the warmth of his body. He leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"I love you."

The exact thing every girl wants to hear. I began blushing. I loved hearing that from him. Whenever he said that I would get an enchanted feeling. It was like this was magic. This was almost the perfect moment for a kiss. Kiss me!

He backed away from me and smiled his adorable smile. His shiny teeth peeked from behind his pale red lips. The same lips I longed to kiss. I wanted to shout it out, but I knew I shouldn't. I don't want to force this relationship.

"See you tomorrow at school?" I could tell he was eager to see me next.

"Yup! I'll be there." With that he walked away, he didn't even kiss me.

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Most teenagers dreaded school. Today was the day I hated it most. I wanted to just ditch school. That might have actually been the best option.

It started off horrible when Ashley walked into the cafeteria. She was very arrogant. And she was walking in my direction. Not good.

"Well, Well, Well. Look who decided to show up." Mandy and Danielle stood right behind her. Ashley held her hand on her hip as she strut up to me.

"Actually, you walked up to me." I said. She obviously hated my smart remark. I liked seeing the hate and fire in her eyes. I got me going like a car engine. This all spelled trouble. But thankfully, I'm good at spelling.

"At least I can walk." The room was filled with oohs. "What are you going to do about it? Come on. Stand up to me. Oh wait! You can't!" The populars burst into laughter. I didn't find it the slightest bit funny and neither did anyone else, save a few people at the popular table who were holding back the laughter. I was fed up, fed up with all of this! I can't help that I have a disability and for her to make fun of it was wrong. Now would be the perfect time for my legs to come back so I could kick Ashley. I'm usually not violent, but now I was wishing I could. I opened my mouth to speak.

Suddenly, the room began to grow louder and louder with blabber. Gossip I suppose. I heard our names said a few times. Haley stood up and whistled so loud it sounded like a fire alarm. The whole room fell silent as the people looked around to see where the whistle came from. Haley gestured to me. I thanked her with my eyes, but they quickly turned back to hatred.

"Listen. I'm tired of being taunted by Ashley. I'm sure many other people are too. But now . . .Now you've crossed the line! Come on! Stand up if you're with me! Even though I can't stand I know you guys can! So come on! Stand up to Ashley!"  I shouted. My words echoed through the crowded lunchroom. Not a single person moved. Not even Greg, Mark, or Haley. I knew with all my heart that if Aaron was here, he'd be the first on his feet. They didn't have the courage Aaron had. Nobody did.