Bullied

Chapter 4: The Bystander

"Unable to keep up, suddenly, I'm all alone." -Lyric from The Classroom Bystander
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Another morning, another day. The sun rised as her alarm rang. She jumped and turned off her alarm before she glanced at her reflection.

Her hair was messy, her eyes red and puffy from crying, her cheeks were stained from the tears. As for her mental mind, she was on the verge of breaking.

She couldn't keep up with the newest 'trends', and now, she found herself alone.

She changed into a pair of blue denim jeans, and a plain black T-shirt. Usually, she would wear other colors and other styles, because that was her...

Or, at least the old her. Now, she found a particular taste in black. She might have looked emo, but at this point, she didn't care.

She dusted off her schoolbag as she made her own sack lunch. She glanced at her surroundings. Her parents were asleep, and Paul went to work.

"Do they even care?" she asked herself as tears threatened to fall.

Of course they care! You're part of the family, and family sticks together. Why wouldn't they care?
Oh, I don't know. There's the older sibling love, always busy clichè, toughen up excuse. I could go on and on.
They love me! You're just trying to make me negative again! I won't fall for it, this time!
Well, aren't you smart? Fine, go ahead, but you'll see that I was right.

Her thoughts vanished, once she heard the loud honk. "Bye Mom! Bye Dad! I love you!" she happily announced before grabbing her paper bag, and opened the door.

She took one last glance before walking out of her house and closed the door. The bus waited, as it had a rusted yellow coat.

The bus had glass windows that were in somewhat perfect condition. She hopped on the steps, as the bus driver gave the girl a warm smile.

This was their original bus driver, and the one that they had yesterday was his substitute. He adjusted his hat before making eye contact with the girl.

"Hi. Just pick a seat," the driver said gently as she sat in the front. As far as the girl could tell, everyone was quickly picking friends. Rarely anyone ever sat in the front, so it seemed like a good choice.

We're going to be super positive, today! Nothing will stop...

Her thoughts disappeared when she felt something hit her neck. She saw a paper ball, and heard snickers.

"No throwing in the bus!" the driver yelled sternly as some kids covered their ears, and others sighed. "He's no fun," one mumbled bitterly.

"Buzzkill," another mumbled as they laughed. The girl made a mental note to thank her bus driver, as she stared outside her window.

Houses went and go as their school was approaching. Minutes later, upon arrival, thousands of kids left the bus, as the girl lingered behind.

She waited until everyone was out before moving out of her seat. "Thank you," she said sweetly. The driver fixed his hat before looking at her.

"For what?" he asked curiously. "For defending me, and for driving us all the way here," she said honestly as he smiled and gently ruffed her hair.