He says"Hi."

3

Play Music Now

"Ugh, why can't the day just end already?!"

"Daniel, the school day started two hours ago." I replied.

"I'd say two hours too long." Daniel said with a huff.

Daniel and I were hanging around the courtyard as it was free period. Marcus used this time to get a head start on homework in the library.

"What could have happened in two hours?" I asked.

As if by the flick of a switch Daniel fixed his posture and started speaking.

"I've been called up by the teacher even though I didn't raise my hand. When we had a lesson outside, I fell face first into a mud puddle, and top it all of I could not rant about it to you or Marcus earlier cause the schedule, being the dumb bitch it is, didn't let me see you guys in the first few hours!" Daniel exclaimed, as he dramatically fell against my shoulder.

"You poor baby." I replied, with a stifled chuckle.

We spent the rest of the period talking about bullshit until the bell rang. With that we parted ways as we headed to our next classes.

***

I made my way Life Skills, it was not really a requirement but I chose it just because it was the class where I feel like the teacher really cares about my opinion.

Walking through the doorway, something caught my attention. More specifically the lack of something. The seat next to mine was empty. And that's when I found Noah at the back of the class.

He gave me a quick glance and then looked away. I sighed as I sauntered over to my desk and took a seat.

As if on cue a petit woman made her way to the front of the class room. She looked to be nearing her early 30's with a height no taller than 5'5". Her jet black hair was pinned up in a puff bun which showed off her dark skin.

"Alright class, we're gonna have a discussion today. So, we are going to start off with a question and you need to answer with complete honesty."

Mrs. Domayo was my favourite teacher. To me, it felt like she was the only adult who truly took an interest in teaching. And she's seriously one of the most, if not the most determined people I have ever seen in my entire life. And though this may sound weird, I wanted to set an example just like her.

"What are you thoughts on bullying and how would you deal with it?"

"Ana-Lia?"

"Yes ma'am?" I replied.

"What are your thoughts on bullying?"

"Well in my opinion the individual could be crying out for some kind of attention or help. Maybe because there could be problems at home such as abuse. Or they're only harassing people because they want to please those who are just leading them into a large amount of trouble. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that bullying is the correct way to handle these situations, I generally think that it's pointless. But I think that we should really look at the bully's perspective and possibly try to solve things in a more peaceful way."

Looking away from Mrs. Domayo I shyly turned to the rest of the class. There were saw some bored faces in the crowd. Some of them contemplating. And others only mildly interested. I took that as a sign to sink back into my chair.

I turned back to Mrs. Domayo who had a small smile on her face.

"Good answer, Miss Lopez. I'm impressed that you thought of the bully's perspectives and not only of the victims. But remember, there are three sides to every story. One side, the other and the truth. You must piece together the first two to find the later. Only then will a solution be found."

I gave a quick nod in response.

From there, the lesson went on as usual.

***

Ping
Ping

Mrs Domayo took her phone and quickly scanned through it.

"Alright everyone, I have been informed that today this will be your last lesson of the day because the teachers have to attend a very important meeting, but things will go be normal again tomorrow."

Ring
Ring

As I was heading towards the door, I was stopped by Mrs. Domayo almost instantly.

"Ana-Lia?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"I would like to follow up on what we were discussing earlier."

I shifted closer to her desk before she continued.

"Why would you try to find a way to defend everyone including the types of people who don't seem to deserve it?" She asked, her face stoic but attentive.

"I wouldn't say I'm defending them per se. It just that, we're all human, ma'am. And we all make mistakes. Some more than others I can't just go around accusing people until I have the full story."

"And what happens if you don't have the full story, Miss Lopez?"

"If I don't have an idea what the causes for the person's current behavior is, then I just investigate the situation. Like you said, there are two sides and then there's the truth."

"I see, well you are dismissed, Ana-Lia."

"Mrs. Domayo, please don't mind me asking but why were you so intent on knowing the reason for my opinion?"

"Because Miss Lopez, I wanted to know if you really meant what you said or if you were just trying to please me with some million dollar answer."

Weird but fair, I guess...

"O-oh well have a good day, ma'am."

"Good day, Ana-Lia."

With that, I made my way through the halls, further reaching the front. I guess I could look forward to a little extra 'Me' time.