Just in the first few hours of school, the photos of me sprawled across the floor reached 1,260 views and likes. Most of it was hate towards me and other amputees. Others were just copies of the initial posts, screenshotted, then posted without context.
When lunch rolled around, I was about ready to eat in the bathroom, but I decided to face my fears. No one talked to me directly, but I could hear snickers and see stares. It wasn't really degrading as much as it was embarrassing.
I sat down with my friends, a group of semi-popular kids. Most were from band, honors society, and theater club.
"So you're popular." Said my friend, Joy. Joy was probably the most beautiful out of us all. She was super skinny, even if she didn't work out. Although she is a total heartthrob, it turns out that she is gay.
"Yeah, I guess so," I said as I stuffed my mouth full of wilted salad.
We sat chewing in silence when a loud thud sat in the seat beside me. Abby, who was suddenly sitting beside me, put a toned, tan arm around my neck as if we were best buddies. This was the first time Abby sat next to me at lunch without reason.
"So you're an amputee, huh?!" She said, tapping her chipped, red polished nails on the plastic lunch table.
"I guess so," I meekly responded, pulling my prosthetic away from her reach.
"How'd it happen?" She asked, a spark in her eye.
I could see my real friends give Abby a glare. She probably started rumors with everyone at this table at some point.
"A tree fell on it."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, " she whined, "I guess you're popular now, but I can't be friends with you anymore. Even though we never were friends, I can't be see with a freak like you."
I can't believe the words I was hearing. I felt angry and depressed at the same time. Like I wanted to run in the bathroom and cry, but I wanted to beat her over the head with my fake leg. Instead, I said nothing and quietly ate my lunch.
"So you're not talking to me anymore? Pfft, maybe that tree hit you on the head, too. Freak."
YOU ARE READING
Amputee
Teen FictionGinger Steele's two favorite things are the woods in her backyard and snow. But one day, while walking in the woods on a snowy day, an old tree falls on her right leg. When Ginger gets to the hospital, the doctors tell her that they have to amputat...
