The Bullies' Slave 1

21-WHAT DOES HIS CORINESS SAY?

21-WHAT DOES HIS CORINESS SAY?

I cleared my throat as I adjusted the microphone. My eyes glanced over the entire room to see everyone's eyes fastened on me. When I caught Mrs Simpson's eyes, she looked scared for me. I must say I was surprised because I expected her to glare at me for deceiving her.

I may have considered being close if her brunette 'barbie' of a daughter hadn't been glaring at me for no reason.

My dad, on the other hand, just shrugged and gave me a look that said: You brought this on yourself, girl. Deal with it. It wasn't helpful at all!

Theresa, Melody and Anya gave me pitiful looks. While Cory, Justin, Langston, and the other Justin's-look-alike girl whom I had discovered to be his sister, Maya, all gave me thumbs ups! Somehow, that gave me a measure of courage.

"Thanks Toby." I smirked and it grew wider when he glared at me. "You see, I've always attended schools ruled by the rich since kindergarten. But I never really associated with them because most rich people, men especially, are arrogant and pompous." I paused amidst the gasps then continued.

"I had made my friendship with those who came from families that weren't as wealthy as mine, until recently, when I met the most amazing redhead friend I've ever had! And that's because she possesses one simple character- humility." I turned to Tobias. "Tobias, we don't always get what we want in life, but we can be who we want to be no matter what we've been through in life. We can be honest, trustworthy, hardworking, friendly and kind! It's a choice we all have to make, and we are in control of our character. I'm not saying what I did was entirely correct and maybe I'm sorry, but I'm glad it made me get an opportunity to tell you all these, openly. You were mean to Melody, my little sister. Petty as it may sound, you really deserved some backfiring effect!" I paused a took a deep breath. "Tainting your family image wasn't the best way to handle it. I finally acknowledge and I must also bury aside my pride. I am truly sorry about that. But you're the Grahams. Your family is the richest family in the whole of Oregon. But, respectfully speaking, you have all but character and that would make you have an unhappy ending. We only see today. Anything can happen in a second. But the most important thing is when you're down and fallen, are you going to be alone? Would you have a family? Friends? Even a little girl like Melody? Think about it Tobias, we're humans and we must associate. Being unpleasant and arrogant isn't going to help you or anyone." I curtseyed a little, preparing to leave the podium before I paused.

"Oh, and Tobias? Nobody cares about your 'existent progress' apparently." I gestured to the room and as if on cue, the sound became deafening.

The sound of applauses!

***

"Oh my gosh, Sam. You were amazing!" Theresa said as she squeezed me in a tight hug before releasing me just as I felt a tug at my gown. I looked down to see Melody smiling.

"Thanks." She mouthed. I pinched her adorable cheeks suppressing an 'aww'. I noticed the dirty look Cory gave me when I did that, but it immediately changed to an expressionless look.

"Well, you weren't that bad-" He started but I cut him off.

"So, I was bad."

"I never said that."

"Oh? So, I was great?" I arched an eyebrow, suppressing a smirk.

"I never said that either." He deadpanned.

"Okay, so what does His Coriness say?" He glared at me, but I noticed he was biting back a smile.

"You were good." He mumbled.

"Awwww." I cooed making a move to hug him. But of course, he shoved me back before walking away.

I love my brother but-

Sigh.

I was about to head to the bathroom when my dad, Anya, Maya and Langston suddenly blocked me.

"Sammy! I was almost scared for you. But you held it considerably well." Langston engulfed me in a bear hug with Maya and Anya giggling behind. Probably because I busied my palm with hitting the back of Langston's head. Immediately he let me go, Dad placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Good job, Sam." And with that, he pulled out his phone and excused himself, probably to make a call. He usually does that. Anya winked at me which, to be honest, felt weird. But I was learning to be kinder, so I gave her a small smile as she headed towards a door dad had gone through. I turned to find Langston and Maya talking and I could tell there was something fishy going on. These two were literally blushing!

"Ahem!" I coughed, making them even redder. "Where's Justin?"

"He had to go home with Toby." Maya answered for them. Immediately after my speech and in the midst of the applauses, Tobias had exited the hall, with Justin and Langston on his tail. Well, Langston obviously came back for Maya. But I still kind of felt bad. Justin and Langston were kind people. They hadn't lashed out on me for speaking against their best friend. And at the same time, they were there for Tobias. It was obvious the man had issues.

"I'm sorry, Langston." He quickly caught on to what I meant and smiled.

"It's okay. Someone, aside Justin and I, just had to say it one day. He's very upset though but he will get over it. He's not as mean as he pulls off."

I nodded and excused myself to use the bathroom. Though not to pee. I had to be a judge to my speech and body gestations myself. I acknowledge I could sometimes be self-critical and self-absorbed. God help me!

I heard someone talking, close by as I walked. The person sounded frustrated. I traced the voice, stopping at a door. I pressed my ear against it.

Are you sure it was him?

What on earth is he doing in town?

She knows, she's lying.

We should probably force it out of her.

Sam can't get in the way.

Leave her for now, Shayne.

Shayne? Leave who? I thought. Why do I feel it's Cece who's being referred to? That surely was Caleb's voice. Right?

I know she knows where Damon is and why he's in town. Damon?

I straightened myself and pushed the door open.

Shirley!!!