The Life of a Freak

Chapter 3

I did my normal morning routine and went to the bus. The air was chilly again but it did not bother me. Nothing would bother me today. Not with Kayla's advice.

I got on the bus and remembered Kayla's words:

Never ignore. Stand up for yourself. Yell at them. Do whatever it takes to prove to them that you are no bullying-target, but make sure to never stoop down to their level.

-Hey Freak! Skyla greeted me in her typical, ugly voice.

-Hey Barbie! I answered.

-Trying to play it rough? You won't succeed, you know. We are always more powerful.

-Does it look like I care? I spat, trying to keep my dignity and to be brave like Kayla.

-Actually, yes. You look like you're about to erupt in those baby-wails of yours.

-Well, you're wrong. And shut your big snake mouth and keep your venom-filled teeth inside. I'm now immune to your insults and your ugly words don't bother me anymore. So shut up and leave me alone.

-As you wish, Skyla spat back, after being silent for a few seconds, making me notice my victory.

-It is as I wish, I quietly answered.

The school day went as usual, but without all of the bullying. I know that Skyla and her troop would strike again, but I had won the fight with them today.

I walked back home after school, keeping my head high and not lowering it. I thought of one of my favorite quotes:

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.

Helen Keller, the author of the quote, was one of the women I idolized most. She was an author even though she was both deaf and blind!

When I finally reached home, I took out my keys and twisted them. Ian had basketball right now, Dad was still at work and wouldn't come back until around 8:00, and Mom would be back from work in around 3 hours. So, for now, it was just Sadie, my dog, and me at home. I decided to do my homework first, and that after that, I would practice violin.

I finished my homework quickly and gently took out my most prized possession, my violin, and it's bow. I loved the fact that with such a small instrument, I could create beautiful music.

I practiced...and practiced...and practiced on my violin. In a few weeks, I would have a music competition and I wanted to win badly. I played the Shostakovich and Rachmaninov pieces for at least 2 or 3 hours in a row.

I just finished playing the Shostakovich piece for the fifth time in a row, trying to perfect it, when my mom came in the room.

-Amy, we need to talk.

Great. What now? Did she find out that I devoured all the chocolate in the house? Or did one of the kids for school lie about me? I wonder what it was now.

I gently put away my violin and it's bow with care. I slowly walked out of my room. I had a feeling it wasn't the chocolate or the fact that someone lied about me this time. My mom looked genuinely sad and not angry. In fact, the looked as though she was on the edge of having tears stream down her perfect face.

I creeped down the stairs to see my mom sitting on the couch looking deep in thought.

-We need to talk, she repeated.

-What is it mom? Why are you so sad? I asked.

-Tina (Kayla's mom) called today., she answered.

Oh no. Please no. Please. Not Kayla.

-Kayla...Her cancer immensely worsened for no apparent reason and she...she's in a better place now..., my mom whispered, silent tears flooding her face.

No. No. Not Kayla. She can't be dead. God. No!

Tears streamed down my face and I couldn't stop them. I knew Kayla didn't have a lot of time left on this world, but I didnt expect it to come this soon.

I curled up next to my mom, who was still staring into emptiness. Uncontrollable sobs escaped my mouth.

Why? Why Kayla? Why not a kid I barely knew?

She was an angel living on earth. We never fought. She was the best friend anyone could have. Loyal. Kind. Caring. Funny. Daring. Brave. Why her?

I hate cancer. Why does it even have to exist on earth? It already took away millions of lives...and it's ugly, hungry mouth still longs for more innocent souls.

Cancer is cruel. I hate cancer.

I stayed with my mom in that position for another half hour or so before she said:

-Kayla's...funeral...is in two weeks. On the day of your competition. Which one do you choose to attend?

-Kayla's funeral of course, I whispered. Kayla is way more important than any stupid competition, whether she is alive or....dead....