Everything Stays: In the Future

Bully Problems

The school day persisted once again for Amber. Everything was just as normal as ever. Especially Amethyst's bullying. Same story as last week was now this week. Combat class, bullied. PE, targeted and then bullied. Biology, mocked by her teacher for not knowing the answer. It was the same old same old. And, after having dealt with that for several weeks on end, Amber had enough. However, that Thursday night, she got several messages from different numbers she didn't recognized. But based on the context, she didn't need to know.

"Go actually die!" "You cant fight for shit!" "No one would miss you if you died!" "You don't deserve the name Scorch!" And various others. Finally, Amber had enough. She just...she...she...her father, her mother, annoyed by her. She could barely fight. She...she...Amber began to sniff to herself and then began to cry a bit. Only do so loud enough so she could hear. Soon, Amber cried herself to sleep.

Finally, that Friday emerged and Amber chose to ignore everything that told her to get up. The alarm, her parents cry for her. Nothing. Amber just tucks herself back into the bed and stays there for a bit longer. The door opens and a slight knocking is heard.

Yang: Amber? Amber, sweetie? Come on, your dad's waiting on you.

Amber groans and rolls further away from her mother.

Yang: Amber? Are you ok? Something wrong?

Amber: I don't want to go to school.

Yang: Well, none of us wanted to go to school, yet we did. Now come on.

Amber: No.

Yang: Amber?! Don't get testy with me, young lady. I don't want to have to call your-

Amber: I DON'T WANT TO BE BULLIED ANYMORE!!!

Yang completely stopped moving and stayed sitting on the side of Amber's bed. The door then opened again and Fred walked in.

Fred: Yo, she ready to go or what?

Yang: Uh, just give us a few minutes Amber, ok sweetie?

Yang got off of the bed and guided Fred outside. She silently closed the door and the two stepped to the side real quick.

Yang: We have a problem.

Fred: Yeah. She's not out of bed and we need to get going.

Yang: Fred...bully problem.

Fred looks between Yang and the door. He cocks an eyebrow and then looks back to Yang.

Fred: Ok...You aren't handling it because...?

Yang: Well...you had more experience in that field and...I thought that you could-

Fred: You have no idea how to help her since you weren't bullied as a kid and I was.

Yang: (Awkward chuckle)...Yeah.

Fred: (Sighs) Do you think she's legit?

Yang: She's always been honest with us. Maybe we should. Just for today? Besides, gives you the excuse to torture her later then.

Fred: (Sighs) Ok. You make a good argument. You've got that mission briefing coming up later today. Call your dad, tell him I need a sub for today. You go to that mission brief. I'll stay with her.

Yang: I just want her to be happy.

Fred: Hey. Same beats as me. Remember? (Kisses her forehead) You get to your wok, and I'll get mine.

Yang: Ok.

Yang turns to walk down the stairs but turns back and points at Fred.

Yang: She'd better be smiling by the time I get home.