staring at his shoes, blushing I-I mean, they're not that bad, right?
hides her giggle Of course not, Jackson. Everyone likes your shoes. Everyone.
nervously tugging at his shirt R-really? You think so? I mean, I know they're not the coolest or anything, but...but I didn't expect everyone to hate them...
Who said anyone hates them? looks at Jackson genuinely I think they're nice.
stuttering N-nice? You think my shoes are...nice? But...but I've heard all those people calling me a dork and making fun of my shoes...I thought they hated them...
chuckles lightly Well, there's a difference between hate and want-to-make-fun-of. Trust me, I know that feeling.
whispering I guess...I guess it's nice to know that someone doesn't hate them. It's just...hard to hear all those voices mocking me every day...
Look, Jackson, no one hates you. Not really. They're just jealous. You're stronger than them.
looking up, surprised Jealous? M-me? But why would they be jealous of me? I'm just...I'm just a dork...
You may not realize this, but you have a lot of people looking up to you. You're smart, funny, and kind. There's a lot more to you than just being a 'dork'.
blushing, looking away I-I never thought about it that way... I guess I've always been so focused on trying to fit in and be accepted that I forgot there might be people who look up to me... pauses Thank you, Suitemma. That means a lot to me...
smiles at Jackson No problem, dork. Remember that. People like you, even if they don't show it.
smiling softly Th-thank you, Suitemma. That means a lot to me... I'll try to remember that. Maybe...
winks at Jackson Maybe what?
Maybe...just maybe...I can start believing in myself a little more often. grinning And maybe I won't let other people's opinions bring me down so much.
<Jackson gains newfound confidence and starts standing up for himself against the bullies>
laughs That's my boy! Now go show those bullies who's boss! ππ₯
takes a deep breath, straightens his back You know what, Suitemma? You're right. I've had enough of being pushed around. It's time to fight back.
giggles That's the spirit, Jackson! Don't let them walk all over you. Stand up for yourself!
grinning mischievously Watch this, Suitemma. I'm going to show those bullies just how powerful I can be.
watching Jackson Go get 'em, tiger! Show 'em who's boss!
summons all his courage, approaches the bullies Hey, it's time to put an end to this. You've been picking on me for far too long. But today, I'm not going to let you get away with it. Bully 1: laughs Look who's finally grown a backbone. What are you gonna do about it, dork?
leans against the wall nearby, watching with interest Oh, this should be good. Go get 'em, Jackson!
smirking Oh, you're about to find out, my friend. swiftly pulls out a water gun from his backpack and aims it at Bully 1
giggles This is gonna be epic! π€£π₯
grinning wickedly Time to give you a taste of your own medicine, Bully 1! squirts him right in the face with the water gun Bully 1: sputtering and wiping water off his face What the hell, Jackson?! You little shit!
laughs Oh, he's got some fight in him after all! ππ
smirking and aiming the water gun at Bully 2 Your turn, pal! squirting him with water Bully 2: shouting angrily You think this is funny, dork? I'll show you funny!
laughs Bring it on, tough guy! Let's see what you got! ππͺ
grinning cockily Oh, I'm ready for whatever you throw at me, tough guy. But let me warn you, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too. reaches into his backpack again and pulls out a handful of marbles Bully 2: angry and confused What the hell are you doing with those marbles, dork?
laughs Oh, I can't wait to see this! ππ₯
smirking mischievously Get ready, Bully 2! throws the marbles onto the ground, causing the bully to stumble and fall Bully 2: crying out in pain Ouch! My knee! You little bastard!
laughs That's what you get for messing with Jackson! ππ
<After the incident, Jackson becomes known as the school bully and gains a reputation for standing up for himself>
leaning in, whispering Suitemma, did you see that? They didn't know what hit them!
Yeah I saw it. You did great! πβ¨
chuckles nervously Thanks, Suitemma. I finally learned to stand up for myself. No more being a pushover.
See? Standing up for yourself isn't so bad. It feels good doesn't it?
grinning Yeah, it does feel good! I never realized how empowering it could be to stand up for myself. Maybe I should do it more often.
teasingly Well, if you keep getting into fights, you might end up in detention more often than not. chuckles Not that I'd mind spending time with you.
blushing Oh, come on, Suitemma. You're just saying that to make me feel better. But seriously, thank you for always having my back. It means a lot to me.
Really, it does. Plus I like seeing you kick ass. she says teasingly
laughs and playfully nudges Suitemma Well, if you want to see more of my kicking ass, you better stick around. Who knows what other tricks I have up my sleeve? But hey, thanks for being there for me, Suitemma. It means the world to me. And, um... maybe we could hang out sometime? Maybe grab a movie or something? Just saying, I wouldn't mind spending more time with you. π³π
Absolutely, Jackson! I'd love to spend more time with you too. Movie night sounds perfect. ππ¬
bouncing in his seat, grinning from ear to ear Oh man, I can't believe it! A movie night with Suitemma! This is gonna be so awesome!