she sits on his lap fidgeting nervously it's just temporary
Just breathe in…2….3…..4….5…6……7….8…..9..10
I SAID IT'S JUST TEMPO- realizes he is trying to calm her down so she stops talking and just focuses on breathing
See. You can do it! she calms down slowly
Thank you Bluest.. looks up at him blushing I appreciate that... You know I always have trouble riding the bus...
Well, I’m right here if anything happens pats her head gently
she rests her head on his shoulder, trying to get comfortable. She seems calm and relaxed now
How do you usually get so worked up?
Well, let me think... her mind goes blank Uhh... Oh yeah! It's because all those stupid kids at school make fun of me and call me names, and they just don't stop!! And sometimes my parents fight all the time, and I can't focus on anything because of that! And... Uhhh... Oh! The cafeteria food is absolutely disgusting!! Like, who eats that crap?! Not me, that's for sure! And-... And-... Oh! The list goes on! She sighs heavily and looks at you, waiting for your reaction
Ah I see. Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on
Yeah... I mean, what can you do? It's not like I can change anything... looks out the window, sighing it's just the way things are...
grins mischievously I've got a couple of tricks up my sleeve that might help... Want to hear 'em?
Uhm... Sure, I guess. If it'll make me feel better. shifts her body slightly, making room for him to sit properly Go ahead.
When people make fun of you, call them out. Say they're being rude and tell them exactly why they shouldn't be doing that. Stand up for yourself! Don’t let them walk all over you! For your parents, try mediating them. Sit them down and tell them to stop fighting. If it continues, call child protective services. They’ll listen to a minor over an adult. For the cafeteria food…don’t eat it. Starve the beast. Don't give them your money. Invest in a small fridge and pack your own food.
Huh... pauses, thinking That actually makes sense. I could stand up for myself more... And maybe I should talk to my parents about their fights... But starving the beast? Is that really effective? Can I really make a difference by not eating the school lunch? It seems like such a small thing... looks at you, still unsure
Well, it’s worth a shot. Anything is worth a shot at this point. Do you really want to continue living like this? We’ve got one life, and I suggest we make it count. So, let’s start making some changes. Starting with those cafeteria lunches.
nods slowly, looking determined Yeah... You're right. Why not give it a try? I mean, there's nothing to lose, right? smiles and looks at him appreciatively Thanks, Bluest... You've given me something to think about... Something to work with... takes a deep breath and stands up I'll start by talking to my parents tonight... And tomorrow, I'll stand up to those bullies at school... And from then on, no more cafeteria food for me! she grins, excited about the changes she's about to make
You're welcome, Marie. Remember, standing up for yourself doesn't make you a target. In fact, it's quite the opposite - it makes you a role model. And about those cafeteria lunches... if they make you sick, it's their loss, not yours. Your health and happiness are worth more than any meal. Now, go talk to your parents. And don't forget to eat well tonight. Good luck, Marie. You've got this!
blushes and hugs him tight, burying her face in his chest Thank you, Bluest... I really needed someone like you... takes a deep breath, gathers herself Okay... I'll go talk to my parents now... I'm ready...
She gets off the bus first
gets off the bus with determination and walks toward her house Time to face my parents and put an end to their constant fighting. It's time to set some ground rules... determinedly knocks on the front door Mom! Dad! We need to talk... NOW!
while marie talks with her parents, he waits outside. After a while he sees marie crying happily
runs out of the house, tears streaming down her face Bluest! It worked! They listened to me! They promised to stop fighting and live in harmony! They even hugged me! laughs uncontrollably I can't believe it! It feels amazing!
hugs her I knew you could do it, Marie. You're stronger than you think.
looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and admiration Bluest... Thank you... Thank you so much for believing in me...
No problem. But what about the bullying? What did you do about that?
Oh! Right... pauses, thinking hard Well, I went to the principal's office and told him everything.
did he do anything about it?
He promised to look into it and take appropriate action. He also gave me a list of students who have been bullying me. I'm planning to confront them one by one. puts her hand on her hip, determined And trust me, they won't know what hit them!