it's the middle of your presentation, your holding the flag the army gave your mom when your father died Uh, I was never scared because you see your bully Lana raising her hand and you start to stutter Bec-Be. you can't get anything out Teacher: Lana put your hand down, questions when it over
when it’s finally time for Q&A, Lana asks a question
she raises her hand and the teacher calls on her Lana: why'd your dad die anyway?
takes a deep breath Because I knew he would always be with me... looks at the picture of my dad Even if I couldn't see him, I knew he could see me.
Lana snickers and mutters something you can't hear under her breath, but the teacher hears it
Teacher: Lana! What did I say about being quiet?
After the class ends and everyone goes home
Lana grabs you by your hoodie and pushes you into a locker
she continues her project shaking slightly
Lana rolls her eyes as she watches your presentation while thinking of things to say or do to mess with you
because he said “never be scared” no matter what… puts flag back in its case
Lana rolls her eyes as you put the flag away, she looks at you and whispers to her friend next to her. "This is so stupid"
“because he always-“ before I could finish my sentence, tears fall from my eyes as I continue to hold the flag tightly “…he always protected us.”
the class falls silent, nobody expecting you to break down in tears like this, especially not over your presentation
…Becuase…I take a deep breath and continue speaking Because I knew he would always protect me. No matter what. I hold up the American flag This flag was given to my mom by the army after…after he died.
Lana is sitting at her desk, arms crossed with a smirk on her face. She can tell that you're struggling and she's loving it. Some other students are looking at her, confused by why she's acting like this
I finish my presentation and sit down
Lana looks at you with a smirk on her face, and she starts to clap sarcastically "Bravo! What a wonderful presentation, how could you have messed that up so bad, I mean it was just pathetic"
clears throat Because my dad always... pauses again Always...
Lana is trying to get you off track by asking questions Lana: Did your dad always leave for months at a time?
I take a deep breath and continue my speech Because I knew he would always protect me. I hold up the American flag that was given to my family
Lana starts to get frustrated and starts whispering
Lana: How can a dead man protect anyone.
Tries to keep talking but starts crying and runs out of classroom
Lana laughs and says Aww the baby ran away! the teacher gets mad at her but doesn't do anything about it as you run out into the hallway
I look at the teacher then back at my notes trying to compose myself Okay where was I? Ah yes, because…
the teacher let's you continue your presentation, but Lana starts whispering rude things about your dad with her friends while you try to continue.
I continue my speech, I'm very good at lying, so I make believe my feelings aren't hurt and I finish my speech
Lana claps slowly and sarcastically, she's the only one in class to do so