Chapter 7

The following day in school, Amanda gave her friends the rundown of everything she discovered. They were quite surprised on hearing this news and couldn't quite believe that Parker's father was a victim of the Ponzi scheme.

"Now, I know why he's here. They needed a fresh start, away from all the things that reminded them of their problems." Emily said.

The girls were currently in the cafeteria, munching on their food. It was another dull day ar school as not much activity was held due to the term slowly coming to an end. Most of their projects and assignments were already submitted and they were counting down to the day for the exam.

"Ian and his friends are organizing a party this weekend." Emily said.

"Nice of them to do that but I ain't going." Leslie said.

"Same here. I can't present myself to be bullied anymore, I'm tired of it." Amanda said.

"True though. If you girls aren't going, I'm not going either. Friends stick together. But seriously, Amanda, you really need to report this to the school authorities. I mean, it's not healthy keeping it in." Emily said.

Amanda sighed, she knew her friends were right but she didn't have it in her to work up that courage. She was scared about the outcome, scared about what it would mean for the school especially at this crucial time. She knew her father, though loving and very thoughtful, he was also very hot tempered. She had watched times without numbers how  anhe getsgry over little issues especially when a deal he's been pursuing didn't work out.

She couldn't risk it, maybe not now. Nevertheless, she made a promise to herself to report when the abuses were getting too much. For now, she would just handle whatever comes her way.

 A loud clang disrupted her thoughts. She discovered that the noise was from her greatest enemy, Parker. He stood by the table, carrying his tray of food, wearing a smug smile that she wanted to wipe off his face.

The whole cafeteria was quiet now as they waited patiently on what would happen next. They knew that a confrontation was about to take place, one that wouldn't turn out well.

"Mind if I join you girls." he said.

Emily who was the most outspoken jumped to her feet as she stared at him right in the eye. She wasn't scared, damning the consequences that might arise from this. Amanda and Leslie shrinked back in fear as they watched Emily face him. They were very timid and the only reason they were still here was because they were rooted in fear.

"No, you may not join us. I suggest you take your tray and your bullying self away from her before I call the teachers." she said.

There were collective gasps from the students, they couldn't believe that Emily was this brave to take on somebody twice her size. They watched Parker closely, trying to see what he would do next. 

"I wasn't talking to you. I suggest you sit your ass down." Parker seethed.

"Oh really. I will but let me remind you of the language you used. You said and I quote "mind if I join you girls". Which obviously includes me or are you so bad at English at your age." she smiled sweetly.

Amanda pinched her, trying to stop her before she got into so much trouble. Emily stood her ground, facing him without giving a damn about anything.

Just then, the school bell rang, indicating that lunch break was over. The students remained seated, not caring about the bell that had just rung.

"You think you're smart right? Always standing up for your friends. I'll show you, you just wait." he said before walking away.

"Oh I'll be waiting for you Parker. I will be waiting." Emily yelled.

She sat back down as she sipped her soda. Amanda and Leslie could hardly believe that Parker walked out first. At that moment, they were very proud of her. Amanda gave her hands a gentle squeeze, a silent appreciation for standing up for her.

"Thank you." She said quietly.

"You don't need to thank me. What I need you to do is to learn how to stand up for yourself Am, don't let him fool you into thinking you're worthless. That's what bullies do and it's up to you to accept what they think about you or not." Emily said.

"You're right but damn girl, even I couldn't take on Parker like you did. I'm in awe of your bravery." Leslie said.

Few minutes later, the girls left the cafeteria, heading towards their fifth class for the day. The whole school was abuzz, talking about Emily's bravery. Amanda felt sad because she could have been her but her fear and timidity made her an easy target.

Thankfully, the three of them were going to be taking the class together. They walked into the classroom, making their way to their seats. Few minutes later, Parker walked in. When he saw them, he smiled sadistically. Amamda shrinked back because she knew that deep down, that smile was for her.

Parker made his way to the back of the class. Since he was so tall, the back suited him. The teacher walked in soon, carrying a stack of books in his hands. 

"Good morning class." he said.

"Morning Mr Patrick." they yelled.

He began teaching and when the class was over, he left but not before dropping an assignment. That was the last class for the day and Amanda couldn't wait to go home. She had had enough confrontations to last her a last time. 

"I have to run now guys, my dad's waiting outside." she said.

"Alright girl, be good. See you tomorrow." Emily said.

Amanda waved. Her and Emily made their way to the locker room. When Amanda opened her's, a stack of papers fell through. She was horrified at the amount of papers that fell out. She didn't remember signing up for any school project that would require a lot of paperwork like these.

"These are hate messages Am." Emily said, picking up one of the papers.

"I don't care, I'll thrash them." she said.

She dumped all the papers in the trash can, shutting it with a clang. She didn't care what anybody had to say about her. She was living her life and it was no one's business if she appeared timid most of the time.

"Be careful Am, especially around Parker. I don't trust him one bit and that's beside all the bullying. I have a feeling that he's capable of murder." Emily said quietly.

"I will. Thank you Emily, for everything. Thank you for what you do for me and Leslie, we couldn't ask for a better friend." she said.

"It's okay, I'll always be here for you both. But it's high time both grew some balls and woman up, teach Parker that you aren't a push over.

"I will. Now, let's talk about you. Anymore secret letters." Amanda said as they made their way out of the school building.

The school grounds were empty when they got out and Amanda was thankful for that because she didn't think she could handle anymore stares and comments. Most of the time, they were sickening and she desperately wished she could hide in a cave, cut off from the whole world.

"I haven't been getting those in like two days now but I know they'll be back." Emily said.

Amanda smiled, giving her friend a hug. They parted ways as Amanda made her way towards her home. Even though her life was a mess, she was grateful for two things. Her parents and her friends who were there for her. Though her parents weren't always there, they tried to make out time to be with her whenever they could. This was something she was grateful for and she vowed to always make them happy no matter what it took.