Chapter 2 : Welcome to Crescent Hill

As I walked through the halls of my school, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant posters plastered on every wall, each one bearing a powerful message against bullying. The air was electric with a sense of purpose and determination as students and teachers alike rallied together for a cause close to our hearts.

The main hallway had been transformed into a sea of blue and yellow, the colors of our anti-bullying campaign, with banners hanging from the ceiling and tables set up to distribute informational pamphlets and wristbands emblazoned with empowering slogans.

As I made my way through the crowd, I felt a surge of pride welling up inside me. This wasn't just another school event; it was a movement, a collective effort to stand up against the injustices of bullying and create a culture of kindness and respect.

At the center of it all stood a stage, adorned with a backdrop of swirling colors and twinkling lights. A group of students had gathered there, preparing to deliver speeches and performances that would inspire and uplift their peers.

As the murmurs of conversation gradually quieted down, the student president, adorned with a confident stride, approached the stage. With each step, her determination radiated, evident in the purposeful movements and the unwavering gaze fixed upon the gathered audience. Her posture exuded a blend of resolve and compassion, embodying the weight of the message she was about to deliver.

As she ascended the steps to the stage, the atmosphere shifted subtly, charged with anticipation. The faint rustle of clothing and the shuffling of feet ceased as all eyes turned towards the student president. The stage lights illuminated her figure, casting a spotlight on her poised demeanor.

With a subtle nod to the audience, the student president took hold of the lectern, her  grip firm yet composed. Her  presence commanded attention, instilling a sense of reverence in the room. As she adjusted the microphone, a hush fell over the audience, signaling the beginning of her speech.

"Good morning, fellow students, teachers, and staff. As your student president, I am honored to stand before you today to address an issue that affects us all: bullying. It's a problem that cannot be ignored, and it's time for us, as students, to take a stand." She begins.

"Bullying is a harsh reality in many schools, including our own. Whether it's physical, verbal, or online, bullying inflicts pain and suffering on its victims, tarnishing the very fabric of our school community. But here's the thing: we, as students, have the power to change this narrative. We are not helpless bystanders; we are agents of change. Together, we can create a school environment where kindness triumphs over cruelty, and where every student feels safe and respected."

"That's why I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our school's anti-bullying campaign. This campaign isn't just about raising awareness; it's about empowering each and every one of you to be part of the solution. We will raise awareness about the different forms of bullying and their impact on individuals and our school community, empowering students to speak up against bullying, to support one another, and to seek help when needed."  She looks at everyone of us, determination washing over her, expression as that of a proud leader.

As the student president concluded their impassioned anti-bullying campaign speech, a wave of silence swept through the auditorium, lingering in the air like a held breath. The weight of their words hung heavy, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of everyone present. Then, like a sudden burst of sunshine breaking through the clouds, the silence was shattered by the thunderous applause that erupted from the audience.

Hands clapped together in unison, creating a symphony of sound that reverberated throughout the room. Cheers and whistles intermingled with the applause, echoing the collective sentiment of admiration and gratitude for the student president's heartfelt message.As the student president concluded their impassioned anti-bullying campaign speech, a wave of silence swept through the auditorium, lingering in the air like a held breath. The weight of their words hung heavy, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of everyone present. Then, like a sudden burst of sunshine breaking through the clouds, the silence was shattered by the thunderous applause that erupted from the audience.

Smiles lit up faces, and eyes shone with pride as the crowd rose to their feet, a spontaneous gesture of respect and appreciation.The applause swelled in intensity, reaching a crescendo as the student president stood before them, humbled by the outpouring of support from their peers. It was a moment of unity, a testament to the power of solidarity and the shared commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive school environment.

As the applause gradually subsided, a sense of camaraderie lingered in the air, binding the audience together in a shared sense of purpose. The student president's speech had ignited a spark within each person present, inspiring them to stand together against bullying and to embrace the values of empathy, kindness, and respect.

In that moment, as the echoes of applause faded into the background, the school community stood united, ready to embark on a journey of change and transformation. And as they looked towards the future, they knew that with their student president leading the way, anything was possible.

Soon we all depart, preparing for our daily routine, classes and activities. I see Marcus ahead, taking to someone who I'd seen earlier. It was the student president. Cammy Rivera.

On getting there, Marcus' sights me , making his company turn also, their heads in my direction. It was like all eyes were on me, which I dreaded.

"Hey Evan! Howdy buddy?" He playfully hits my shoulder while smiling. I smile back. "I guess you were at the campaign."

"Yeah, I was." My gaze shifts to Cammy Rivera and back at Marcus.

"Oh, hey, this is Cammy, the student president, Evan." He introduced her to me as we exchanged eye contact. We shake.

"And this is Evan, Evan Everett. My best man." He says to Cammy while looking at me. I'm very observant.

"Nice to meet you, Evan." She smiles.

"Feeling's mutual." I say.

"Anyways, Marcus sighs along with Cammy and I, " I was just asking our student president here that you would be happy to apply for a post in the students' political affairs." He says, voice sharp unwavering as if he'd practiced this sentence.

I frown my face, confused and utterly disturbed as to why Marcus would say that. I knew he was trying to get me out of my comfort zone but I don't need help with that. It was something personal, something I'd take slow.

"No, I'm okay with being a regular student." I give Marcus a deathly stare as I turn my back and hit a solid figure.

"The fuck is wrong with you, amigo?" I hear a voice say, one I was familiar with quite so well.

Jack Reynolds. He was this School's biggest bully. One that always picked on me especially and this was no different. But I guess this was my fault for the very first time.

"Watch where you're going, F- Variant." I could have stepped on you." He says in a threatening manner. He always calls me that, "F- Variant"  cause it sounded like my last name, Everett.

"Sorry." I say dryly.

"Sorry my ass. Ain't gonna change how lame you're." He says, clearly disgusted with having a conversation with me.

"Hey, you don't get to say that to him, Mr Reynolds. He said he's sorry and that should be the end." Cammy says, sizing up Jack while he sneers at me ignoring Cammy's words.

"I'll be back for you, F- Variant, my eyes are on you." He walks off, hitting me in the process. Something that was natural to me. I've been a victim of Jack Reynolds since the 3rd grade and I never once stood up cause I didn't want to cause a scene. Or let's just say I was less concerned to do that. I was antisocial after all, easy to pick up on.

"...later." that was all I heard Cammy say before she left. I was lost in my thoughts. I'm quite the dreamer after all being the imaginative and probably the most unrealistic person on this planet.

"Really, Evan? You just let it go?" Marcus says, looking at me sternly, waiting for a reasonable answer.

"What? What'd you expect me to do?,"  I adjust my bag, "Punch him in the face and give him a black eye?" I reply.

"Exactly bro. Fuck him up. He ain't got no reason to hit you." Marcus says poking my shoulder. I shift a little.

"I'm not you, Marcus. I don't do shit like that."  I start walking towards my locker. He follows me , trying to walk at the same pace with me.

"But you take shit, Evan. You gotta give it back man or you gonna implode." He says from behind.

"I'd rather implode than give Jack a response." I conclude.

I hear him stop walking  and I turn around, his hands on his waist. "Then I guess my efforts have been in vain." He states.

I frown. "Cammy wasn't the one behind the campaign, was she?" I say dryly folding my hands.

"Ask her that when Jack picks up on you again." He says and walks off.

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