DESCRIPTION
With the help of an overweight classmate, an underweight girl finds her hidden courage to overcome teasing and a lack of self-esteem. [877 words]
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Author of over a dozen short stories for young adults. In addition to writing, enjoys computers and reading. Studying for a degree in Information Technology. Submits work infrequently to various magazine markets. [December 1999]
Everybody stared at me as I entered my gym class. I was mortified, but managed to look straight ahead. I could hear a few muffled giggles and whispers. I felt they were mimicking my every move. Then, Sasha, the prettiest girl in school, let out a loud laugh. “Look at Jenna’s legs! They look like sticks,” she badgered. “You’d better hold on to your shorts, girl. They may fall down!” The whole class rolled with laughter. I could feel my face go red. A lot of the kids tease because I’m so thin and underdeveloped. I didn’t even look my age. Instead of fifteen, I could pass for twelve. Because of this, I wasn’t popular at all. Girls like Sasha reminded me of that all of the time. The teacher, Mr. Barker settled the class down as we started our warm-up exercises. I stood next to Marcus. He was one of the few kids who didn’t tease. I guess it was because his weight problem was the opposite of mine – overweight. Marcus looked over at me. “Hi Jenna,” he said. “Hi, Marcus,” I replied. I didn’t know him well, but he seemed to be a pretty nice guy. I watched as sweat dripped down his forehead. He panted as he strained to do a few more body stretches. “Marcus, can I ask you a question?” I asked. “Sure, Jenna. What’s up? Marcus wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. I sighed. “Well, I couldn’t help but notice the other kids don’t make fun of you anymore. What did you do to make them stop?” Marcus laughed. “They stopped? That just shows how much attention I pay them. I refuse to lower myself to people who care so little about the feelings of others. I have too much dignity for that. Hey, I know I could stand to lose a few pounds. I’m trying to. But that doesn’t lessen my self-confidence and self-esteem. Neither does what others may say about me. “ “But doesn’t the teasing hurt?” I asked. “No, Jenna. It doesn’t bother me at all.” “Why?’ “Because I like myself. I’m happy with who I am and what I am. If you feel good about yourself, it doesn’t matter what others may think of you. Nobody’s perfect, and that is what makes the world so great.” At that moment, “Mr. Barker asked the class to run a few laps around the gym. Marcus and I jogged side my side. “Jenna, can I ask you a question?” Marcus asked. “Yes,” I replied. “Are you happy with yourself?” I thought about it for a minute. “Uh...I don’t know.” I finally answered. “I’m not sure.” “Then maybe you should think about that. Until you can accept yourself, others will not accept you.” After saying that, Marcus disappeared behind the door leading to the boys’ locker room. Throughout the rest of the day, I thought about Marcus’ question. Was I happy with myself? I thought of some things I liked about myself. I received good grades, I could play the piano, and ice-skate. English was my last class of the day. I sat near the back of the classroom. After I finished an essay on the Gulf War, I watched the other kids. Sasha, who hadn’t even began her essay, peered in a compact mirror as she fixed her make-up. Karen flirted with the boy in front of her. They were so superficial. If that’s what it meant to be popular, I didn’t want to be. After class, Sasha confronted me in the hallway. “Hey, Sticks,” she said. “Be careful before you fall and break.” Her sidekick, Karen, snickered along at Sasha’s poor attempt at ridicule. I looked Sasha straight in the eye and took a deep breath. “You know, I’m really getting sick of you. If you spent half the time on your studies as you do on your make-up, you’d be better off. Your cruel nicknames don’t bother me anymore. You want to know why? Because I’m happy with myself. Think about it, many thin women become models and make lots of money.” Sasha rolled her eyes and walked away. Karen followed like a lost puppy. Someone patted me on the back and I turned around. It was Marcus! “Well done, Jenna!” he said. So you finally decided you do like yourself.” It wasn’t until then I realized what I had said. “Yes, I do,” I answered. Marcus smiled. “Have you ever considered trying out for the volleyball team?” he asked. Marcus nodded. “You get a good work out. Along with a proper diet, you’ll be sure to put on a few pounds. Hey, I may lose a few. It’ll work for the both of us.” “That sounds like a great idea, Marcus! Thanks.” “Don’t mention it. Since school’s out, I’m on my way to the Pizza Palace. I’d like you to come with me under one condition.” “What’s the condition?” “You eat the pizza and let me settle for a garden salad.” I laughed. “You’ve got a deal!” As I fell into step with Marcus, I felt good about myself. My self-confidence was soaring, and I’d made a new friend. I hoped this feeling lasted a lifetime.
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