Chapter Four
853 Words
After that day, I always felt people are gossiping about me and telling each other how fat I am, how ugly I am, and how that guy director Michael Brown humiliated me on stage. When I walked through the school corridor, some would smile at me, but I wasn’t so sure why they are smiling at me. I felt so small, I was ridiculed every single minute I am out of our house.
“Don’t mind their eyes, Olivia.”
“I would like to, Stephen, but they’re too many.”
“You’re just famous, girl.”
“Famous for something not nice, Amber.”
“You are gorgeous, and don’t let anyone say otherwise.”
“I will try, Khrystel.”
“Let’s go or I will punch all these people.”
Amber was so furious, I can see on her face and in the tone of her voice.
“We’re going to class now. Let’s go, Olivia.”
“Stay connected. Remember, we’re one call away.”
“Got that, Amber.”
My three friends made sure that I am secured and would feel safe with them.
Even if I am already in class, I feel my classmates are talking behind me. I even think my teachers are talking about me, as well. I was a nobody before, but now, people know me because they want to see the fat, ugly student that was rejected to play a role. I became aloof.
My friend, Khrystel, suggested that I can transfer school if I can so I can start anew. I went to the guidance counselor’s office for help because I don’t want to go to school anymore but I don’t want to disappoint my parents who were both doing their best to rear me the best they can.
“Hi! How can I help you today?”
I was shy to approach Miss Stevens, the counselor, and tell her my anxiousness and the reason for it
“Hello, I am not sure how to start and tell you my anxiety.”
“Let’s do it slowly. Did something happen?”
“Miss Stevens. I had a situation the other day. I tried to audition on the school play.”
Then I stopped and tried to compose myself because I am about to cry. But I guess she knew from my facial expression the pain I have inside.
“It’s okay if you feel like crying, I would understand. It will also help you to unload something.”
Then a tear started to form in both my eyes and they suddenly dropped through my cheeks. The sides of my mouth twitched as I tried to open my mouth and talk.
“It’s like this. When I auditioned, the director insulted me on stage saying I was fat and ugly.”
“And what did you do?”
“Nothing, I just stood there. Then I went out.”
“Do you feel that what they said was real?”
“It was just a person, the director.”
“Do you feel that what he said was real?”
“I am chubby but not that fat, my friends say. I don’t think I am ugly.”
“So why do you think he said that and the others say differently?”
“He is insecure?”
“I am not so sure. But.... What’s your name dear?”
“Olivia.”
“Olivia, dear. You look beautiful in my sight and you’re not that fat. So maybe that guy wants to ruin you because you might be better than him.”
“But I think everyone is talking about me.”
“You said the word ‘I think’, so it’s just a hunch.”
“They were looking at me when I pass by, the corridor, the canteen, our classrooms. I think even my teachers are talking about me.”
“Maybe the news of what happened already spread and they want to know if you are really fat and ugly. But after they will see you, they will ask themselves what the director was talking about.”
“I am confused.”
“It happened the other day, right?”
“Yes.”
“Can you give it another two days and let’s see what happens?”
“Sure, Miss Stevens.”
“Come back to me for whatever reason. But I would like to know what’s up after two days.”
“Okay, Miss Steven.”
“Do you have friends? I mean people you mingle with every time?”
“Yes, I have three.”
“Stay close to them and don’t mind the others.”
“I will try.”
“Oh, you can do it. Just pretend they don’t exist. When you walk down the corridor, focus on yourself and your friends and pretend others don’t exist.”
“Okay, Miss Stevens. Thank you so much for your time.”
“Thank you, Olivia, for visiting me. Can I see me again after two days?
“Sure, I will come.”
Will Olivia follow Miss Stevens? How would she cope with all the insecurities she now has? Can she still see Michael Brown eye to eye? Can she stand, walk and study while she feels the humiliation and the trauma of her experience?
- Writer
