“Wow,” Jessica laughs “nice shoes.”

“Ha,” I say. Are they really that bad? I kind of like them….they’re comfortable.

“Calm down, Anna,” she rolls her eyes. “I’m only joking. Those shoes are cute. Stop being so sensitive all the time. Jeez.”

“Haha I know..” I say, as she walks away casually, as if nothing ever happened.

I walk to the girls locker room in the gym and rip off my new vans, shoving them in my locker. I grab my PE shoes and pull them on my feet, shaking as I fight back tears.

Maybe she’s right, I think, maybe I am just being so sensitive. Why do I mess everything up. She was joking.
I peel my hair away from my face and hang it in a loose ponytail. I sit on the bench for a moment, grasping the ledge trying to calm myself down. I had to get to class quickly; otherwise, I would get my second tardy of the week. I dispelled my sorrow, standing and walking towards the exit.

I run to my next class, just barely making it in the door before the bell rings. Sighing, I drop down into my chair and slide my books under my seat.

“Hey Anna,” I hear Jessica whisper behind me, “What’s up with your face?”

“Excuse me?” I turn around to face her, “You’re completely red. Like, redder than a tomato.”

I feel my face heat up, and quickly turn back around. Why did I have to cry? I could have contained myself and I would’ve saved myself the embarrassment. In that moment I realize, why am I taking her words so offensively? She can’t do anything to me without me letting her.

I take a deep breath and put a smile on my face, my dismal attitude coming and going like a boomerang. As the class dragged on, Jessica tried to get my attention several more times. I just ignored her and acted as if I was too engrossed in what was up on the board to notice.

Never let anyone bully you. No matter how close of a friend you think they are. No one can hurt you unless you let them.