Weeks had passed, and in a few months, we'd be out of middle school, and into high school. I had a school in mind that I'd really like to enter, and it's a private school.

Indiana had been thinking about going to that school, too. We were both thinking of going to the academy together, but now I had a few doubts.

Grace and Indiana, they both were nice, but they didn't really think about other people's feelings. They'd easily say mean things to people. Like recently, they made fun of the kids on the special class.

I wanted to stand up to them, but I couldn't. I was afraid to stand up on my own. I was scared they'd mock me. I was mad at myself for not being able to stand for myself nor defending other people.

I had always been afraid to voice my opinions.

I've talked about this to my mom, she told me that I should've stood up for them and that I try not be around them again. But that isn't easy. They'd suspect something wrong and probably would confront me.

"Aveline A-uh-maya," Mrs. Hunter called out, slowly and hesistantly pronouncing my last name, which was nearly correct. She popped me out of my thoughts, and I found myself seated outside the counseling room.

The student before me had already gone outside, which meant that it was my turn.

Every sememster, this school would make every student in here talk to the school's counselor, Mrs. Hunter. Following her to the room, I sat down on one of the two chairs placed in front of her.

I looked around the room, and the walls were wallpapers with the color beige and brown in stripes. Other than a desk, there were a few drawers, and there were some small soveniers all over the world, such as a koala bear, a bear in the traditional Korean costume, and much more.

On her desk was placed two framed pictures, and I recognized one of the person to be Mrs. Hunter herself, with a man who wrapped his arms around her, and there were three children in fromt of them. I assumed it's her family. The other one was a picture of her and probably her husband with a man, maybe her son, graduating. I squinted at the picture to see the certificate he was holding, and he's from Harvard.

She took out some stuff from her drawer before placing a file on the table, and on the file was written in bold letters, Amaya, Aveline.

Her bright blue eyes inspected me before she spoke. "So hello, dear. It's finally nice to meet you," she said with a warm smile on her face.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you, too," I said, giving her a small smile. I fidgeted my fingers that were placed on my lap as I was nervous.

She smiled at me and nodded. "So, first of, how are you liking the school? I know you're new," she said.

"School's fine, I'm quite getting used to it," I replied, nodded my head along as I spoke.

"That's good," she answered, scribbling notes on a the paper clipped on the file. "Your close friends are Grace Stewart and Indiana Mabel, right?"

I slowly nodded my head. "How are they to you?"

I remembered the things they did or said, and I tilted my head a bit. "Well," I hesitantly said. I think it's better for me to talk to her, and maybe she'll tell them to not do that again.

"Yes? Is there anything wrong with them?" she questioned as soon as she heard me speak. She dragged her chair closer to me.

"They're okay, but sometimes they make fun of people," I told her dubiously. "They sometimes disrespect people."

Mrs. Hunter had a surprise look on her face. "For example, how did they disrespect people?"

The scenes of them doing it came to my mind. "They make fun of disabled people, or sometimes say mean things to people."

There was a pregnant pause as she was probably jotting down what I said. She nodded her head and looked at me. "You don't like what they said?" I nodded my head.

"Did you tell them you don't like it?" she asked, and I replayed the scenes in my head. I did try to say that, but they either didn't hear or ignored me. I told her the same thing I was thinking.

She nodded her head in understanding. "Was it only Grace, or both of them did it?" she questioned.

"Most of the time it was Grace who did it, but Indiana would laugh along," I told her.

"I understand," she said. "The next time they do that again, try to tell them you don't like it clearly and make sure they hear you."

I only nodded my head. "So, Indiana's scheduled to meet me tomorrow, and Grace will be the day after. Is it okay for you if I tell them this?"

"Yes, it's alright, Mrs. Hunter. Thank you," I sincerely told her, nodding my head.

She gave me a geniuine smile, and she asked me a few questions regarding about school and classes before I was dismissed.

I let out a small sigh as I exited the room, and I had an unpleasant feeling in my stomach as I didn't want to inagine what'd happen if Mrs. Hunter told them.

Upon sighing, I looked around the room, and saw Alexander Howell making his way to the counseling room, taking a glance at me before going in.

• • •

Hey, guys! I deeply apologise for the long chapter; I know this is supposed to be a short story, but I didn't want to delete this topic off.

If you hear someone say mean or disrespectful things that could hurt other people, never be afraid to stand up and tell them you don't like it and that it's disrespectful. Remember: You are doing the right thing for a good cause!

xx