MISS NOBODY STRIKES BACK

"Everyone laughs whenever they see me. I have been feeling sad throughout my school days, and things only got worse when I started college. I felt like an outcast because of my appearance - everyone would say that I was so ugly. Going to school made me feel so sad.I had no friends except for my family,and my first love who once loved me. I was the second daughter in my family, and my beautiful sister was the only friend I had. The days spent in school were some of my saddest moments.""I joined the band at school, because I have always loved to sing. Even though people have said I have an ugly face,they praised my voice as angelic.I was selected as the lead vocalist for an event at my school.I was excited because I thought I could show people that I had something unique to offer, despite my appearance. On the day of the event, I went to the changing room to get dressed when the other girls from my band walked in. One of the girls remarked, 'How can this ugly face be selected as lead vocal?'.""Being made fun of, I bowed my head down in fear as I was used to being bullied at school.Do you think you can sing better than her?' Another girl shouted while pulling my hair. I cried out in pain as she pulled my hair,They pushed me to the ground and hit me so hard that I started to bleed from my nose. Then, the door opened, and they turned to look as a young handsome man walked in. 'Stay away from her,' was the first thing he said."Then the girls left the room, saying I was saved today, but I won't be tomorrow. The young man walked over to me and helped me stand on my feet. He asked why the girls were beating me, but I couldn't say a word - I just started to cry. He helped me clean my body and gave me some painkillers to take. I thanked him, trying to hold back my tears."What's your name?" he asked."Suana," I said, turning to leave."I'm Ivan," he said.I stopped in my tracks."Can we be friends, Suana?" he asked, looking pleased.I was quiet for a moment, questioning how a handsome young man could want to be friends with me. "It's okay if you don't want to," he said as I stayed silent for a while."No, I want to," I quickly answered.He smiled and asked for my number. I gave him my contact and left. I felt happy that I had met a friend like him and almost forgot about what had happened earlier. I realized I had missed my only chance to show others what I am good at.When I got home and cleaned up, I had dinner and received a call from an unknown number.When I picked up the phone, it was Ivan, and my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe it was real; I had actually met Ivan."Hello," Ivan said again."Hi," I answered."I hope you are well, Suana," he continued."Yes, I am," I replied."See you tomorrow at school then," he said before hanging up. I didn't know if I was happy or sad; tears rolled down my cheeks. I had been bullied, but a young, handsome man had come to my rescue. The whole incident left me feeling grateful.