Chapter 3
726 Words
Rebecca cared about one thing more than anything else: serving as our class's peer wellness liaison, a position that could lead to a University Wellness Ambassador nomination.
Only one student from our program could be nominated, and she had spent two weeks preparing for it.
Her campaign flyer featured her photo beneath the slogan: Let Kindness Light the Way.
At the class meeting, she walked to the front in a white dress and softened her voice. "I've always believed words should build bridges, not walls. A classmate of mine has been under enormous physical and emotional strain lately. I haven't given up on her. Even when she misunderstands my intentions, I'm still willing to help her through it."
She never said my name, but every head in the room turned toward me.
Our faculty adviser, Denise Howard, asked, "Would anyone like to add anything?"
Rebecca looked at me, a silent dare in her eyes: 'Do you have the guts?'
I raised my hand.
The classroom went quiet.
I stood. "Rebecca had someone else sign her in for 6 hours of volunteer work at a mental health event last semester. Is she really qualified to serve as the peer wellness liaison?"
Rebecca's face paled. "Amelia, I know you hate me, but you can't do this just to get back at me for caring about you."
Her tears came on cue. "I'm bad with words, and I never know the right thing to say. I never thought you'd treat me like an enemy."
Denise frowned. "Amelia, do you have proof?"
I handed her my phone. The volunteer coordinator had posted an official notice in the event group chat the previous year.
Rebecca's student ID number was right there on the list of fraudulent sign-ins, along with a message she had sent Chloe.
Rebecca: Sign me in. I can't be bothered to go.
The entire class fell silent. The tears clinging to Rebecca's lashes never fell.
The selection process for the peer wellness liaison position was put on hold.
Rebecca hurried back to her seat.
After class, she blocked my way in the stairwell. "Are you happy now, Amelia?"
I adjusted my backpack and met her eyes. "I'm pretty satisfied."
Through clenched teeth, she said, "You can't stand seeing me do well. You're poor, you're exhausted, and nobody cares about you, so you can't bear the thought of anyone liking me."
I held her gaze. "That was brutally honest. Would you like me to forward it to Ms. Howard?"
Rebecca's expression changed. Chloe and Natalie rushed over and closed ranks around her.
Chloe glared at me. "Are you trying to push Rebecca over the edge?"
I asked, "Where was that concern when she called my mother and tried to push me over the edge?"
Natalie frowned. "She was only concerned about you."
I smiled. "Then I'm concerned about her too. I wouldn't want someone unfit for the job to get the position."
That evening, Rebecca ran into Ethan Brooks outside the library.
Ethan was president of the Crestmore Emcee Team and the person she wanted to impress most.
Holding her books against her chest, she said sweetly, "Ethan, Amelia hasn't been herself lately. She isn't a bad person. She's just too sensitive. I'm worried someone less patient will put her in her place someday, so I keep trying to warn her."
I had been about to leave, but Rebecca went out of her way to call me over.
"Amelia, don't misunderstand. I'm only trying to explain your side."
I stopped. "Then let me explain something about you too."
I looked at Ethan. "Last night in the dorm, she called you a mama's boy and said you act superior even though you still haven't cut the cord."
Rebecca's face went blank. Ethan looked at her.
I took out my phone. "Would you like to hear the recording?"
Rebecca lunged for my phone, but Ethan stepped back.
"Rebecca, I'm asking the faculty adviser to review your audition materials again. Until the review is complete, you're off the rehearsal schedule."
She stood frozen. This time, the tears were real. Back at the dorm, she cried all night.
Natalie told me to ease up, while Chloe said I had gone too far.
I gave them the same answer Rebecca always gave me. "I just tell it like it is. Don't be so sensitive."
- Writer
