VEHICLE APPROACHING... ENGINES STOP... TIRES SCREECH... RED LAND ROVER ARRIVED
Mr. and Mrs. Tybalt, gripped by anxiety, rushed to the school upon receiving distressing news about their son, Lawrenz.
"What happened to Lawrenz!"
The police report revealed a harrowing situation: "A freshman student didn't attempt suicide, but someone caused a suicidal accident. This case serves as a warning to every high school student to inform their parents about bullying before entering college."
In their desperation for answers, Mrs. Tybalt pleaded with the police, "My son is a kind student. Where is he? Lawrenz never intended to commit suicide. He never had enemies. Why him?!"
Amidst the chaos, Nick Gregory, one of the witnesses mentioned in the police report, tried to explain, "A suicide act is not a joke."
"It is," Mr. Tybalt's eyes were wary and sharp as he responded to the young man in front of him.
The police provided details of the incident, explaining that Lawrenz was subjected to a traumatic experience orchestrated by someone else. The shock and disbelief clouded the Tybalt family as they grappled with the reality of their son's involvement in such a distressing incident.
The school authorities assured the Tybalts that they would conduct a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrator and address the underlying issues that led to this unfortunate event. The community was shaken, prompting discussions about the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.
As the investigation unfolded, testimonies from fellow students unveiled a troubling narrative of bullying that Lawrenz had endured silently. The revelation left his parents stunned, questioning how their son, who seemingly had no enemies, became a victim of such malicious intent.
The Tybalts, now grappling with the dual challenge of understanding the incident and supporting Lawrenz through his recovery, sought solace in the community's collective commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.
In the weeks that followed, the school initiated awareness campaigns and programs addressing the significance of reporting bullying incidents promptly. Lawrenz, despite the emotional toll, became an unwitting symbol of resilience and the need for solidarity against bullying.
The ninth-grade year loomed as the most challenging chapter in Lawrenz Tybalt's life. Struggling with internal battles, he mustered the courage to share his turmoil with his parents, "I didn't want to jump; someone pushed me..."
Yet, before his parents could respond, the urgency of the situation took precedence. Nurses swiftly intervened, redirecting Lawrenz's parents towards the emergency room, leaving the crucial conversation hanging in the air, unexplored and unresolved. The abrupt interruption left Lawrenz yearning for the comfort and reassurance that only his parents could provide, a momentary solace that slipped through the cracks in the face of an unforeseen crisis.
END OF FLASHBACK...
---
Dash Armenda, a large girl wearing glasses like me, was introverted and spoke little. From a distance, Nick Gregory also bullied her with truths and insults.
The most challenging part was when a transferred student, Terrence Laxia, arrived. "Hey, fat boy! I want something fun."
All I wanted was to spend time in the school garden, but someone made everything difficult.
"Something fun? I already know that." Before I could run away, the two guys held me by my arms.
"Chubby people love chocolate. Here, taste it." Terrence aggressively threw the chocolate drink at my face.
He did the same to Dash Armenda. As she cried at the back of the stage, I wanted to approach her, but I couldn't.
She was one of the top students. We also competed, both excelling in our shared interests. Even with hobbies, our schoolmates always teased us. Even in the corridors, I always heard her name.
But...
There was a divide between us. I also disliked her for being overweight like me. I realized I had prejudices, but I wasn't a horrible person.
Once in the library, I overheard Dash's voice telling her friends something that made me silently laugh.
"I don't even like him. We're both fat. We're both ugly. But we both have high intellect."
"Oh really, high intellect. But you're still ugly unlike us," a girl sarcastically retorted. I thought they were her friends. I realized we both didn't have friends.
"Dash Armenda is the new definition of... losers." They all laughed at her.
Accidentally, she bumped into me where I was standing. "Sorry," she said.
"No, it's fine. Don't mind them."
TRAFFIC SOUNDS...
"Why are you so busy overthinking?" Daisy came into the convenience store and sat next to me. She wore a red dress that accentuated her beauty, along with jewelry.
"Something that is hard to explain—why are you here?" I suddenly remembered.
"My mom and I came to buy something. I'm waiting for her; she's at the counter."
"I see. How's school?"
"I'm always good. I'm currently reading a book about betrayals of love and friendship."
I wasn't interested in that kind of novel, but I didn't want to disappoint her. I smiled at her mother.
"Good afternoon, ma'am!" She greeted me back and bought me an ice cream, knowing I was her daughter's friend.
In my room, I tried to do push-ups and understand the lessons from class. I needed more energy for tomorrow, so I gradually exercised. When I woke up, I washed my face and exercised before going downstairs.
Twenty push-ups were enough for today. I didn't know why I was so conscious at eleven. In fact, I could do whatever I wanted as a young child.
"After your class, let's visit Uncle Patrick's restaurant, son," my father said. I tried not to eat my lunch at school. I threw it away because I knew my mom would be angry with me.
"Why did you throw away your food? You're wasting it," Dash Armenda saw me.
"Sorry, but I want to be what they want. I know I have freedom, but let me follow this tyrant society, Dash." I spoke seriously to her.
"I understand, but it's difficult to follow the norm when you all have the right to refuse it. They imprison you in a dungeon." She pouted.
I joined my cousins' habits after winning the exam and being announced as the valedictorian. I was proud to invite my grandparents without telling them.
Dash Armenda was the first honor, and Nick Gregory was the salutatorian of our school.
I didn't want a depressing speech, so I made it memorable for them.
"To my fellow students, I know how hard you've worked for this day. We're closing this chapter, but keep all the lessons we've learned. As we turn to the next chapter, I hope you don't hurt yourself for not doing your best because it's your fault; you're responsible for making changes in this world." As I stepped down from the podium, I smiled at Dash Armenda, for the last day we would see each other in this school.
As the ceremony ended, I approached my cousin Johnny, who had been my steadfast support throughout.
"Hey, Johnny," I called out.
"Congratulations, Lawrenz! You nailed it up there," he cheered, patting my back.
"Thanks. It feels surreal, you know?" I grinned, trying to mask the lingering bittersweet feeling of leaving the school behind.
"You'll do just fine in the next phase, trust me," Johnny assured me, noticing my mixed emotions.
"I'll miss this place," I confessed, gazing at the school building, a repository of countless memories.
"It's the start of a new adventure, buddy," Johnny said, trying to uplift my spirits. "Now, Uncle Patrick's restaurant?"
I chuckled, appreciating Johnny's effort to shift the conversation. "Sure thing. I could use a good meal right about now."
The two of us strolled towards Uncle Patrick's restaurant, the anticipation of the future mingling with the nostalgia of the past.
"By the way, how's Dash Armenda doing?" Johnny asked, breaking the silence.
"She's... she's alright, I guess," I hesitated, uncertain how to describe the intricate mix of emotions I felt about Dash.
"Ah, good to know. You know, she might miss your inspiring speeches," Johnny teased, nudging me playfully.
"Ha-ha, very funny," I retorted, rolling my eyes. "Let's not get sentimental about it."
We continued our walk, engaging in light-hearted banter that managed to lift my spirits. As we reached the restaurant, the aroma of food beckoned, ushering in a new chapter in my life.
Uncle Patrick's restaurant stood at the heart of the bustling city. Its facade adorned with twinkling lights and a signboard bearing the name in bold, cursive letters welcomed guests warmly. The tantalizing scent of various cuisines wafted through the air, drawing in patrons from far and wide.
The exterior boasted a rustic charm, with wooden beams and floral arrangements adorning the entrance. Potted plants lined the pathway, adding a touch of greenery to the surroundings.
As we stepped inside, the ambiance changed entirely. The interior was a seamless blend of modern elegance and cozy warmth. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating a soothing atmosphere. Dimly lit chandeliers cast a gentle glow, illuminating the rich hues of the wooden furniture.
The walls were adorned with artistic photographs capturing the city's essence, each telling a unique story. The restaurant exuded a welcoming aura, with patrons engaged in lively conversations, laughter echoing across the room.
The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the savory scents of delicately spiced dishes, enticing our taste buds. The menu, an elaborate compilation of diverse cuisines, promised a culinary journey through flavors and cultures.
Uncle Patrick, a jovial man with a warm smile, greeted us as we entered. His infectious enthusiasm radiated genuine hospitality.
"Lawrenz, Johnny! Welcome, welcome! I've got a special table reserved for you two," Uncle Patrick announced cheerfully.
"Thanks, Uncle Pat!" Johnny responded with a grin, leading the way to the table.
The table was adorned with a crisp, white tablecloth and adorned with a vase of fresh flowers, adding a touch of elegance to our dining experience.
"Take your time with the menu, boys. I've got some specials today that you might fancy," Uncle Patrick said, leaving us to peruse the array of delectable options.