FAWN 🍂 14
 
   (Day 15, Thursday)
 
   I blame Zev and Mom for teasing me last night. I slept late because of what happened in the kitchen.
 
   "Morning," warm arms wrap around me as I enter the room. I know it's Zev. 
 
   "Hey! Stop that!"
 
   "We should ban hugging from now on, Maeve."
 
   When Zev moves away, I give him a glare. Perhaps he thinks I'll forget what he did last night.
 
   "What did I do?" he innocently asks when he notices my disapproving look.
 
   "Tease me again and I will hate you," I state seriously. Then I walk past him and approach Felly.
 
   "Dhai, good morning," she grins.
 
   "Morning, how's Lucas?" I sit next to her. I know Felly's brother still sees me as a kid, and he also hurt my feelings that night, but I still care about him.
 
   "He'll be fine, and don't worry about him, he's an adult. He can manage a break-up," she responds to my question. Good for him.
 
   "So, how's it going with you two?" Felly whispers to me.
 
   "Huh? Who?"
 
   She suddenly pinches my side, so I punch her arm, "Ouch, your hand is so heavy, dhai!" Felly complains.
 
   I laugh, "You're crazy, you pinched me first."
 
   She rubs the arm I hit, "What's up with you and Zev?"
 
   "Nothing. Don't assume anything," I retort.
 
   "Really? No way," I know exactly what's on my crazy friend's mind.
 
   "Felizitas, there's nothing going on," I say, using her full name, making her grimace as she really hates her real name.
 
   "Stop calling me by my real name," she's about to hit me, but I quickly move away from her.
 
   Just then, Ms. Gomez enters, holding a Bluetooth mic. Oh, crap. We have a debate in her subject today.
 
   "I'll give you 5 minutes to prepare for the debate today," Ms. Gomez starts.
 
   I quickly approach my group—Theo, Maeve, and Elio. We discuss the assigned topic: The Negative Impact of Social Media on Mental Health. We are on the negative side, debating after the Death Penalty group.
 
   As the first group starts the debate, I feel excited. I love debating, and there's something thrilling about discussing the negative effects of social media on our mental health. It's not always about the positive; there are negatives to almost everything.
   "Welcome to today's debate of group two where the topic is 'Social Media's Impact on Mental Health: Is social media a positive or negative force in our lives?' We have two teams: Team Positive, arguing that social media is a force for good, and Team Negative, arguing that it has a detrimental impact on our mental well-being. Let's begin with opening statements," Ms. Gomez announces, prompting us to move to the front and take our assigned seats facing her. The positive team consists of Kai, Zev, Dhame, and Indigo.
 
   Both groups sit across from each other while Ms. Gomez stands in the middle, holding the mic. "Team Positive, you may start."
 
   Kai stands up, his face serious as he looks at our team, "Social media is a powerful tool for connection and empowerment. It allows us to stay in touch with loved ones regardless of distance, access vital information and resources, and build communities around shared interests. Imagine a world without the ability to connect with friends and family across continents, or to raise awareness about important issues like mental health. Social media has become a vital tool for promoting understanding, empathy, and positive change." He makes a valid point.
 
   Theo stands up and adjusts his glasses, "While social media offers some superficial benefits, its negative impact on mental health is undeniable. The constant pressure to present a perfect image, the prevalence of cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of these platforms create a toxic environment that fosters anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Social media is a breeding ground for negativity and self-doubt, undermining our well-being."
 
   "Thank you both. Now, let's move to the first round of arguments. Team Positive, you have the floor," Ms. Gomez says.
 
   Zev stands up, his face serious as he looks at our group, but when his eyes meet mine, he winks at me, so I give him a look, "Social media has revolutionized the way we access information and support networks. Imagine a young person struggling with depression, feeling isolated and alone. Social media provides a platform to connect with others who understand their struggles, offering a lifeline of support and resources. Online communities can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of stigma. Right, liebsti?"
 
   I rub my temple, damn it Zev. It's not time for flirting.
   "Zevadiah, focus," Ms. Gomez interrupts.
 
   Maeve stands up, our president, "While support networks exist online, they are often superficial and can contribute to a false sense of connection. The anonymity of social media can also lead to the spread of misinformation and harmful content, further exacerbating mental health issues. The constant bombardment of negative news and opinions can create a sense of fear and anxiety, impacting our overall well-being."
 
   "Team Negative, your response," Ms. Gomez addresses our group.
 
   Elio stands up, "Social media can be a breeding ground for comparison and social pressure. We are constantly bombarded with images of seemingly perfect lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This can trigger anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of reality, negatively impacting our mental health."
 
   Dhame stands up, confidently, "While it's true that social media can be a source of pressure, it also offers opportunities for self-expression and creativity. Individuals can share their passions, connect with like-minded people, and build communities around shared interests. This can foster a sense of purpose, belonging, and self-discovery, contributing to a positive mental state.”
   "Time for a quick rebuttal. Team Negative, you have 30 seconds," Ms. Gomez said.
 
   I stand up and count to three before speaking, "The potential for negative consequences outweighs the benefits. Social media addiction, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation all contribute to a toxic online environment that can have devastating effects on mental health."
 
   "Team Positive, your rebuttal," Ms. Gomez looks at the positive team.
 
   Indigo stands up, "We believe that the benefits of social media outweigh the risks. By being mindful of our online consumption, engaging in healthy digital habits, and seeking professional help when needed, we can harness the positive aspects of these platforms while mitigating the negative ones."
 
   "Thank you both. We are now moving to the closing statements. Team Positive, you have the floor," Ms. Gomez said.
 
   "Social media is a powerful tool that can be used for good. By embracing its potential for connection, support, and positive change, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic online world," says Kai.
 
   "While social media offers some superficial benefits, its negative impact on mental health is undeniable. We must be cautious about its potential for harm and prioritize real-life connections and healthy digital habits to protect our mental well-being," Theo says, looking seriously at Kai. Our top two did well.
 
   "Thank you to both teams for a thoughtful and engaging debate. The audience will now decide which team presented the most compelling argument." I breathe a sigh of relief after our debate. In the end, our classmates side with the negative team.
 
   "Your team did well," Zev says after the debate.
 
   "Your team did well too," I reply, sitting in the backseat, waiting for the other groups' debates to finish.
 
   When the clock strikes 12:20, Felly and I head to the cafeteria together.
 
   "Fawn," Felly and I both pause ordering lunch and look back.
 
   "Asher," he approaches with his friends.
 
   "Join us for lunch," I raise an eyebrow at his offer, then I glance at his friends.
 
   "No, we are fine--"
 
   "Sure!" Felly interjects next to me.
 
   "Dhai," I subtly pinch her side.
 
   "Just treat us to lunch," Felizitas Hoffman!
 
   Asher nods and ends up paying for Felly and my lunch. I'm getting irritated with Felly as we sit at the table, facing Asher and his friends.
 
   "Hey, Fawn," the guy sitting to Asher's left smiles. I don't remember his name; Asher introduced him to me before, but I forgot his name.
 
   "Hey," I reply quietly and start eating. I can feel the eyes staring at me, but I don't mind. I take a sip of water.
 
   "Fawn, I want you to date Orlov–”
   I accidentally spit water in front of me when Asher spoke. "Crap, sorry." I wipe my mouth and look ahead. What did he say…?
 
   Asher's friend stands up and dries his wet uniform from what I did. It was an accident, and I didn't expect it to happen.
 
   "It's fine, Fawn," the guy from earlier says with a smile. I feel even more guilty about what I did.
 
   I stand up and approach him, "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean it, I promise," then I glance at my calm twin sitting on the chair.
 
   "I know. You were just surprised by what you heard from Asher," he looks at Asher.
 
   "I am." Asher doesn't seem bothered, so I look at Orlov. I remember his name now. "I have to talk with my twin for a minute." I pull Asher's sleeve away from the table, and we head outside the cafeteria away from the students, facing him. "What the heck was that, Asher?"
 
   "What?"
 
   "You know what I mean."
 
   He sighs, "Orlov is my friend, and I know he's better than that Zev guy," his eyes fixed on me with a serious glare.
 
   "You don't get to decide whom or who I should date, Asher."
 
   "You're my twin, Fawn. I care for you, and I want you to be happy." really, huh?
 
   I laugh bitterly, "You think your friend is what's best for me? I'm not dating Zev, Asher."
 
   "But he likes you." No, he love me not like, Asher.
 
    "And so? That doesn't mean we are dating. So, please don't try to decide what's best for me. Yes, you are my twin, but this is my life we are talking about. My first priority is finishing my studies, not dating." I tap his shoulder, then walk past him and return to the cafeteria.
 
   When our Practical Research 2 teacher enters, she assigns us to our groups for the year.
 
   "No, I don't want her to be in my group," Arjo says. I sigh upon hearing his words. I know he hasn't liked me since we were in grade eleven; the feeling is mutual.
 
   "Arjo Alvarez, I already assigned you to De Los Santos. This Practical Research is crucial for your group. I hope you're aware of that," Mrs. Mendez explains.
 
   "I never wanted to be in the same group with her, again. She's a burden, she always will be," I listen calmly to Arjo. Ever since he became my classmate, I just can't stand him. It's not that I dislike gay people; it's just that there's one gay guy I hate, and it's him.
 
   "Fawn will be in my group then," I glance at Zev, who is sitting next to me.
 
   "It's a no, Rizal," Mrs. Mendez states firmly.
   "I'll never group with her again. I'd rather be with 3 members than put her on my research group, Mrs. Mendez," he eyes me with a serious glare. Same with me Arjo.
 
   "Miss De Los Santos," Mrs. Mendez look at me.
 
   I take a deep breath, "I'd rather work alone than be in the same group with him. I don't want to be in a group with a toxic person."
 
   "Excuse me? What did you say?!" he stands up from his seat and approaches me, but then some of my classmates block his way towards me. "How dare you call me toxic!"
 
   "Arjo Alvarez, go back to your seat!" this will not gonna end well for us.
 
   "You're a manipulator and have a superiority complex. Oh, you think you're powerful just because you're the school's student vice president council? No. You think I don't know how disrespectful you were to those students from Montreal School whom you threw your Starbucks coffee at last year? Girl, I saw what you did without you noticing." His eyes widen at my words; I hear gasps, and his face slowly turns pale.
 
   "Bitch! I hope you rot in hell!"
 
   "Mister Alvarez, detention office! Now!"
 
   "Oh, I've been there, and I'll bring you with me next time," I say casually.
 
   "Fawn," Zev tries to hold my hand to calm me down, but I brush it off.
 
   "Miss De Los Santos! Detention office!" I hear Mrs. Mendez's angry voice, so I quickly turn away.
 
   "I'm glad your step-father raped you, bitch!" that's when my world stops. 
 
   "How dare you!" I immediately turn around and see Felly pulling Arjo's hair.
 
   My ears burn at what I heard; I quickly approach Arjo and am about to hurt him when Zev stops me from getting closer.
 
   "You've crossed the line! How dare you say that!" My tears start to fall slowly as Zev holds me tightly to prevent me from getting close to Arjo.
 
   "Fawn, stop," he strokes my back to calm me down… damn it!
 
   I try to push him away, but I have no strength when the nightmare of that incident flashes back in my mind. My body starts to tremble, my knees weaken, and my mind continues to replay the image of Uncle Atlas touching my body that night. How his hands….touched me. Oh god…
 
   I want to forget what happened that night, but it feels like a nightmare that keeps haunting me relentlessly. I wish it would just stop.