A Bully's Paradise

• Tayla Elias, Grade 6
• Short Story
• 2018

My hair stood on end, a shiver went up my spine and a lump of hatred came to my throat. The air turned black all around me. It was her…the biggest bully, Mackenzie…
Mackenzie had big blue eyes and black curly hair, a real beauty…then there was me, I had ugly braces, brown eyes and brown hair. Real nerd material, a bully’s paradise.
“Come here loser!” Mackenzie yelled fiercely, to an audience of giggling bystanders. Me being me, I didn’t say a word. I really just wanted to yell at her and say “I’m not a loser, the only loser here is you!” But of course, I said that in my head because I was too afraid to let go of the words. Instead, I got my books and headed to class.
“Oh, there you are! Why are you late, Rose?” Queried Mrs. Smith. Great, now everybody was staring at me like I just murdered someone.
“I’m sorry I’m late Mrs. Smith.” I apologised as I sat down at my desk. I turn away and there was Mackenzie again. That vain poser was looking at me and laughing. “Shush Mackenzie!” Mrs. Smith yelled as she slammed the ruler on Mackenzie’s desk. I could see Mackenzie’s cheeks turning bright red. Then Mrs. Smith announced, “Class dismissed!”
I couldn’t wait to get out of this horrific classroom. I ran out and pushed the old classroom door as it creaked. Of course, me being me, I fell down. Mortified, I exchanged books and headed for my next class.
“Hey loser!” Mackenzie giggled. “I managed to take a picture of you falling down! This would be great entertainment for everyone!” I couldn’t believe this evil soul was brandishing her phone as if it was a sword ready to ruin my life. Just then I noticed Mrs. Smith walking down the corridor. I lost it. Empowered by some internal energy I grabbed the phone and threw it to Mrs. Smith, yelling the whole time, “Catch Mrs. Smith!” Mackenzie’s jaw dropped. I had never acted like that in my life. Even I was surprised. “Girls, I will see you in my office in five minutes!” Mrs. Smith demanded.
I walked to Mrs. Smith’s office keeping a good distance away from Mackenzie. “Welcome girls, please take a seat,” Mrs. Smith instructed. I politely sat down waiting. Mrs. Smith spoke, “You girls need to stop being rude. It’s time to apologise.” Suddenly I broke down into tears. “What’s wrong Rose?” Asked Mrs. Smith. “I always liked Mackenzie. She’s cool and popular, and I’m not!” I started crying even more. Mackenzie was shocked. In a faint voice Mackenzie said, “I do too.” I was looking at her without even blinking. I was so surprised. “I thought you hated me?” I questioned. “I thought you hated me.” Mackenzie said back. At that moment we realised we should be friends. From then on, we were the best of friends.