Suddenly I slam the door. Nobody comes after me. If only they understood that I just want to be happy again. I wish I had someone I could turn to when I need to talk. I turn my music on as loud as it can go. While listening to Pierce the Veil, I take out a razor blade. One cut after another. They will never know, nor will they care. I hear a knock at the door. “Kadie,” says my dad, “Are you okay? Your little brother is worried.” Of course I'm not going to tell the truth.
“I’m fine.”
“Dinner is ready.”
“I'm not hungry.”
Has he not noticed that this is the third day this week I that have not ate supper? He must not pay much attention to me. Only two more days and I will be able to go mom’s and finally get a break. I hear my phone chime. It's a text from my mother.

Mom: What's going on, your dad says you haven't eaten in 3 days.
Me: Nothing. Just not hungry.

I went downstairs, “Did you seriously have to tell her?” I yelled. “As if enough people weren't already disappointed in me!” My dad said, “It is your mother’s right to know what is going on in your life.” I went back upstairs and cried myself to sleep.
As soon as I wake up the next morning, I just want to shove my face back in my pillow and go back to sleep. Too bad that's not an option. I finally get up and get in the shower. My dad knocks, “Fifteen minutes, Kadie, hurry up!” I manage to get ready in that time. Shower. Brush my teeth. Get dressed. Do my makeup. On the way to school I beg my dad not to make me go. I guess he just doesn't understand how it feels to be harassed and bullied all day.
I walk to my locker and of course, guess who is there waiting. Courtney and her followers, Brittany and Karlee. I think about walking away, but I don't want to look scared. I walk up anyways.
“Hey, dog face.” Courtney says. I ignore her. “Excuse me, I was talking to you.” she says. “Don't ignore her.” Brittany and Karlee say at the same time. I grabbed my books and walked away. They followed me to chemistry, then they finally turned around and walked back to their first hour class.
I shyly raise my hand, “Mr. Brown, may I go to the office?” “What for?” He asked.  Of course he would want to know. I can't say why in front of everyone, I already embarrassed myself enough. “Personal problems,” I say, “I can't talk about it here.” He nods. As everyone is staring, I get up and walk out.
I get to the office and explain to the principal, Mr. Roberson, what is going on. He says he will talk to the girls and get things figured out. We shake hands and I go back to class. Right outside of the office, I run into Courtney. I don't say a thing, and for once neither does she. Was she listening the whole time?
The next day when I got to school everyone was staring and whispering. I heard them talking about what I did, calling me a snitch. I should have known she was listening. Things just got worse throughout the day. People pushed and shoved me in the halls, calling me names. When would I ever get a break?
On Friday, after school, I was finally able to go visit my mom for the weekend. I thought it would be a good escape for a couple days. Sure enough, I was wrong. She picked me up and started questioning me. “What’s been going on, darling. You’ve been acting funny.” she said, “Why haven’t you been eating. You look upset.” I told her she just wouldn’t understand. How could she? Everyone loved her.
She left me alone about it for the rest of the weekend, so it wasn’t so bad. That is, until Sunday morning came around. Somehow Courtney got my phone number.

Courtney: Hey loser. heard you ran off to your mommy. you poor little baby :(
Me: Can you just stop. I just came to visit like I do every weekend.

I knew I was in for it in the morning. However, I still went on with my normal daily routine. I got to my locker, and like always, they were there waiting for me. This time it was Brittany. “I’m surprised you had the guts to show up.” she said. I ignored her. And it went on and on.
Finally, I had enough. “Just stop” I said, “Making people’s lives miserable really doesn’t make yours any better.” They were in total shock. None of them knew what to say. For the first time in 6 years, I finally stood up to them. I wasn’t even sure what to do at the moment.
Courtney led Brittany and Karlee away from my locker. I watched and chuckled a little as they walked away. I was surprised that she just walked away like that. Surely she is planning something. As soon as they turn out of my sight I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. It’s Courtney. I’m afraid to read it. Finally I build up the courage to open it.

Courtney: we are really sorry for how we have treated you. you are right. our lives are no better by trying to make yours miserable. sit with us at lunch? we need to talk.

I’m still nervous about this. I swallow the lump in my throat. I’m not sure if she’s trying to lure me into some kind of cruel scheme or if she really means it.

Me: I’m not sure if I should trust you. I’ll think about it.

I thought about it all day. Should I really trust them after all they have done? As soon as the lunch bell rings, I get up and she is right there. “So are you going to sit with us?” Courtney says, “We’d love to talk to you.” The questioning and thinking goes on. Should I give them a chance? They can’t be that bad. “Sure.” I say.
The walk to the lunchroom was quiet and awkward. I had no idea what to say to them. I had nothing nice to say to them. We get our food and sit down. Brittany and Karlee don’t talk much it’s mostly just Courtney.
“So, I don’t understand. Why exactly did you want me to sit with you?”
“You were right. We don’t need to make fun of you to make us feel better. You deal with enough, like with your parent’s divorce. That must have been really hard.”
“It was. Especially not having anyone else to turn to. I don’t have any friends.”
“Well you can start hanging out with us. We will be your friends. How does that sound to you guys, Britt and Karlee?”
“That sounds great!” Brittany and Karlee say in unison.
“I haven't told anybody yet, but my parents just told me that they will be getting a divorce. When you stood up to us, it finally clicked. I need somebody that I can connect to, just as you do.”
“It means so much to me, but have to go now. I have gym next. I’ll catch up with you guys later. Thank you so much!”
For the next few weeks all four of us did everything together. We became inseparable. The only problem is, I was still unhappy. Nothing I could do would ever fix my parents’ relationship. I needed to get my mind off of my misery about the divorce and see it from their point of view. They are so much happier now. At least it’s better for them.
Courtney, Brittany, and Karlee helped me keep my mind positive. They encouraged me to pay extra attention to my family. They wanted me to notice how the divorce has affected us all in a positive way. This helped me out so much.
I never thought there would  come a day that I could be genuinely happy, but I was very wrong. For once, I am finally happy again, thanks to Courtney, Brittany, and Karlee.