CHAPTER NINE

   "Hey everyone". I greeted but few people responded. I was already nervous could they at least respond to my greetings to make me feel more at home.....huh. " Eerm...well...so....okay". I stammered. I had never stood before a large crowd to speak. I really sucked at it. I was only good at speaking in front of my classmates. "Miss Brown." Principal Huff signalled for me to be quick.

      "One month suspension." I began. "I do not know if I should be angry or appreciative. Miss Huff................

...........thank you." I said after a long uncomfortable pause. She nodded proudly. "Not only did I learn never to seek revenge, I also got the chance to correct a mistake which could have cost me a fortune. A mistake which I would have deeply regretted in future. A mistake which would have left a wide void in me." I told everyone about how much I hated mom at first and how my hatred suddenly changed to unconditional love after reading the article about the girl who lost her mom. A short message suddenly turned into a speech. I shared with them the words the young girl said.

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     "A  stepmom is someone worth dying for.  My mom would never give up on me when I drove her away. She was always willing to give me everything I needed to make me happy yet I still despised her. Mom would cry during night because of the hurtful things I said to her but the next morning, without been forced to, she would continue tolerating me. Today, I wish I could hug mom once more without her having to force me. I wish I could get a bite of mom's delicious meals. Meals which once disgusted me. I wish I had someone to ask me how my day went. I wish I could say sorry for hurting her so much."

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    "This young girl has taught me something I will never forget and I hope after listening to this,you will count yourself lucky to have your parents by your side." I said and handed the microphone to Miss Huff.