◻ C h a p t e r  3 6 ◻

I smiled happily as my principal called my name, with my four inched heels, I climbed up on stage and looked into the crowd.

"We made it! I made it! and I'm happy I made it, my highschool experience is one that I'll never forget and I'm really lucky that I'm standing on this stage today" I said, fighting hard to blink back my tears as I spoke to the crowd looking back at me in the huge auditorium.

"I'm sure you all know my story, it's an ugly part of my past, but sometimes you have to talk about it in order to make people aware of how their actions affect others." I continued.

"A chapter in my life is coming to a close today, and I would like to say a few things, I won't ramble on I promise." I quickly added which made the crowd smile and chuckle.

"Two years ago, I made a decision to just end my life, because I just couldn't handle the bullying. When I was slowly recovering, I thought about what a huge mistake I had made while I was on that hospital bed." I continued, choking back a sob to suppress my emotions.

"I just wanted to say that, I'm glad I was given a second chance, being so close to losing my life made me realise that I really didn't want to go. I'm not mad at those who did make my life a living hell, but I am grateful and happy that I survived because now I'm much stronger."

"I wanted to share my story to spread awareness, it's not okay to make someone's life a living hell, up to the point that they think it's okay to just die than to be alive, that's not okay." I said to the crowd, my voice almost a whisper as I couldn't control tears slowly streaming down my face.

"Please, think about your actions, and if you're being bullied, please speak up. If you see someone being bullied, please speak up. You're loved, you're wanted and you're not worthless. It took me a while to believe that myself and I am absolutely delighted to be here healthy and graduating with my class of 2018. I hope that we all fulfill our dreams and goals and don't forget, spread kindness wherever you go" I said, smiling as the crowd stood up to give me a round of applause.

After the ceremony, I most especially couldn't take my eyes off my mum, she looked so proud of me, I couldn't help the happy tears that spilled from my eyes.

I had to endure about thirty minutes of mum trying to take pictures of me from every angle, but it was worth it, I'll forever cherish all my memories.

Before I could move forward to check out the pictures mum took, I felt someone hug me tightly from behind and I grinned. I turned around to look at Clyde and he pulled me into another hug I needed so much.

"You made it!" I whispered hugging him back tightly.

"Sorry I'm late, I'm so proud of you kiddo." he smiled, ruffling my hair.

I wanted to be a school counselor, someone kids could come to if they needed help or just wanted to talk.

You have the power to say, "this is not how my story will end." Suicide should not be committed because what if...

The End.