Fitting In
Terri looked outside the window and groaned. Snow. “Seriously? Are you freaking kidding me?” Her life sucked.
No way would her mother let her take the car, and she planned to go to Brandon’s party. He was the most popular boy in her class. Her entire social life depended on getting to that party.
Geek. Weirdo. Nerd. Dweeb. Jerk. Dork. How would she ever fit in if she didn’t show up? She couldn’t take anymore teasing. Lunches sucked. She sat alone. Classes were no better. The only time anyone spoke to her was if they wanted something or to yell at her for blowing the grading curve. She’d had enough.
But she had a plan. She overheard several students talking about Otto. He could get anything. Terri spent the cash and got what she wanted. Tonight she would finally fit in.
“Hey mom, don’t forget you promised I could have the car tonight.”
“The snow is supposed to worsen. You won’t be going out tonight.”
“But you promised.”
“Don’t argue with me. I said no.”
Terri knew it. She left and went to her room. She pulled out her stash from Otto. If she couldn’t go to the party, she would party at home.
She opened the baggie and snorted it. For the first time in a long time she felt free, the happiest she had ever been.
What was happening? Her heart raced, she felt nauseous, dizzy. Her muscles seized and she gasped for breath.
This story is prompted by Sue Vincent’s Daily EchoThursday photo prompt: Snowfall #writephoto
I’d love to know what you think. Here’s your chance. Leave your comment below.
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About The Author
Michele
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Well written. So true, peer pressure and no suppor at home can lead to all kinds of poor choices.
Thanks, Jordy. Something that needs to be addressed.
Yes, thank you for raising this important issue!
I hope it makes a difference. If it helps one, then I have succeeded.
Excellently told. Poor thing. She never had a chance.
So true, Violet. This happens way too often.
DUH! here I am. Oh well two comments are better than one.. And this one makes it three!!! lol
I’m glad you tried again. I appreciate it.
I love the duality of “snow” in this story. Nicely done, Michele. So tragic.
Thanks, Staci. And all too often true.
Definitely real and true yet so sad that this happens far too much nowadays. Well written story Michele.
Thank you, Hélène. Kids can be cruel and parents oblivious.
So many youngsters face a world in which they do not feel they can ‘fit in’ without making choices that will cost them too much. If only they had the support to see that by not fitting in they have something unique to offer…
So true. If only kids were more accepting and parents listened better. Hopefully this will change, and soon.
It needs to…
I read and commented on this the day you posted the link on Sues blog. Hmm Maybe I got stuck in spam.. My comment was that she never had a chance, and I’d like to add, it makes my heart sick that we struggle so hard for acceptance that children are willing to die to fit in.. Excellent write Michelle!
Thanks, Violet. This is the first I saw your comment. You’ve got to love the cyber world. I agree with you. Children try so hard to be accepted. It’s a shame they cannot be who they are, but they feel they must be someone else, or die trying.
This is a sad story, peer pressure, accidental death by drugs. 💜
Thank you. This story hits home with way too many children.
Yes it is a matter I have written about in the past.💜
An interesting perspective on snowfall. Peer pressure turns into the crowd. We want so much to belong, not just as adolescents, but as adults. How do we learn to be able to be ourselves despite what others do or say? (K)
Thank you. This happens all too often. Not everyone has the strength to be themselves.