Online Bullying

I read an interesting article in the New York Times about students being bullied online via instant messaging and on websites. Bullying has transcended the physical space into the virtual. I started reminiscing about my elementary and junior high school years. How much I hated - absolutely hated - junior high. You couldn't pay me enough to relive that period of my life. I was miserable!

My bullies were named Melinda Chavez and Nellie Otero, two gals who, when I look back, had the self esteem of slugs and desperately needed attention. Neither was pretty or remotely attractive and both had a need to be Queen B. (in this case, I don't mean the insect variety). Their sole purpose each school day was to make kids, like me, suffer.

Nellie bullied by blatantly overlooking me when it came time to pick players for teams. She never wanted me, though, no one knew with any certainty, how hard I could kick or hit a ball. Time after time, I was left on the bench watching the others play and have fun. Of course, if Nellie wouldn't choose, neither would the other team captain. So I daydreamed a lot, became even more perceptive about people and behavior and bided my time. That cow would need me someday and I'd let her have it then.

Melinda made it a daily ritual to always end up in the girls bathroom when I did. If it wasn't pushing or mean comments, it was a demand for money. If I was combing my hair, she'd grab my comb and throw it on the floor. When grabbing a paper towel, she'd slam me into the dispenser. It was always something each and every day. I spent a lot of time running and not using the bathroom. It's a miracle that my bladder's still healthy. LOL

My cousin Josie, always knew I was being bullied and offered to help. Of course, identifying my bullies and having the "situation taken care of", would only worsen my plight. What little patch I had, I was determined to keep. I'd never find my footing this route. So I never told her who my tormenters were and I continued studying them and studied hard. Everyone has a weakness, I had to identify it and then use it to my advantage.

One fateful day the teacher chose the benchwarmers to be on the opposing team. During kickball, Nellie pitched the ball and I kicked it hard. All of my anger and spite was in that kick and I aimed it at her fat head. The gods were with me too, I connected! All the kids laughed and Nellie cried. As for Melinda, she pushed me one time too many and I snapped. I punched her in the nose and gave her a bloody nose. When she threatened to tell, I told her to go ahead. Then all the kids would know she had the shit beat out of her! She never said a word.

Neither were very good students, academically speaking, so they were forced to sit in the front of class - where the teacher could watch them. Once I discovered my footing, I made it a point to sit behind them. Melinda would nervously peer over her shoulder at me to see what I might do to her. Nellie tried to toughen up and fluff her feathers, but she'd been deflated and she knew it.

Years later, I saw Nellie at a club and looked her straight in the eye. She kind of remembered me but couldn't quite place me. I smirked and kept walking. She had the look of someone who life had beaten down and she looked old. Karma, baby. Karma!