Page 56 of The Curve
A tear runs down her cheek.
“I had to do that too. I was a chubby kid. No, scratch that. I was fat.”
“Yeah, there’s that too,” she says looking down.
“Let’s talk about that. Have you noticed you’re getting taller since we met? And I bet you’ve lost at least five pounds. That’s what happens when we’re your age. We blossom into a new person. I can tell you’re gonna be a butterfly very soon.”
“Oh yeah. More like a caterpillar,” she laughs.
“You are! You look just like your mother, and maybe even a little more beautiful. But don’t tell her I said that. I think she’s about perfect.”
There’s a happier look on her face but it’s still mixed with doubt. She wants it to be true but isn’t convinced.
“I think it’s only gonna take one time for you to speak up when you’re bullied to change the course.”
“But they make me cry. Then I freeze. I think of things to say afterwards in my room.”
“And I bet they’re really good ones, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Here’s what you do. You think about what that person would be sensitive about and throw it back to them. Maybe acne? Or a big nose? Something they see in themselves as a flaw. I know it’s mean, but once in a great while I think it’s okay if it stops then from hurting others.”
“Problem is he’s really good looking. And he’s an athlete.”
“Everyone has a weak point. Find his.”
“What did you say to your bully?”
“I stood in front of the class one day and this asshole Tim made a mooing sound like a cow. He’d do that all the time. So that day I turned the tables and gave him a nickname he didn’t like.”
“What was it?”
“Well, I don’t know if you’re gonna appreciate this, it’s kinda a boy thing. But I said, ‘I can lose weight. What’re you gonna do about your little problem, Tiny Tim?’”
She starts laughing. “I get it. I watched Magic Mike with Paige. But was that true?”
“I have no idea. But I knew just the suggestion it might be was enough to shut him up. Mean, huh?”
“Not really. They deserve it.”
“It’s hard to get the courage to speak up. But once you do you deflate the situation. It’s worth a try.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Just let me say this. When you realize you’re smarter than they are, you’ve got it made. Nobody can hurt you in the same way after that.”
We sit silently for a few minutes. Neither of us add any further comments.
She’s processing.
Just like her mother.
