Written by:
Kristin Egener
Photographer:
Laimah Osman
I'm still in shock. I can't believe what happened today.
I was talking with Jude by my locker (we've started eating lunch together every day and talking a lot over the phone at night. It's been so much easier to get through the day when I feel I have someone to talk to who REALLY understands what it's like). Anyway, as we were talking, this girl Liza passes Jude and slams her shoulder into Jude's chest as she goes, knocking Jude into the lockers.
Liza's a huge girl, much bigger than either of us, and I could tell immediately that Jude was really hurt. She kneeled on the floor with her hand on her chest, trying to breathe. I screamed at Liza, but she didn't even turn around or acknowledge me.
We went to the school nurse and then to Principal Harris. The nurse was like, "It's probably going to be just a bad bruise," but I don't know — Jude's shoulder is really sore, she has trouble lifting her arm.
When we told Principal Harris what happened, he listened to us with his head to one side and a really phony sympathy-smile on his face, going, "Hm, hm, yes," the whole time. He's such an ass, when I was "straight" he used to talk to me with that hearty "Well, hello there little lady" attitude — now he ignores me, and I don't think he's ever said anything to Jude.
Finally when we were finished Mr. Authority Figure was like, "Well, ladies, I'm really concerned to hear about all of this, but unfortunately I can't take any disciplinary action against Liza or the other kids you've said harass you until I have more substantial proof against them."
I was like, "Substantive proof? This isn't a court case! Isn't this enough?" and I pointed at Jude's chest. He got sort of offended and was like, "Well, Regina, if you can get some of the other students who saw the assault to come talk to me..." Which, of course, we all know is never going to happen.
The whole thing disgusts me. It makes me feel powerless, and I HATE that. The only good to come out of it is that the experience has bonded Jude and me together even more. We have our own silent code of looks and gestures. After school, before she had to go to work and I went to volleyball practice, we sat in the courtyard and iced her shoulder; it was really quiet and peaceful.
Someday we'll remember that moment and think, "An ice pack brought us together … " <*smooches*> ~Regina
Regina Babydyke's Cyber Diary is a Curvemag.com Web exclusive.You won't find it anywhere but here. We'll be posting new episodes in the coming weeks, so check back soon for more!
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