New Beginnings {ACM}

Chapter 34

Song of the chapter: Waiting For Superman by Daughtry

Emily's POV

The video started with me at my locker, laughing and talking with my popular crowd of friends, wearing expensive clothes and having perfect hair while the introduction music was playing. It then started playing my singing part.

She stood out in the crowd, was a little too loud
But that's why we love her
She's not like other girls
She could have conquered the world
Until you broke her down

It now showed me as the loser of the school, being shoved into lockers. My popular self came and hit the books out of my hands so they fell to the floor. I actually didn't think I had it in me to give such an evil, snarky look, but I apparently did, and it was scary.

Are you happy now
That she's on the ground?
And do you realize the words you say make bruises that don't fade away
Are you happy now
That you've brought her down?
And she's thinking that she won't fit in
'Cause you said something's wrong with her
Are you happy now?

I was in my bedroom at my house as my popular self, skimming through facebook and seeing bad comments made towards me from other people, and I'm realizing that I'm not as popular as I think. And I felt alone.

He liked science not sports
He knew what he stood for
He's not like you, you don't like that
15 years down the road
He could be everything that you won't
But right now you're breaking him down

Are you happy now
That he's on the ground?
And do you realize the words you say make bruises that don't fade away
Are you happy now
That you've brought him down?
And he's thinking that he won't fit in
'Cause you said something's wrong with him
Are you happy now?

I've heard that it was done to you
Is that why you do what you do?
Well that's no excuse, no
And if it felt like hell to you
Then why'd you want to put them through what hurt you?

I'm now my loser self, storming into the bathroom crying as I hurry to the sink, and stare at myself in the mirror, looking disgusted because I believe what all the mean girls have to say.

I felt a squeeze in my hand and looked over at Austin, who was smiling at me with such a proud look on his face. He even looked like he was about to cry. I leaned into his shoulder as the video kept playing.

Are you happy now
That you've brought them down?

I-I-I I don't think so

My popular self stormed into the bathroom upset as well from what all the people are saying about her, it felt like I wanted to die and we finally both realize that we're not as different as we think, and we make up.

Are you happy now
That they're on the ground?
And do you realize the words you say make bruises that don't fade away
Are you happy now
That you've brought them down?
And they're thinking that they won't fit in
'Cause you said something's wrong with them
Are you happy now?

At the end, my popular self and my loser self are seen passing each other in the halls, as we smile at each other.

Are you happy now?
Are you happy now?

As the video ended, it showed a message towards bullying, and everybody in the room erupted into cheers. My mom came over crying as she engulfed me in a hug. "Oh, honey, that was absolutely amazing! Your first music video!"

"Emily, that rocked!" Quinn and Taylor exclaimed as they attacked me when my mom let go.

"Thanks, guys, I'm so happy with it," I said, bursting with joy.

After everybody congratulated me and the party continued, it was just Austin and I in the room.

"Emily, you were so amazing," Austin whispered in my ear before pulling me into a big hug. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Austin," I said into his chest. "That means a lot."

"I love you," he said as he pulled away and kissed my forehead.

"I love you, too," I smiled.

He slid off the couch and helped me up. "I'm going to keep replaying that video over and over."

"Go for it," I laughed. "You're so weird."

"I prefer the term special," my boyfriend said. "Has more of a ring to it."

"Whatever," I laughed. "You're still a dork." I wrapped my arms around his waist. "But you're my dork."