Friends

    One thing I value in my life are my friends, because I know what it feels like to have no friends. I remember when I was little I had no friends, since in school no one liked me, they made fun of me, I was hated, and to this day I have no idea why. I did nothing to them except smile at them, but it didn't matter. I was made fun of for the way I looked, the way I walked, the way I talked, my skin, and even for staying quiet. Sometimes I would get lucky and have someone claim to be my friend, but then that would be a complete lie. They would then talk about me and hate me the next second. That isn't a friend, because a friend would not do that to another friend. 
   I wanted to hold on and feel that I actually belonged. I tried, but every time I tried I was put down, made fun of, and threatened with a punch in the mouth. So, I never said much and just took the verbal beating. I wondered if anyone else knew what it felt like to be ignored, hated, and bullied. To not be seen, but still be there, and to be misunderstood. Well, I did, everyday I did. 
    Then finally, I realized that I did not have to belong. I realized that I did not have to believe their words. I did not have to be who they wanted me to be, because I am me.
  Now I have friends that I value because they accept me for who I am, and they are always there when I need them. I do not feel alone, since my friends all make me feel like I belong. I am grateful that I finally have friends who can say that they are a true friend to me.