The Group
Part 48


"Maddy was an amazing friend. Most of you judged her and never gave her a chance. Some of those people are my closest friends." I paused there to look at Dana, Ann and Stacey. Then I continued, "Our parents knew each other, so when I heard that she was transferring to my school, I was more than happy. I guess I never really told her that, and now it's too late." I began to cry. I searched the crowd for a familiar face. Soon I saw Jack, the face I was looking for. I wanted to see his reaction to my tears. And he laughed. That was his reaction. Now the tears became heavier, and I forced myself to speak.
"I loved Maddy like a sister, and you all would too if you took a minute to look inside of her instead of outside. But now you can't, because the reality of it all is that she's dead!"
I ran away from the front of the funeral hall and toward the door as I heard the laughter of others grow louder and louder. This was the worst feeling I have ever felt, by far. Worse than losing my virginity. Worse than fighting with my parents. Worse that Maddy dying. This feeling was the feeling of someone enjoying my pain; someone laughing because I was hurting inside. It felt like poison in my stomach, like acid in my mooth. And I had to leave.