Draft saved 19/01/2016, 08.19

From: mandy1296@ynet.com

To: stanleylj@gnet.com

Hey Stan,

I'd never began a year feeling like I'd been ran over but, being me, I put on the bravest face and walked back to school with the brightest smile. It did not take long before my smile dropped to a frown and ended up in tears; hidden away from those who knew what was going on. I struggled not to lash out so I simply hid. The cocoon I created has stuck with me up to this day and I'm finding it difficult to openly say what I feel.

Let's recollect the events a bit, at least how I saw them. You moved on so fast from 'us' that I had to take a step back and wonder if you really did like me. I mean, you plunged head first into the first girl that gave you all her 'attention' and I officially became non-existent to you. Even if we were few inches apart, my presence was not registered. I became the outsider looking in. Your booming voice could be heard across the hallway and it made my heart ache. How could you laugh out loud like that and move on as if nothing ever happened as I, got stuck digging my way out of the hole we once called our friendship? I never spent any of my extra time around our usual friends since it was awkward having to ignore that something was wrong. I am quite sure they didn't want to butt in either.

I picked up different interests and started learning a new language just to push myself away from your field of view. Petty, weren't we? I clearly knew I didn't have the strength to approach you since your actions spoke louder than anything you ever wanted to say. I took the facts as they came; what I saw is what I believed. Any good memories we had were slowly being replaced by what you did each day.

Mandy