By Vicki Brown
I have never been one to mind my own business, especially when someone is being mistreated. I am the champion of underdogs, and known to be rather feisty … so when I saw a pretty, blonde girl curled in a ball on the playground being tormented by bullies, I had to get involved.
Her tormentor was a girl known as “CS.” Everyone in ninth grade knew of “CS.”
She was a foot-taller than the rest of us and the leader of a small gang of girls who ruled the school yard.
I first met “CS” in the restroom, on a day when I had waited too long to make the visit. When I finally got there, I found the restroom under the control of “CS” and her girl gang.
Petrified, I ignored “CS” and made my way toward a stall, hoping that keeping my head down would clear my path.
At that moment, “CS” asked me, “Where do you think you’re goin’?.” I knew I only had seconds to spare before I wet myself, so I yelled, “To the bathroom!”
Tough “CS” actually found me funny, laughed and said, “You alright, girl.” We became fast friends after that…and she let me use the restroom.
You can imagine my surprise and dismay when I found “CS” and her girls bullying the girl in the courtyard that day.
I told “CS” that the girl was my friend (I didn’t know her at all), and I would appreciate it if they left her alone. “CS” and I bumped fists, and she and her girls walked away.
My best friend Brenda (who had been a silent spectator) and I pulled the girl to her feet. She had naturally-streaked light blond hair and huge blue eyes. She was unusually beautiful. She said her name was Shawn (of course she had a pretty name. My name, Vicki, rhymes with icky).
She thanked me and we parted company.
I didn’t see her again until the tenth grade. She was still terribly shy and introverted. I nagged her into trying out for cheerleading and assumed it would help her come out of her shell.
That same year, I talked her into entering a small beauty pageant sponsored by the VFW, and she won! Little by little, I noticed her gaining confidence and self-assurance.
Five years after high school, my husband and I were watching the Miss Universe pageant when, low and behold, there was Shawn, walking across the stage like she owned it. She won that pageant.
About three years after that, I went to see a Police Academy movie. Once again, Shawn Weatherly on the big screen. It was surreal to see her there.
Do I credit myself with her success? No way. Do I feel that maybe I had just little something to do with her coming out of her shy shell? Maybe.
But regardless of all that, in the school yard that day I noticed someone in trouble and had to help. It’s been a lifelong commitment, and I hope it’s one that everyone makes, too. The world needs more people to stand up to bullies, help their fellow man and get involved. But understand, that sometimes, it’s a thankless job.
