**FLASHBACK**
Lowell High school was filled with teenagers laughing and gossiping about the latest trends on board,Among them was Megan and Diego.
Megan a pretty girl with a short brown hair and piercing hazel eyes that seemed to glare daggers at anyone who dared cross her path. Diego, on the other hand, was the bad boy, with deep grey hair that fell in messy waves and a smirk was plastered on his face.His charm and carefree attitude attracted tons of girls stealing glances at him as they blush hard.
It was lunch time and Megan took her place at the lunch table, in the crowded room, Diego sat with his friends.
As Megan made her way through the lunch line, she felt Diego's gaze on her. He leaned back in his seat, a smirk forming on his lips as he called out, "Hey, Megan! I didn't know they served 'cheap' brand lunch here. You must have brought that from home!"
The laughter erupted from Diego's table, Megan's face burned with anger—not solely from embarrassment, but from the fury that bubbled beneath her skin. She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. "At least I have someone to go home to, unlike you—who needs a mirror to keep themselves company."
She tossed her hair over her shoulder, trying to look unfazed, but inside, she felt her anger rising to it's peak, the cafeteria seemed to hold its breath, their peers leaning in closer to hear the next banter.
Diego stood up, his confidence unwavering. "Oh, please. Your house must be a fantasy land—full of dreams and empty promises. Are you going to cry when you get home, or will your parents just hand you a tissue to dry those cheap tears?"
The laughter exploded once again, washing over Megan,Her heart raced, but she wouldn't back down. "At least my parents can afford tissues, Diego. What's your excuse? I guess you just wipe your tears with your overpriced shirts," she shot back, her voice cutting through the noise.
Megan felt a surge of exhilaration at the thought of striking back harder than before. The thrill of their rivalry was becoming more intense.
"Good one, Meg!" a classmate shouted, egging her on, further fueling Megan's fire as Diego's expression hardened. He loved being the antagonist, but his heart raced with a mix of anger and something softer, something he couldn't quite name. He was losing control of the situation.
"Just remember, when those dreams come crashing down, you'll be left to pick up the pieces alone. How's that for reality?" Diego shot back, the bite in his words sharper than before. The crowd quieted momentarily, caught off guard by his intensity.
Megan felt his words piercing into her but she pushed it aside, refusing to let him see that he hit his target. "Reality? You wouldn't know reality if it smacked you in the face, Diego! The only thing you've ever face is your reflection in the mirror. You do realize everyone's laughing at you, not with you, right?"
Diego blinked, caught off guard by her response, his own defenses waning. But instead of retreating, he pressed forward. "Oh, please. Don't act like your life isn't as bleak as your fashion sense. Is that neon thing a statement or just an accident?"
The students erupted into laughter once more, and Megan felt that familiar rush of her anger increasing once more, But amid the anger, there was also a twinge of realization. Their quarrels had always been raw and real.
"Wow, that's the best you can do?" she retaliated, her voice steady despite the crack in her confidence. "You're clever, Diego, but let's be real—you're just a cheap knockoff of a popular kid. You'll never get past the surface level."
As the tension filled the air, she saw the flash in Diego's eyes change, At that moment, it wasn't just a mere rivalry; it felt like they were both on the verge of something that neither of them quite understood.
Lunch time soon came to an end, both Megan and Diego made their way to their classroom
Megan shot Diego one last glare as she gathered her things. Maybe their insults were just the tip of the iceberg.
Diego watched her leave, the spark of competition still alive, The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Megan quickly got up walking back to her class.
"I guess a looser has nothing to say" Diego shouted causing a few chuckles from the student's.
'Tracy', Megan friend walked up to her,
"What is going on here Megan, I've warned you to ignore Diego taunts" she said
"He started it first,I hate him so much", Megan scoff
"Come on Megan, forget about that guy, let's get prepared for the debate"
"Ooo, I forgot to study,I had no idea it was today" Megan gasp snapping the book from Tracy as she glanced through the pages quickly.
It was so late in the afternoon as Megan and her friend Tracy were preparing for the upcoming debate in Mr. Harrison's Advanced Public Speaking class. The walls were plastered with motivational posters about the power of persuasion, words of wisdom from famous orators, and reminders to always "Know Your Audience."
Megan leaned over her notes spread out across her desk. "Okay, Tracy, I've been thinking we really need to nail down our stance on this. 'Should abortion be legal?' is such a hot-button topic. We need to craft the most compelling arguments against it."
Tracy, with her blonde curls framing her face, nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We should emphasize the moral implications. Think about it—life begins at conception. We need to appeal to their emotions, making them feel the weight of our argument."
Megan grinned, feeling Impressed by her friend's passion. "Right! We also need to cite some statistics about the mental health impacts on women who have abortions. It's not just about the fetus; it's about the future of the mother too."
They were so focused that they didn't realize Mr. Harrison entered the classroom, clipboard in hand. His presence commanded attention, and the chatter among the students quieted as he surveyed the room with a smile.
"Good afternoon, everyone! I hope you're all prepared to get started. This is an important topic, and your engagement today will develop your critical thinking and public speaking skills," he said,
Megan and Tracy exchanged nervous glances. Abortion was a deeply personal issue that impacted countless lives.
"Now, I'm going to shuffle your groups to ensure a bit of diversity in thought and opinion," Mr. Harrison declared, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Megan's heart sank slightly. She had been hoping to partner with someone who shared her views, to strengthen their case against the legalization of abortion. She exchanged anxious glances with Tracy, who bit her lip nervously.
"Relax," Tracy whispered. "We've got this."
As the rest students shuffled around the room, taking their places in newly formed groups, Megan felt a knot tighten in her stomach. When the chaos finally settled, she looked up to see who had been assigned to her.
Her breath hitched in her throat as her eyes met Diego's across the room. He was leaning casually against his desk, an infuriatingly confident smirk spreading across his features. Diego was the leader of the opposing team and was known for his charm.
"Great," Megan muttered under her breath, shooting a glare at Tracy. "Just what I need."
"Come on, Megan, you can handle him," Tracy reassured her. "You're both in this to win."
As the students settled down, Mr. Harrison clapped his hands, rallying everyone's attention once more. "Alright! Let's get started. Each group will have ten minutes to prepare their opening statements. I encourage you all to debate respectfully and maintain focus on the subject. Remember, this is about the ideas, not personal attacks."
"Personal attacks, huh? Should I brace myself?" Megan said with a sarcastic eyebrow raise, edging toward Diego, who was now laughing with his teammates, seemingly unfazed by her presence.
"Maybe you should," Diego shot back, his eyes glinting with mischief. "After all, this is going to be the height of your career—debating a topic you're clearly going to lose."
Ignoring Diego's taunt, Megan leaned forward, determined to focus. She began outlining her points when Diego stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough so only she could hear. "You know, for someone so passionate about life, I wonder if you've ever considered how that passion will translate into real-world choices. What happens when you're faced with a crisis? You might just end up making the opposite argument one day."
His words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Megan felt a surge of anger and embarrassment flood her cheeks. "That's a low blow, Diego," she hissed between clenched teeth.
Before she could fire back with a sharp retort, Diego shot her a smug smile, a twisted type of victory. The other students had caught wind of their exchange, and a ripple of laughter passed around the room.
"Wow, Megan! Sounds like he's really in your head!" someone called from the back of the room, further fueling the laughter.
Megan felt her palms begin to sweat, but she maintained her composure, knowing that losing her cool would only embolden Diego further. She glared at him, her heart racing. "Don't think you can shake me with that kind of childish banter." She retorted
Diego shrugged but his grin widened. "Childish? I think it's called strategy. Besides, this just makes it more fun. The audience loves a good spectacle."
Finally, it was time for the debate to begin. Megan shared a frustrated glance with Tracy before stepping up to her position in front of the class. With the heat of the crowd behind her, she felt a little nervous because she hadn't revise her work the previous day.
"Today, my team and I argue against the legalization of abortion," she began, her voice trembling slightly but growing steadier with each word. "Abortion not only ends a potential life but can also lead to detrimental emotional and psychological consequences for women."
She continued, her arguments well-thought-out and aimed at the audience's emotions. "We need to consider the responsibilities that come with the privilege of life. When we make a choice that involves taking a life, we compromise our values as a society."
As Megan spoke, she could feel Diego's eyes boring into her. He was watching her intently, finishing her opening statement, Diego stepped up confidently, a slight smirk hinting at the corner of his lips.
"Thank you, Megan, for that heartfelt speech, but I must remind you that we live in a world where women's rights are paramount," he started, an air of charisma surrounding him. "The reality is that many women are faced with difficult decisions, and the choice of abortion should be legally protected to ensure their autonomy over their own bodies."
Heads nodded in agreement throughout the room, advancing Diego's argument. "Additionally, bans on abortion do not eliminate the practice; they only push it underground where it can become dangerous. Legalizing abortion is not only about saving lives; it's about protecting women from being harmed."
The debate continued and the tension in the room grow more stronger Megan and Diego exchanged words firecly, both leaders refusing to back down.
"Your arguments sound great in theory, Diego, but the question remains: who are we to decide that we can take life into our own hands without considering the ramifications?" Megan countered sharply.
"Who are we?" Diego echoed, leaning in closer, almost tauntingly. "We are individuals fighting for choice and freedom. The only real crime here is forcing someone into a situation where they have no say over their own bodies. That's oppressive and outdated."
"Oppressive? Is that really what you think? The real oppression comes when we take a life away from its potential," Megan shot back, her frustration mounting.
The students on both sides gave out loud applause, energizing the competition further. But as the clamoring quieted, Diego threw in another jab. "Well, Megan, if you ever find yourself pregnant, remember: it's your life which will change forever. Let's hope you don't make that poor decision."
The laugh that followed felt like a dagger, and Megan's heart dropped. "Really, Diego? You're going to stoop that low?" she retorted, fueled by rage.
"Hey, sometimes it takes a sharp banter to wake someone up," he replied coolly. The laughter from the audience grew louder, giving him a false sense of confidence.
Megan could feel her face flush as she swallowed back her anger. It was hard to keep her composure when their rivalry turned so personal.
"Just because I'm fighting for life doesn't mean I'm not aware of the difficulties ahead," Megan said, regaining her focus. "Women deserve the right to learn, grow, and make informed choices, but that shouldn't mean taking away the option of life for another."
Diego folded his arms, looking unfazed as he shot back, "And yet, your perspective is rooted in the past. This is 2009, Megan we're no longer leaving in the first centuries. We empower women by allowing them the freedom to choose. Isn't that what your generation is all about?"
"Just remember, it's easy to take the side of legality when you haven't considered the gravity of what that entails," Megan said, her voice steady and resolute. "We need to consider not just the law, but the morality and ethics behind our decisions. Making abortion legal is not a simple choice—it's a complex issue with real lives at stake."
Diego raised an eyebrow, his own resolve hardening. "And what you're advocating is an ideal that doesn't align with current reality. Why should women bear the burden of unwanted pregnancies when they have the right to make choices about their own bodies? What you're suggesting is outdated."
Finally the debate came to an end and Mr. Harrison stepped in to wrap things up. "Wonderful work, everyone! Both teams offered compelling arguments, and I could see the passion each of you brought to the topic. Thank you for keeping the discourse respectful, even amid the fiery exchanges." Mr Harrison walked out of the class after wrapping things up
Meanwhile Megan and Diego, although still in the heat of competition, stood facing each other as they glare hard at each other.
"Not bad for a bunch of high school students, huh?" Diego offered, attempting to diffuse some of the tense energy that lingered.
Megan crossed her arms, still feeling the sting of his earlier insult. "Maybe next time, you could leave the personal jabs out of it?"
He shrugged, his expression playful. "And maybe next time, you shouldn't be so easy to provoke me. It makes it fun."
"Fun for you, perhaps," she replied sharply, not backing down. She wouldn't allow him to think that he had the upper hand.
Diego leaned closer, that irritating smirk never leaving his lips. "Face it, Meg. You're in this for the challenge. Don't act like it isn't your favorite pastime to throw down with me."
" Megan!" Diego called out, a wide grin creeping onto his face. "What do you think? Did your parents raise you by a flock of sheep?"
The laughter that erupted from his friends was loud.
"Seriously, how could they?" Diego continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "I mean, no wonder you're always off in your own little world. A couple of sheep probably did a better job than your parents!
Drawing a deep breath, Megan found her voice as she clenched her fists but felt a warmth spread beneath her annoyance. The rest of the class fell into a hushed silence, waiting with bated breath for her response. To insult her parents—who worked so hard to provide for her—was a low blow, even for Diego.
"Is that the best you can come up with?" Megan shot back, her words dripping with disdain. "Maybe if you weren't so busy acting like a clown, you'd realize that character comes from struggle, not from being a spoiled brat."
Fueled by a surge of rage and humiliation, Megan couldn't hold back any longer. She got up from her seat, marching purposefully towards Diego. "You want to say that to my face?" she challenged, her voice low but simmering.
Diego met her gaze with an unconcerned smirk, clearly unfazed. "What are you going to do about it, Megan? Throw another tantrum?"
In an instant, Megan raised her hand and slapped him across the face, the sound ringing clear in the tense room. A collective gasp echoed among the students, followed by raucous cheers. Diego's expression shifted from shock to fury. He quickly retaliated, shoving her back hard. Megan stumbled, falling onto the floor with a loud thud, her anger only intensifying.
"Get up, loser!" he shouted, chest puffed out in triumphant arrogance.
Watching the chaos unfold, their classmates were stunned, some even shouting encouragements.
"Megan! Get up!" one girl yelled, while a guy from Diego's side jeered, "You deserved it!"
Megan scrambled to her feet, rage boiling over. "You think you're tough, huh? Just because you push a girl does not make you a man, Diego!"
"Stop acting like a victim, Megan! Look in the mirror. You're the real joke here!" Diego shot back, his voice dripping with condescension.
The exchange continued, with insults flying faster than anyone could keep track.
Just as their exchange reached its high peak, the classroom door swung open. Ms. Olivia, a stern but fair teacher, stepped in, arms crossed over her chest and a disapproving scowl resting on her face. The noise subsided instantly, the students bracing themselves for her reprimand.
"Enough!" she commanded. The authority in her voice silenced the crowd. "Megan, Diego, my office. Now!"
The walk to Ms. Olivia office felt like a long march to the gallows for both of them. As they entered and the door clicked shut, the atmosphere shifted into a suffocating tension.
Once inside, the reality of their actions hit them, though neither would admit it. Ms. Olivia wasted no time in laying down the law. "I cannot believe the two of you! This is unacceptable behavior. Do you realize how many students look up to you?"
Megan crossed her arms, refusing to meet her eyes. Diego merely leaned back in his chair with a defiant smirk.
"Detention isn't going to cut it this time. You'll both be punished severely for this outrageous display of immaturity," she scolded, her eyes narrowing at them. "And I think the perfect punishment would be… to ride a bike around the school every day after classes for an entire week."
"Are you serious?" Megan exclaimed, incredulous. "You think that's punishment?"
"It's not supposed to be fun, Megan. It's meant to teach you a lesson," Ms. Olivia replied, trying to restrain her irritation. "You will be together for every session, and you both know how much these sessions will torture you. No one wants to be out there riding around like kids."
" Ms. Olivia, Megan started this whole thing in the first place, why should I get punished" Diego uttered angrily
Megan shot him a furious glare. "Shut up, you idiot, you should learn never to involve my parents when speaking to me"
"I don't care to know,who started it, you two broke the law, and you must be punished" Ms. Olivia roared.
"Now listen, don't think your punishment ends there, you have more task to do, now leave" Ms. Olivia ordered.
"Please, Ms. Olivia,I don't want to go around riding bike like some little kid" Megan pleaded.
"Then you should have thought about that before raising that filthy hand,to hit me" Diego shot back.
"ooh, shut it psycho, You're the reason all this is happening" Megan replied glaring hard.
"If I repeat myself once more, I'll be forced to add to your punishment" Ms Olivia said.
"Fine I'll give you a chance, apologized to each other and become friends" she continued.
"NEVER" Megan and Diego shouted at once staring at each other in disdain.
"Then that's all I can do, serve your punishment"
Megan and Diego walked out from the principal office.
"I hate you so much that I feel like strangling you right here" Megan barked.
" I feel there are certain individuals who shouldn't exist, and Megan you're exactly one of them" he retorted turning to walk away.
Megan on the other hand scoffed walking back to her class.
**END OF FLASHBACK**
"Megan, Megan" Mrs Sarah called out shaking Megan repeatedly,she rushed to a table picking up a glass of water, sprinkling some of it on Megan,
"What is wrong honey, it's past 11, and you're still on bed,are you sick" Mrs Sarah said worriedly placing her hands gently on her forehead.
Megan tried to get up, but she held her head wincing in pain.
"My head hurts like hell" Megan said with a soft voice.
"Sorry honey, please go back to bed, I'll serve you breakfast and get you some pain reliever" Mrs Sarah replied helping her lay back on the bed
gently.