FREYA’S POV
She sat in the meeting room, surrounded by Principal Campbell and the other members of the student body committee. They were discussing their decision to visit Mary Quevara at the juvenile facility. As the student’s president, her opinions held weight in the discussion.
“Freya, what are your thoughts on this matter?” Principal Campbell asked, looking directly at her.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke her mind. “I know that Mary’s action is almost unforgivable, considering what she did to Tiffany. It’s difficult for us to even fathom why she would do something like that. But, as much as it goes against everything in me, considering the fact that Tiffany is my best friend, I believe we should pay her a visit. We can show her little gestures of love, even if we can never truly forgive her for what she did.”
The other students in the room shifted uncomfortably in their seats, clearly hesitant about the idea. It was understandable. Mary had pushed Tiffany down the school rooftop, almost costing her her life and memory. It was a horrific act, one that anyone that heard it shuddered at.
Principal Campbell nodded in agreement. “I understand your reluctance, but it is paramount for us to note that visiting her is not because we want to condone her actions. It’s about showing her that, even in the midst of her darkness, there are people who care and want to help her find redemption.”
Reluctantly, the other students in the room began to nod in agreement.
After further deliberation, they finally chose a date and students delegates who will do the visiting. With the meeting coming to an end, she walked out of the meeting room. Timothy was patiently waiting for her in the hallway.
“Hey, how did the meeting go?” he asked, when she got to him.
“It went well,” and then she hesitated. “We’ve been chosen as delegates to visit Mary at the juvenile facility.”
His eyes widened with anger and disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me! After what she did to Tiffany? I can’t bear the thought of seeing her murderous face.”
Freya placed a hand on his arm. “I understand your anger, Tim, believe me, I do. But we can make a difference by just being there. We may not be able to forgive her, but we can show her that there is still hope for change.”
He stared at her for a moment, his gaze softening. “I… I guess you’re right. Okay, I’ll go.”
She smiled at him. “Thank you, Tim.”
“It’s fine. I just hope I don’t change my mind before that day.” he murmured as they began to walk to class.
“You won’t. For my sake, don’t.”
They finally got to where they parted ways, with Timothy going to his class and she to hers. She got to class and sat down. She looked at Tiffany’s empty seat and sighed softly.
She has not been to school in two days and she was replying to her messages and calls. She just hoped she was fine and if she didn’t see her in another two days, she would go looking for her at home.
With that thought in mind, she braced herself for the next class she was having.
FREYA’S POV
The following morning, at home, she woke up and prepared for school. Today was the day they would finally visit Mary Quevara at the juvenile facility. She quickly dressed up, got downstairs and hurried through her breakfast. Done, she got into the car, ready to be driven to school.
Upon arriving at school, Principal Campbell quickly assembled all the students’ delegates in the main hall. She stood amongst her fellow classmates, waiting for instructions.
Principal Campbell addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of empathy and forgiveness. She reminded them to act kind to Mary and not judgemental.
After addressing them, she signaled for them to proceed to the school bus. The students boarded the bus, and soon, they were on their way to the juvenile facility.
On arrival, and after stating their reason for being there, the students were escorted to the cell Mary was in. Freya stepped forward as the spokesperson.
“We are here today because we believe in the power of love and forgiveness,” she began. “Mary, what you did was barbaric and hurtful, but we want you to know that we still care about you. We want to show you that even in your darkest moments, there is hope for redemption and change.”
There was a momentary pause as she watched Mary’s reaction. Her face immediately fell, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She continued, “We want to encourage you to turn a new leaf. It won’t be easy, but we believe in your ability to change. You have the strength within you to apologize and make amends to those you’ve hurt, including Tiffany.”
Mary’s tears flowed uncontrollably now, as she pleaded for forgiveness. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed, her voice choked with regret. “Please, help me apologize to Tiffany. I need her to know how truly sorry I am.”
Freya nodded, her own eyes welling up with tears. “I will personally tell her you are sorry.”
“And, I want to say thank you to you all for coming to see me. I feel so ashamed of my attitude in the past. People I bullied and disrespected. Please, if you are in this room, and I have wronged you in the past, kindly find a place in your heart to forgive me. I’m sorry.” Mary said, and burst into tears again.
The students stepped forward one by one, taking turns in consoling and hugging her, after which they presented the gifts they had brought for her. Soon, the room became lively as everyone loosened up as they sat around her, filling her in on everything that happened in school in her absence.
Freya felt satisfied and relieved as even Timothy who was reluctant and withdrawn was now engaging in the conversation with Mary. He even agreed to hug her.
Soon, it was time for them to leave. The students were reluctant and tears had welled up in Mary’s eyes. It was obvious she didn’t want them to leave.
They said their goodbyes and hugged one last time before making their way to the door.
“Wait, please,” Mary suddenly said, and everyone turned to look at her.
“Can I please talk to Freya and Timothy,” and then she paused, “in private.”
“That’s okay. Just five minutes. Freya and Timothy, we will be waiting for you on the bus,” principal Campbell said and walked out with the other students.
“So, What do you want to say?” Freya asked, when it was just the three of them in the room.
“I have a confession…”