Memory Fades

Chapter 1

               "Do we have another volunteer?" Miss Elina asked as she pointed to each teen with her pen. "Me, I guess I'll go." a girl arose from her seat. "Ahh, Alexis. Go ahead." Miss Elina smiled. "Well, my name is Alexis, and I'm here for many different reasons. I started this club around May last year, and it's actually really helped. I've been through a lot in the past, especially a situation with my ex boyfriend. I knew something was up with him, but I never realized it would come down to what happened. At first, he just started yelling at me, and getting really frustrated, and mad, but it turned to hell after that. He started hitting me, and punching me, and I couldn't do anything about it. He was older than me, stronger than me, taller than me, there was absolutely nothing I could do. So, I just let it happen. Eventually, my big brother found out what was going on and he beat that boy's ass. After that, my life went completely downhill. I started being not so social, and started doing things to myself I would 'later regret' as my mom described it. But, I did get over it all. 2 years passed, and I turned myself into something. I went from thinking I couldn't do anything, to thinking I could conquer the world. It was just a matter of time. Thank you." she sat down. 

               "So, any more volunteers? I think we have time for one more story." Miss Elina smiled. "How about you, Delilah? You've been here for 2 weeks and we still haven't heard from you." I jumped. "What? I'm sorry, can you say that again?" I nervously smiled. "Of course, dear. We were just wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing your story with us." she smiled. I looked around the room for a second, and then arose from my chair.

               "Well, my name is Delilah but most people call me Del. I used to live in Australia, but after my dad died, my mom was worried that I was becoming depressed. I started skipping school, stopped talking to my friends, and stopped eating. My mom said I was trying to block out the world, but I think I handled it okay. She thought that coming to a new country would give me a shot at a 'new life' or something. In my opinion, I don't even think I should be here. After hearing everyone's stories, it makes me realize that mine means nothing. Mine wouldn't be able to help anyone. It would just show people what I've been through." I shrugged my shoulders, and took a seat.

               "It's not like that," a girl stood up "I'm Charlotte. To be honest, I felt the same way the first few weeks I sat down in one of these chairs. But then I woke up. I realized that I am here for a reason, and my story does matter. There's someone out there going through the exact same thing you are, and your story could help them. It took me a while to realize it too, so don't worry, you're not the only one. I hope you keep coming to these meetings, and I hope one day you'll wake up and realize how much they can really help." 

               I actually smiled for the first time in forever, which was huge. "Meeting over! See you guys next week. Have an awesome weekend." Miss Elina smiled as she got up and walked out the building. Charlotte walked past, and slipped me a small piece of paper. I opened it up, and it said "Here's my number, text me if you need anything. #720-124-1253" I smiled, got up, and walked out the door to find my mom waiting for me at the steps. I got in the car, and tried to avoid talking, but she had to try and make conversation.

              "So, how was your second week?" she smiled. "Same as last week. It was fine." I rolled my eyes. "Did it help you at all, dear?" she asked. "Not really, mom. Hearing about how other people have shitty lives just like I do, isn't as comforting as you think. It just reminds me how messed up my life is. But, this stupid meeting actually has an effect on some of these kids. I don't think it will ever have one on me though. Dad's gone, and he's the cause for all of this. You can't undo that, which means you can't undo my 'depression' as you like to call it." I sighed. "Sweetie, I'm just trying to do what's best for you. I really think this meeting will grow on to you if you just give it a chance. You can't give up now. I get that dad is gone, but you can't let something like this stop you from living your life to the fullest. I know you never believe me when I say this, but it will get better. You're only 17, after all. You still have lots of years to get over this, and I hope those years come soon." she started the car and drove off. 

              Maybe my mom was right. Maybe I did need to stop letting my dad's death control me.

Dear Diary, 

Tonight was my second night at the meetings. I heard a few pretty good stories, and I heard a few pretty bad ones. Miss Elina asked me to tell my story, and it was horrible. I couldn't think. I told my story like it was something that didn't effect me. This girl Charlotte gave me her number, and told me to text her if I ever needed her. She told me that it took her a few years to realize that her story does mean something, and she's hoping maybe one day I will realize how much my story can help people. Even though I think my story is stupid, and pointless, that doesn't mean it can't help others. There's always someone who will be going through something like this, and I think my story might be able to help. Goodnight,                                           xx Delilah