When I opened my eyes I saw Mary’s face. She smiled at me. For a moment I had no idea what happened. I did not know where I was or what time of the day it was.

“Babe, are you okay?” Mary asked me sounding concerned.

My beautiful sister, my role model, my inspiration was here. I knew everything was going to be okay. I started recognizing more of my surroundings. Mom and dad were standing there, I saw Sammy and Alyssa were there also. I noticed that I was laying on the living room couch. Looking around a little more, I also realized that a man that appeared to be a doctor or EMT was looking at me.

“Riley, you fainted and hit your head on the dining room table.” mom said to me gently.

I touched my face and felt a stinging pain.

“Babe, don’t touch it. The doctor will make sure you are okay. Just sit back and relax.” Mary asked me to while she was holding my hand.

I saw that the doctor talked to my parents. The weird fog of regaining consciousness started to disappear. Then I remembered the letter. I felt anxious at first which then slowly turned into anger.

“Honey, I just talked to the doctor and he said it is not necessary to send you to the hospital. It is only a minor injury. Your emotional well being is more important.” mom said gently.

“Okay, mom! Thanks. I think I have an idea who sent that letter. I remembered the familiar face I briefly saw at the mall. I did not see any stamps on the envelope. Am I right?” I asked.

“Yes, you are right. It just said “Riley” on it.” dad told me.

“I know I don’t have any exact proof, but I am very sure this threat came from Michelle. She was the face I noticed at the mall. She must have taken that picture of Mary, Alyssa and me. I cannot imagine that it was any of the other girls I met at Sammy’s house.” I said slowly feeling stronger.

“That sounds plausible. I was so mad and angry at Michelle when she reacted that way. Maybe I should have thought about it more before I told my friends about you. I am sorry, Riley. I did not want to put you in danger.” Sammy said sounding close to tears.

“Sammy, d0n’t worry about it. I know now that there are always people who will try to attack you, who hate who you are because they are jealous or because they hate themselves. So this was inevitable.” I said feeling determined.

I started getting up slowly, feeling braver.

“Honey, take it easy. You need to rest some more.” mom said seeming worried.

“No, I am just getting started. I will not back down. My name is Riley and I am a girl. I have a right to be my true self. Other people can threaten me, they can hate me or even try to harm me but I will not surrender. No retreat no remorse! If Michelle or anyone else thinks they can intimidate me, they need to think again!” I almost yelled.

My whole family and friends looked at me seeming not sure how to respond. I could feel that I started to smile. I walked over to Sammy and kissed her on the lips. Sammy kissed me back and then we hugged.

“Sammy, will you be my girlfriend?” I asked her.

“Yes! Absolutely!” Sammy responded and we hugged and kissed again.

I looked around and saw that everyone was smiling. I could also sense that everyone was still feeling concerned.

“I want to thank you all for the love and support I got from all of you. Mom and dad, I know you will always have my back. Mary, the love and admiration I feel for you is endless. I could not ask for a better role model and sister. Alyssa, you have been a wonderful friend for my sister. I hope we can be great friends too. Sammy, you are a cute little thing and I can’t wait to have many more adventures together with you. I will not let a little ridiculous letter let my new life derail. I want to go on many more adventures with all of you. After all, this is only The Beginning.” I said.

Everyone came over to hug me. I smiled because I was the luckiest girl in the world.

The End