I was 13 years old when my mother stopped drinking and joined a neighbourhood church called God is Powerful. I wasn’t thrilled to join that church because I knew there was someone I was avoiding. She was a short light-skinned, thick, beautiful girl, Yenzokuhle – we attended the same school. But no one fancied her because she was forward, controlling and a bully. She was one of our Pastor’s servants.

The first time I saw her at church she said, “You better smile and start to mingle because we are not ready for a sour member in our teenage group.”
Well, I knew it wasn’t worth it saying anything to her, she wasn’t worthy of my attention. So I decided to keep my mouth shut.

I felt unwelcomed and unwanted. A girl who was tall came to sit next to me. She probably heard Yenzokuhle mocking me. She said, “Don’t mind her, she’s just forward, she thinks she owns this church.”

“Well, trust me I know her, we go to the same school,” I said.

We got to know each other and she was kind.

“Please be my friend, no one wants me here and I can’t stand Yenzokuhle anymore,” she said in a wobbling voice.

“Don’t worry, I’m already your friend,” I said with a chirpy voice. She giggled.

Four weeks passed and Yenzokuhle’s bullying was starting to get on my nerves. She wasn’t just bullying the two of us, but she tormented everyone around her and no one took a stand to put an end to her bad actions.

Amanda and I reached a decision that we wouldn’t ever let anyone bully us again.

“I promise friend that I’ll slap Yenzokuhle for you,” she laughed.

“It’s not funny hey, some children go through some hectic stuff out there,” I said seriously.

“I’m joking friend,” she grinned. She took a long deep breath. “Okay don’t bite my head off. Tell me, how will we stop the bullying?” she asked shyly.

“Maybe we can raise awareness about bullying through social media,’ I said.

“I think that’s a good idea but it won’t happen right away,” she said thoughtfully.

“You know what? Let father God deal with her,” she said. “Just believe in God for once in your life,” she added.

“Okay fine,” I said.

One month later Yenzokuhle barely attended church gatherings, even on Sundays. Amanda texted, telling me that Yenzokuhle was pregnant. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the text. My heart sank and it was like a sharp knife piercing my heart. I called Amanda quickly.

“I feel sorry for her shame,” I said.

“Don’t be silly, serves her right,” she said joyfully.

“How can you say that Amanda, you’re so heartless you know that?” I said.

“She got what she deserved,” she said laughing.

“Wow Amanda you don’t kick a dog while it’s down,” I persisted.

“Plus her parents kicked her out and she’s currently living with Pastor Mdluli,” she said.

‘AHAH this is too much for her, she’s still a child friend,’ I said in a sad voice.

Amanda was in a good mood because her “biggest enemy” had finally fallen, but I felt sorry for Yenzokuhle because I know what she has to go through. I decided to go and see her.

When I arrived at Pastor Mdluli’s house she wasn’t so mean like she used to be at church and at school. She was kind, she even offered me something to eat and drink. She apologised for her callousness and I forgave her and we hugged. As I was about to leave she started crying. She wailed so hard that it even made me cry.
“Please don’t cry, everything will work out,” I said in a chivalrous manner.
I regretted that we let God deal with her but good riddance. No one will bully us again.

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