Kim and Jack walked through the strip mall together.

"What did it feel like? To be bullied, I mean. You were acting really strange." Jack asked curiously.

Kim shook her head. "I don't know. Most of the time I just felt really numb. I couldn't be myself without questioning every move I made. I don't like it. It still kind of feels that way."

Jack nodded. "Don't feel that way. It's over. No more of this. I'm getting the old Kim back."

And then he slipped his hand through hers. Kim tensed up for a second, quickly checking to make sure there was nobody around to see that could write a letter about this. But then she relaxed. There was nobody she felt more comfortable around than Jack.

Kim slowed down. "Just because I told you, doesn't mean this is going to stop."

"Yes it does." said Jack.

"Oh yeah, how?" she challenged.

"I'm not going to let you out of my sight until it's over. I have my ways." Jack smiled.

"You're NOT going to beat up every girl in school, Jack."

Jack laughed. "Of course not! That would be stupid. I've got something else in mind."

The next day when Kim got to school, she was right. Apparently Stephanie had told everyone in school about yesterday. Everywhere she went, she was getting nasty glares and people were muttering things under their breaths.

She sat in first period, where Jack sat directly behind her.

"How are you doing?" he mouthed to her.

"Okay." She whispered back. Just then, someone plopped a letter on her desk. She looked back at Jack, who seemed to be watching her very closely. She unfolded it, and began to read; holding it so Jack could see it over her shoulder.

Dear Kim,

So, you told Jack. That makes you pretty pathetic. We've all been telling you, stay away from Jack. He will never like you. He might pretend to be your friend, but only because he feels sorry for you. I feel like I need to make myself clearer this time. You are a worthless, filthy, ugly, stupid little girl. Your hair belongs on a Barbie doll, and your little accent drives me crazy. Get it? I could go on and on, but you're lucky I won't. I will however, if you don't listen. Stay. Away. From. Jack.

~Alexa

Kim looked back at Jack, tears forming in her eyes. She didn't want him to see her cry, which made it harder to hold them in. Jack reached in his bag, and pulled out a letter, handing it to her. She winced. Had they all been right? Was Jack going to join in and bully her, too?

Dear Kim,

I want you to know that you're very special to me. Those other letters are all lies. You're the most beautiful, talented, funny person I know. None of these other girls could even come close to being as good as you. Stephanie may have those fancy shoes and wear designer clothes to school every day, but I prefer you. No contest! You're not ugly, you're beautiful. You're not worthless, you're priceless. You aren't one of those popular girls who everyone likes. But that's what I like about you. Here's the deal. I've written ten of these so far, and there are more coming. Every time someone gives you their crummy letters-of-lies, you get one of these letters. Rip up all of the bad letters. Right now. Do it!

~Jack

Kim blinked twice, still seeing the same sweet note in Jack's not-so-perfect handwriting and couldn't believe it. She had gotten so used to the hate letters that this one took her by surprise.

She looked back at Jack, mouthing her thanks. He gave her an encouraging nod. She grabbed every paper inside the folder, and stood up bravely. When she did, every girl in the room glared at her, knowing what she was doing. At their discouraging looks, she hesitated. But Jack gazed at her expectantly, and she ripped the papers up. Jack applauded her.

Stephanie stood up, along with Alexa and Macie. "You may have ripped up the letters, but I have every girl in the school standing by me. What do you have?"

Kim bit her lip, desperately wishing the teacher would walk in soon. She had no reply to Stephanie.

Kim may have not had a response, but Jack did. "She has me." Jack stood up, putting an arm around Kim.

Kim felt a new confidence. "I'm done hiding. Your dumb letters won't faze me anymore. I do have friends, and they like me for me. Grow up."

Stephanie took a step forward. "You think you're all that, Kim. And Jack, you're so much better than her. It's just a matter of time until you realize it."

"Actually, I think Kim's too good for me." Jack said, and sat back down next to Kim. "If any of you ever pull anything like this again, you'll regret it."