Robert And The Bee
She was so upset! She hung her head and then she began to cry. I felt bad for a moment, but then I felt vindicated. She’d won the spelling bee for three years straight. But, I was the new kid in school, and I’d taken the crown.
I felt bad because I didn’t like anyone being sad. I knew what it was like to lose. I was a smart kid and got excellent grades for the most part. But, my best friend kept beating me in races, and I wanted to beat him in the worst way. I understand being on the losing end of something you desperately wanted to win.
But, I felt vindicated because she didn’t treat me very well. I want to say she wasn’t a nice person, but sometimes you never know what people are experiencing themselves. Besides, we were in 6th grade. I sat beside her in class, and she had this habit of slapping me in the forehead when something didn’t go her way. I was tempted to fight back, but I had this theory that it was always the second kid who got in trouble. I was more afraid of getting in trouble than I was of her. Besides, she was a girl, and I would be in more trouble.
So, for me, the spelling bee victory that made her cry was a way of hitting back without using my hands. Like I said, I felt sad for a moment. But, then I felt good…really good. The next day, she slapped me in the head again for no real reason. This time, the teacher saw. She got in trouble. I had the bee, and I had that day.
She didn’t slap again after that. But, two things entered my mind. First, what would have happened if I decided to fight back physically? Would life have been different? Secondly, what was going on in her life that made her feel the need to hit?
To be honest, now that I’m able to look back, she didn’t seem happy most of the time. On that day, the spelling bee was my greatest victory. But today, it seems bittersweet.
Interested in learning more about speaking and writing? How about connecting with an amazing community that is sharing their amazing stories with confidence? Join me in the Speak Write Now Community.
Did you like this post? Tap the ❤ below as one way to share with your friends!
About The Author
My name is Robert Kennedy III. I’m a leadership and communication speaker, trainer and author. I recently released 7 Ways To Know You Were Meant To Lead on Amazon. Connect with me on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebookor on my website, RobertKennedy3.com.
