Remember Me This Way by Dionne || @ || www Bullying is one of the worst things a teenager can go through in Highschool.Being able to deal with it isn't easy..even if you do eventually find a great friend who suffers the same thing. Every now and then we find a special friend Who never lets us down Who understands it all,reaches out each time we fall You're the best friend that i found I know you can't stay but part of you will never ever Go away,you're heart will stay Dionne ran out her History classroom,gripping onto her bag tightly incase any of them came out after her.'Them' being the bullies that torment her everyday in her life.Teachers wonder why pupils hate school.Well theres one answer for it.How would it make you feel if you didn't know how to put make-up on properly? Or if you couldn't wear heels to school like the other girls because they stop you from running fast when bullies are chasing after you? Well this girl knew the answer to that question and the word 'Miserable' couldn't quite cover it.The people who bullied her it was so easy for them,they lived the happy life by intimadating others to make them feel better about themselve and although Dionne had been told a million times that bullies do things to you because they have their own problems-well that was their problem not hers. She scurried as fast as she could down the halls ignoring the teachers passing by who were reminding her of the 'No running in the corrider' rule.Thats when she banged into Nicky.She was in a few of his classes but never really knew him too well but one thing she did know was that he was another victim of the monstrosity group. "Are you ok?" he asked her as flung his bag over his shoulder "Yeah i think so.." she said and nervously looked behind her incase any of them had followed her tracks. "Who are you running from?" he asked "Take a guess" Dionne sniffed as tears left her eyes "Me too..one of them punched me in French class earlier" he said and held his ribs where he'd been hit. "Oh..are you ok?" she asked him and went to touch his sore spot but he quickly pulled away. "I'll be fine.." he winced in pain "Ok..if you're sure" she said "Hey we've never officially met...i'm Nicky" he held out his hand "I'm Dionne" she smiled,slipping her hand in his to shake it "So..Dionne,you fancy taking a walk up to Hot `n Not?" he asked "Yeah..it'll get me out of here" she said as they left the school gates "You really are miserable aren't you?" Nicky said softly "You have no idea what i've had to put up with Nicky..it's been awful" she sighed "I have a bit of an idea..i'm in the same boat remember?" he said "Yeah..i guess" "Where are your friends?" he asked her "Don't really have many" she blushed as it sounded really pathetic "No..me either" he smiled "Tell you what why don't we both make a new friend right now? "Huh?" she grinned "Me and you..friends?" he asked "Friends" "So..what are you having to eat?" Nicky asked as they approached the Hot `n Not shop "A cheese roll with raw onion" she said "Onions give you bad breath" Nicky grinned "So? Not planning on snogging anyone" she teased "Fair enough" Nicky smirked and ordered the food.Just as they turned to leave the shop they stood face to face with one of their worst nightmares.Kian Egan. "Aww ain't this sweet.A LOSER taking a LOSERESS out for a roll!" Kian grinned as the rest of his crowd came behind him in the small shop. Dionnes heart was racing she quickly turned to Nicky who was trying his best to look brave as he slipped a protective arm around her in order to lead her out the shop. "Not so fast!" Bryan grabbed Dionnes arm to stop them leaving "We ain't had any fun yet..Nicky hows your ribs?" he mocked "Yeah and i see you've got your very first girlfriend!" Shane teased "I wouldn't get too excited Dionne,his name isn't Nicholas it's Dickolas get it..DICKLESS" Shane and the rest of them laughed. Fear flooded Dionnes entire body as she linked her arm in Nickys who's body was either trembling in fear or anger,she wasn't sure which but she knew they had to get out of there fast.She excused herself as her and Nicky passed a few frightend old people who tutted and shook their heads towards Kian and Shane. Dionne was just thankful that the lads girlfriends weren't with them,that would have made the situation a whole lot worse than what had taken place. "Are you ok?" she asked Nicky as gently as she could "Yeah i'll be fine..are you ok?" he asked her "Yeah..it's not the worst thats happend is it?" she reasurred him as they went back down to school,where they were greeted by the girls. "Hiya Dionne..in school uniform?" they teased "Just ignore them" Nicky whispered in her ear "What was that?" Kian's girlfriend Jennifer stood tall "Nicky Byrne right? The guy that Daniella's man Bryan socked in the ribs this morning" "And he ran out the classroom like a little baby!" Daniella yelled and sucked her thumb mockingly "Leave it out Daniella!" Dionne blurted out without thinking but she really felt the need to stick up for her friend. "Or what..you're gonna get your cry baby boyfriend on me?" Daniella giggled "Let him try..Bryan will kill him" "Nicky is not my boyfriend..we're just friends" Dionne said "Thats what they all say!" Kian grinned as the lads walked in the school gates "The closest he's ever gotten to a womans genital area is when his mummy was giving birth!" Kian laughed "Not that he'd give you pleasure anyway he wouldn't know where to put it!" Kian said directly to Dionne who had heard enough and instantly swung her arm and slapped him hard across the face.Kian turned his evil eyes in her direction. "I..i..i'm..sorry" her eyes welled up in fear as she backed away from him in Nickys direction.Kian slowly made his way towards her but Nicky protectively shoved her behind him. "Don't Kian..please it was an accident" he said pleadingly and to his surprize the gang stared them out for a few seconds before turning their backs and leaving. "Oh my god are you ok?" Nicky let out a huge sigh of relief "I thought he was gonna hurt me" Dionne cried shakily "Thank you so much" Nicky said,taken her hand in his "For what?" she asked and wiped the tears from her eyes "The way you stuck up for me..no-one has ever done that for me before" he smiled affectionately. "We're friends aren't we?" she smiled back and hugged him tightly. I'll make a wish for you And hope it will come true Then life would just be kind To such a gentle mind If you lose your way Think back on yesterday Remember me this way Ohh oh..remember me this way "This is weird for me" Dionne smiled as her and Nicky walked the streets at ten at night. "What?" Nicky asked "Being out with someone at this time..usually i'm at home worrying about whats gonna happen at school the next day" she admitted "Don't worry i do the same thing" Nicky smiled down at her "You want to go to the Megaplex?" "Sure why not?" she said. As usual the place was full,it had everything,a cinema,arcades,turbo rides,stimulaters and a great Pizza Hut. "You ever been here before?" Nicky asked "Once with my brother and his mates..was not a good thing" she giggled "Yeah i could imagine..you wanna shot on anything?" he asked "Lets play the race horses" she said "But beware i'm unbeatable!" "Up until now!" Nicky playfully nudged her in the ribs and winked as he stuck a coin in the machine. "I tax the pink horse!" Dionne yelled immediatly "I don't want the pink horse!" Nicky stuck his tongue out "I want the blue one!" After Dionnes victory they played six more times before Nicky eventually learned that he wasn't gonna beat her at her best game. "Well why don't we try the football one huh?" he grinned "Fair enough" Dionne said knowing she was defeated already "I WON!" Nicky chanted proud of his third victory over the game "Well done" Dionne smiled.A smile that made Nicky snap back into reality.When she smiled at him at school,it was nothing more that a pain-filled smile but this one was different she really did look happy. "You ok?" she asked,wondering why he suddenly went all quiet on her "Yeah..yeah..Dionne?" he asked "Yes?" "Are you having fun tonight?" he asked "The best fun i've had in ages,i'm pain-free with you" she smiled "Good..i want you to have fun" he said and took her arm "I want to release you from the hurt and pain they put you through" he smiled "When i'm with you i am released from it Nicky..you're a very special friend" she said "Thank you for our walk and games tonight" she said as they left the late night building "I think it's made us both feel a lot better about ourselves" he smiled "Come on,i'll walk you home". I don't eyes to see The love you bring to me No matter where i go And i know you'll be there Forever more a part of me You're everywhere I'll always care "Hey look what i got" Nicky said the next day at school,handing Dionne a colourful leaflet "What is it?" she asked and gazed down at it "The school is throwing a prom for us,how cool is that?" Nicky said "Great,more money" she abruptly slammed the prom leaflet into his chest "Whats wrong? I thought you'd be pleased" Nicky said tenderly "I know i'm sorry..that was totally bitchy" she sighed "Dionne whats wrong?" Nicky asked curiously as he saw the familar look of hurt in her eyes "What did they do to you?" his voice cracked. "They..Kian..he..i don't wanna say" she whispered and collapst in a flood of tears against Nickys chest "Tell me Dionne" Nicky demanded,his hands gripping her arms and his caring eyes searching her face "He touched me.." she whispered,ashamed of what she was saying "Touched you?" Nicky asked uncertainly.Dionne nodded and put her head down,too embarassed to look up at him "Between the legs?" he asked.She sighed loudly and nodded once more. "After it he said i was trash and didn't diserve to be born" she cried out loud. She could feels Nickys entire body begining to shake and a fierce look filling his beautiful blue eyes. "Nicky?" she asked with a quivering lip "Nicky..are you ok" "They're not getting away with this" he whispered calmly "Nicky it's ok!" she pleaded "It's NOT ok!" he yelled and attempted to storm off but she quickly grabbed him back "Leave it they'll hurt you!" the tears streamed down her soft features "I don't care what they do to me..i don't want them hurting you!" he yelled "Awwww thats sweet" Kians voice came from behind Nicky "You're willing to fight to defend her honour?" he asked showing no remorce for what he'd just done. "Leave us alone Kian" Dionnes voice cracked "Make me...infact set Nicky on me" Kian folded his arms and stood firmly against the wall "Come on Nix..grow some balls we've been picking on you for three years and you've done nothing,so show me what you've got" Nicky was seething,the look on his face,the way his chest was heaving like a wild animal waiting to be unleashed on it's pray.Dionne knew it would be very hard to stop him now. "Dionne!" she turned around at the mention of her name to see Shane and Bryan walking her way with wide grins on their faces. "Hold up lads...Nicky wants a piece of me" Kian grinned from the other side of the room "Thats ok..we're here for the little lady anyway..thats if you're done with her?" Bryan grinned "Oh yeah go ahead take her..the little tramp would be glad to have you!" Kian yelled.That was the last straw Nicky dived for him and as soon as he did Dionne squealed because Shane and Bryan grabbed her tight and slammed her against the wall in attempt to force themselves on her-not because they wanted to,it was because they wanted to emotionally hurt her. As if they hadn't done that already. Nicky and Kian were broke up by two teacher and by this time Dionne,Bryan and Shane had gone.Nicky couldn't search for them as him and Kian had been taken to the headmasters office to discuss their issues with eachother but Nicky couldn't think,his mind was somewhere else. After half an hour they were sent back to class with a warning.When they got there Both Shane and Bryan were seated at their desks.Dionnes chair was empty.Nicky turned and looked at the two of them.They smirked annoyingly to him as if they knew something he never knew,it just made him more anxious to find out where she was. At the end of that class his phone bleeped with a new text message,fiddling with the buttons he was surprized to see Dionnes name appear beside the small arrow. Hey i'm ok Nix I've gone home c u soon.Luv Di xxx Dionne sat in her room crying,there was no-way she could've faced the rest of school in the state she was in.After what Shane and Bryan had done it was the last straw.She had suffered years of bullying from them but this was it,it wasn't gonna happen anymore,she had to end this,end the suffering,no more pain or tears,there was only one way out and she knew exactly what she had to do. I'll make a wish for you And hope it will come true Then life would just be kind To such a gentle mind If you lose your way think back on yesterday Remember me this way Remember me this way The weekend had fallen and Dionne hadn't seen Nicky on the Friday or Saturday.It was the first she hadn't seen him in a while,usually they spend everyday together.She decided to hang on to her decistion for a few days to see how things would go at school.Bryan and Shane hadn't exactly raped her but they might aswell have went ahead with it after everything else they did and she had to think about Nicky-her backbone,the guy who's been there to support her,they supported eachother. She had to think how he'd feel known she wanted to kill herself.She didn't really have high hopes walking into school that week because she knew nothing would change and seeing Nickys feelings getting hurt brought more heartache than she'd ever imagined.Nicky-his name just made her heart flip,she felt a lot more towards him than friendship and she was just begining to realize it herself.Walking down the Modern Studies corrider she her footsteps behind her but didn't turn round incase ! it happend to be any of the crowd who bullied her,then she shrieked out loud as a hand covered her mouth. "Shh it's ok it's me" Nicky whispered "Are you ok? I've not seen you in days" "Yeah..i've just had a headache" she lied,unable to spill out her true feelings in the matter. "I hope you feel better because theres something i wanna ask ya" he smiled "What?" Dionne asked curiously "Well,you know how i'm goalkeeper of the school football team,theres a gonna be a party on Friday honouring all the players and i was wondering if you'd like to accompany me?" he asked.Dionnes eyes widened in delight. "Oh Nicky i'd l.." she stopped and thought about her suicidle wishes,she was definately gonna do it..but she had to hold on for Nickys big night "I'd love to" she smiled. "Great i'll see you then" Dionne felt happier in school,the day was going fine and she was going to a party the next day..maybe things were looking up after all. "Hey!" Kians voice echoed from the next chair.Dionne slowly lifted her head and looked into his cold blue eyes. "What do you want Kian?" she asked sharply "Rumour has it that you're going to the footballers party with thick Nick?" he teased "Leave Nicky alone Kian,he's done nothing to you" Dionne said "He's alive..thats enough" Kian said sarcastically "I just wanna say i hope you have a lovely time" he grinned fiercly "I will" Dionne wanted to ask the teacher if she could be excused,sitting next to Kian was more torture than she could've ever imagined as he placed his hand on her knee and smirked at her. "Get off me" she whispered harshy "Did you like it when Shane and Bryan done it?" he teased with a sickly laugh "Miss can i be excused!" Dionne panicked.The teacher nodded and she quickly ran out of class.Kian stormed after her knocking a few tables over on his way,causing screams of fear from his classmates not to mention the supply teacher. Dionne ran down the hall seeing Kian not far behind her.She turned the corner and was grabbed instantly by Bryan who was with Shane,Daniella and Jennifer. "NIC.." she tried to scream but Bryan covered her mouth harshly as she struggled,trying her best to release herself from his strong grip. "Now now don't panick" Kian said as he cupped her chin firmly in his hand "Let me go" she pleaded almost choking on her sobs "We'll let you go once we're done" kian told her as jennifer and Daniella giggled in the background "Ladies would you like to do the honours?" Kian asked them. Meanwhile in the big hall Nicky had just signed his acceptance form saying he will be at the party,he looked around the room at his team mates.They were all loved up with their girlfriends,some hand in hand others had a protective arm around the love of their lifes.Nickys mind was instantly drawn to Dionne.She wasn't his girlfriend and he'd never really thought of her that way before but seeing all the love around him he found himself thinking he wanted to be the same.And there was no-one more perfect for him than Dionne.He decided not to leave it any longer he had to tell her how he felt even if she did knock him back they would still remain best friends he truely believed. After a lot of searching he came across a few teachers standing around trying to help someone,he rushed over to see who it was and gasped in horror. "Dionne!?" he said "Oh my god please let me through!" he said barging past the teachers "Are you ok?" he hugged her tight into his chest,her school shirt was ripped open and the word SLUT was writted across her stomach in black marker. "Did they hurt you?" he asked her as he slowly helped her to her feet "Th..the guys didn't really do anything..the girls hit me and stuff..i dunno.." the tears streamed down her face as she gripped her arms around Nickys neck to support her shaky legs.As they both turned their heads towards eachother their eyes met.A shot of excitement ran through Dionnes body,a feeling she'd never experianced before,the pit of her stomach quivered slightly and she felt so safe in his arms as his firm grip held her and his blue eyes looked deep into her brown ones.She smiled shyly at him then slightly pulled away,linking his arm. After being sent home by the school Nicky missed his chance to tell her she meant more to him than just a friend.She sat him her room that night wondering what to wear for the footballers party."What would look good on the arm of a footballer?" she repeatedly asked herself.Then she remembered her long lilac dress she wore as a bridesmaid at her aunties wedding.She pulled it out her bottom drawer,it hadn't been touched since that day and looked beautiful,she took out her cream satin shoes with the diamond straps to match.Everything was set. Friday night arrived and the hall was crowded in all the different years school football players and their girlfriend.Dionne walked in and saw Nicky waiting for her in the corner.He looked amazing.His hair has in a parting and slightly long at the back.He was wearing a white top with a Burberry coller,beige trousers,a brown belt and trainers.She'd never seen him look so good before. "Hi!" he smiled,rushing over as she had finally grabbed his attention. "Hiya..you look fantastic!" she said truthfully "You too..you're dress is beautiful" he said,taken her hand and twirling her around.As she giggled the lights hit off her pink shimmery lipgloss and her lilac eyeshadow sparkled. "It's the first time i've seen you wear make-up" Nicky smiled "I had to look good on you're night" she admitted and flipped her bouncy blonde curls over her shoulder "Hey you never noticed i curled my hair?" she asked him "I was getting there!" he said defensively and linked arms to walk to the boufee area As Nicky filled both their plates with food Dionne sat on a table and looked across the room at Kian who had Jennifer all over him wearing a tiny black velvet dress. "Don't worry they won't get to us tonight" Nicky smiled affectionately and handed her the plate.They both sat down at the table that had a red rose in a small glass sitting in the centre. "So whats this party for anyway Nix?" Dionne asked,trying her best not to look into his beautiful eyes too much "Well if i get my scholarship it'll be an easy way into college" he explained. A man in a suit started calling out the names from the team and Nicky had hardly even touched his food.Dionne thought it was just nerves but he seemed to have something on his mind. "Is something wrong?" she asked sweetly "Dionne.." he dropped his fork on his plate,making a small clattering noise "There's something i have to tell you" he smiled nervously. "Yes?" she asked worried of what it might be.He took her hand gently in his and swallowed hard. "Lately i've had these feelings.." "Goalkeeper-Nicky Byrne" the man in the suit said through the mike. "Thats me!" Nicky grinned and got up from the table,he shook the mans hand and took the role of paper with the red ribbon around it. "Alright..medals will be handed out to the cup winners at the end of the night" was announced through the speakers. "Congratulations!" Dionne hugged him tight and kissed his cheek "You've done it!" "I know..can't believe it" he smiled "Listen as i was saying lately i.." "Ok guys" he was interupted again "The slow songs are starting so find that special somebody and make it good" As the soft romantic music lingered through the speakers Nicky giggled and bowed to Dionne who giggled and curtsied back before going into eachothers embrace and moving slowly to the song.Dionnes heart was beating slowly but the rest of her body was filled with excitement.The way she wanted to twist his her finger around his soft hair and kiss the night away with him.The longer it was taking to tell her how he felt the more nervous he felt about it,the image of her he was seeing was very different than all the other times,she looked so grown up.Lilac suited her,the dress was lovely her bouncy curls had a dark purple flower headpiece pinned in them,her large gold hoop earings and her touch of make-up set perfectly with it all.The thoughts traveling through their minds was interupted by Kian asking to cut in. "No" Dionne said sharply and clung on to Nickys waist as if her life depended on it. "Oh come...no stunts..lets just end this fued" Kian said but Dionne still shook her head.Then Jennifer walked around to Nicky and grabbed his arm. "If she dances with him..i'll dance with you" she said seductively.It was obvious to anyone the whole thing was a set-up and who exactly did Jennifer think she was?. "Really..?" Nicky played along "Mmhmm" Jennifer grinned at him "Jen.." he whispered "Yes?" "You're name might be Jennifer..but you ain't no Jennifer Lopez...You may be popular but not everyone fancies you..sooner you realize that the better" Nicky said and turned back to Dionne but Kian cut infront. "Just a dance slag!" he grinned "I said no!" Dionne said,trying not to turn heads "And she means no!" Nicky grabbed her away "Highschool will be like this everyday i can't take it anymore!" Dionne cried to Nicky "Shhh you're safe now" Nicky hugged her into him and danced with her the rest of the night. "Alright it's time for the medals team!" their coach said merrily and started calling out the players names.When Nicky was finally called he turned to Dionne and smiled.She gave him a small peck on the lips.A goodbye kiss as far as she was concerned.As he went up to collect his medal Dionne stood by the door and watched proudly as the ribboned piece of gold was put around his next and his photo was taken shaking hands with the coach,she then looked over at Kian who grinned and gave her a small wave.She rolled her eyes and took one more glance at Nicky before exiting the building. And i'll be right behind your shoulder watching you Oh baby,standing by you're side in all you do And i will never leave aslong as you believe You just believe... Nicky woke up to the sound of his mobile ringing,his eyes were clenched by the brightness of the lamp he'd just turned on. "Hello?" he answered roughly and swalled some flat juice that he'd left on the table before he went to sleep. "Hi is this Nicky?" a mans voice came from the other end of the phone "Yeah..yes it is..who's calling?" he asked "Nicky this is Dionnes dad" the man said "Dionne?" Nicky asked "Yeah you need to get to the hospital as soon as possible theres been a serious accident" her father said.Nickys heart leaped and he paused for a second. "I'll be right there!" he quickly jumped off his bed and got changed before sprinting out the door without even telling his parents where he was going at such early hours in the morning. As he arrived at the Simpson Maternity he went to the desk where the receptionest was sitting going through the re-search file on the computer. "Can i help you?" she smiled pleasently and tucked some white sheets into the bottom drawer "Gordon? Dionne Gordon?" he asked "Block 54" she told him.He thanked her and ran quickly upstairs,dodging all the lifts,he looked at all the seriously injured people on her block and dreading what he was about to walk into. As he saw Dionnes parents by her bedside he stopped for a split second before continuing. "Hiya son you made it" her dad dived up and shook his hand "Yeah..is she ok?" Nicky asked tearfully as he could already see the answer to that.Dionne had a white blood-stained bandage over her forehead and her face was fool of cuts and bruises.The first thing that came to Nickys mind was Kian and his crew."Was it possible they did this to her?" he questioned himself. "Listen her mum and i have to nip out for a few things..will you look after her? We won't be long" her dad asked "Of course..take your time" Nicky put a teary smile on as her mum stood up and walked out with her husband.Nicky then turned back to Dionne who had her eyes open in his direction. "Hi.." her voice was all croaky,he knew she was finding it her to speak so he silenced her "Shhh..just relax i'm here" he whispered.Dionne smiled and gripped his hand tighter "Was it Kian?" he asked "No.." Dionne shook her head "Shane? Bryan? The girl?" he asked "No none of them" tears rolled sharply down her cut face "I through myself infront of a car" she whispered "W..what..why?" Nickys heart beat sped up faster than he knew it. "Because of them.." she cried "You tried to kill yourself because of them..?" tears fell from Nickys eyes "I've put up with this for years from them..an..an..and i just want it to stop!" she couldn't control her sobs anymore "I need out Nicky..i'm not gonna survive this" "Don't say that!" Nicky quickly demanded "Theres nothing to live for" she whispered and caught her breath.She knew there wasn't really anything the hospital could do to keep her alive,they could only revive her for a few hours and theses hours were nearly up. "Theres everything to live for!" Nicky argued "Like what? Pain? Torture? Humilation?" she cried "For love!" Nicky yelled "Dionne..." his hand touched her hair and he traced circles around her lips "I love you..i tried to tell you at the party but i kept getting interupted by everything". Dionnes eyes grew wider and his words but she managed to say "I love you too" "You do??" Nicky asked more surprized than ever. "Why do you think i got dolled up for the party?" she smiled as a tear left the corner of her eye "Hang in there" Nicky said tightining his grip "Nicky..i..i want you to remember me like that" she gasped for air "Remember the way i looked..the way we danced..and remember that i love you" "Stop talking like that please..." Nicky sobbed "And i know that you'll go on to college and be really successful" she smiled up to him "I'm so proud of you" she whispered Nicky knew that no matter what he said nothing would help what was happening before him..he was losing her. "Promise me that yesterday is the way you'll remember me and not like this.." she said with her head swaying "I promise.." he lowered his head and touched her lips with his.He felt hers press against his then suddenly..nothing.Keeping his lips where they were he shut his eyes tightly as a tear rolled down his cheek,when he lifted his head and looked down at her his tear dripped off his chin and splashed on to her cheek.He reached out his hand and wiped it away with his thumb.Her features were still and peaceful.He looked up as a nurse pulled back the curtain known what had happend.Nicky was surprizingly calm as the nurse gently pulled him back.He watched as a sheet was pulled over Dionnes lifeless body.He was emotionally wrecked that he lost her but he knew that she was free from the pain that their classmates had put her through and that they shared a love and friendship that would hold with him forever.Tears pricked his eyes as the large curtain screen was pulled around the bed.It sunk in that all he had was memories...and thats what she wanted him to have. If you lose your way Think back on yesterday Remember me this way Remember me this way....this way... Song: Remember Me This Way By: Vanessa Williams The end