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Janet was in her junior year of high school. She made it into the National Honor Society, continued with the anti-bullying committee, and played on the junior varsity basketball team. The previous two years of high school went very well for her, apart from Betty and her group of friends picking on her daily. Janet really did not like them and several times she called them out on it, which they would just roll their eyes and walk away. Janet never understood how people could be so cruel, but she continued to never let it ruin her high school experiences. She enjoyed all the school dances, her classes, and her extracurricular activities.
John retired from his position in Internal Affairs. After working for the Boston Police Department for thirty-one years, John felt it was time to step down. Although he was encouraged to take a promotion, he wanted to focus more of his time helping those in need. He picked up a part time position working in a group home for adults with disabilities and volunteered coaching basketball for the Special Olympics. When Janet came home from school, John would be there to welcome her, something he was not able to do in a long time.
Nancy passed away last year due to natural causes. She left her house to John and everything else to Janet, who she felt was as much of her daughter as John did. Janet donated Nancy’s belongings to charities, which she knew Nancy wanted. John repaired Nancy’s house and put it on the market for a decent price so someone in need would be able to live in an affordable home. The family of three that moved in were from Rhode Island and were truly kind to Janet and John. The Richardson’s were schoolteachers, and their son was five years old. Janet babysat him to earn extra money.
John and Janet missed Nancy and would visit her grave, along with Michelle, on a weekly basis. Nancy was a big part of John’s life and felt that he lost his mother all over again. Him and Janet would spend time remembering stories about Nancy and continued the tradition of weekly card games. Nancy dedicated her life to her students, as well as John and Janet. In her will, she wrote that she lived her best life by helping others in need, which inspired John to continue Nancy’s work.
Nancy also inspired Janet to continue to help others. During the beginning of her junior year, Betty’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was hard for Betty, and she took her anger out at school, especially towards Janet. One day, Betty opened her locker to find an envelope in there. She opened the envelope and inside was a check and a note. Since Betty’s mother was battling breast cancer, she had to take a leave from her job. Betty read the letter
Dear Betty,
Please find a check for your family during this tough time. I know what it is like to have someone you love battling cancer. I pray that she will make it through successfully so she can be there for you longer. If you need to talk, you know where to find me.
Your friend,
Janet Remington
Betty looked at the check and her eyes grew wide. Janet gave a substantial amount to Betty’s family from the money they made from selling Nancy’s house. Janet knew Nancy would be proud.
Betty went to find Janet. She found Janet at a table collecting donations for breast cancer. Janet looked up and their eyes met. Janet saw that Betty was holding back her tears. Janet smiled and Betty returned the smile. Betty went over to Janet and gave her a big hug in front of the crowd. Betty whispered in her ear that she was sorry for picking on her and promised her that she will never bully anyone again; a promise that Betty kept. Betty showed up to the anti-bullying committee the next meeting and was one of the most active members. She never forgot the kindness that Janet had shown to her and her family. She even defended Janet against other bullies in school, which caused her to lose some friends.