Moral Decisions

It was back last year when I had to make a decision like this that I can remember. In fifth period biology class we had a sub in the class and we were all doing busy work while our actual teacher was out for jury duty. There were two guys in our class who were just rude and obnoxious and were constantly being pulled out of class for the things they did. They were notorious for saying rude comments to people in the class who might not have been as 'popular' as they were. 

Either way, we were all sitting around doing the busy work our teacher had left us. Everyone was being really loud and obnoxious like eighth graders where when the actual teacher wasn't there. The one kid in our class started to instigate this one girl who got angry easily. She had a hot temper and would threaten people if she got too angry with them, which was something everyone knew. Quietly, I watched as this one kid started to tease her and tell her horrible things to get her worked up. The sub watched quietly too, her eyes darting back and forth between the faces of the girl and the classmate. She was a young substitute, but old enough to realize what was going on. Then the girl started to loudly threaten this other classmate who started to pretend that he was the victim in the whole case. 

And still, the sub said and did nothing. 

Finally, the arguing and threatening had gotten to be too much. I could have either sat back, still trying to do my work like so many other bystanders, or I could have stepped in and helped the poor girl who was getting to the point of being so flustered, she was almost crying. 

"Why don't you leave her alone?" I cried out and everyone turned to me.

"Hey, she's the one threatening me." the boy said, putting his most innocent look on and gazing back at me.

"Well, maybe if you weren't instigating her, maybe she wouldn't be threatening you." I contradicted, staring him right back. 

"Maybe you should mind your own business." he spat back. My cheeks flamed as everyone snickered and looked at me, but I didn't give up.

"I make it my business when your picking on someone. I understand it's not right that she's threatening you, but you don't have to keep doing what you're doing. The more you do it, the more she's going to threaten you." I answered. 

Thankfully just at that moment, the bell rang and I was saved of more trying to explain myself. The girl thanked me thoroughly as we walked out of a class and I told her not to worry about it.

The next day I was given a detention for being loud and unruly during class, but I think it was worth it to stick up for the girl.