Smiley Face

By Deirdre Anderson

This book ‘Smiley face’, which I gave the title from the emoji smiley face, addresses the issue of bullying. This is an issue that I am passionate about. I am very aware, as I’m sure many of you are, of the devasting consequences bullying can have. My book deals with the experiences and feelings of a group of young people both male and female who are just beginning secondary school. My target audience is this age group and a little younger and /or older than first-year secondary school age. My book deals in particular with the main character Mia who is bullied to the extent that leads to her having panic attacks. It is a gentle approach to the topic and does not go into extreme examples of bullying however, it looks closely at the effects that bullying has.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deirdre Anderson
• Release date: Oct 25, 2021

Book preview

Smiley Face

Copyright 2021 Deirdre Anderson

Published by Deirdre Anderson at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favourite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Cory Anderson for all of his support, proofreading and providing cover art and illustrations throughout this book.

Prologue

This book ‘Smiley face’, which I gave the title from the emoji smiley face, addresses the issue of bullying. This is an issue that I am passionate about. I am very aware, as I’m sure many of you are, of the devasting consequences bullying can have. My book deals with the experiences and feelings of a group of young people both male and female who are just beginning secondary school. My target audience is this age group and a little younger and /or older than first-year secondary school age. My book deals in particular with the main character Mia who is bullied to the extent that leads to her having panic attacks. It is a gentle approach to the topic and does not go into extreme examples of bullying however, it looks closely at the effects that bullying has.

For young people reading my book I hope it will give you an insight into how we can all find life challenging at times and that it is good to reach out for support at such times, adults and young adults alike. The book is intended as an enjoyable read and, should you find it so, I would appreciate it if you could recommend it to your friends, also to teachers, parents and group leaders. I am sure that it would prove to be an invaluable tool to open discussion on bullying and the other social issues touched on in the book such as addiction, internet safety and special needs.

Open night. Oct 15th. Mia.

Hi, I’m Mia named after Princess Mia, in some old film my Mum loved, ‘The princess diaries’. She loves films, I suppose it could be worse, she may have loved Harry Potter and have called me Hermione! I don’t think Aidanstown would be ready for a Hermione! Aidanstown is where I live, it’s a small town/village in Co Meath. Not a lot happens here, the Spar was held up once last year and that hit the headlines in our local newspaper, The Aidanstown Herald. It’s open night tonight at the local secondary. This is a big deal to some of us and I guess for me, because I’ve got to face a lot of people. I’m a shy person unlike my best friend Chloe who has bags of confidence and good looks, me, I’m a more of a fade into the background type of person, invisible girl that’s me or at least how I’d like to be.

That’s why I have a zillion clothes on the bed trying to pick out something to wear. I don’t want to stand out and I don’t want to look like a Geek either. My Mam is going to explode if she takes a look in here, luckily, she’s busy enough downstairs doing Mam type things like making dinner etc. She’s coming with me to the open night, at least I talked my Dad out of coming. He was a bit put out at first, but I think he understands now. You see, wait for it, my Dads a Teacher and of course he can’t just be a Teacher! No, he has to be a teacher at St Aidan’s, which everyone just calls Aidan’s, so you don’t need to say the saint part, obviously! Mr Hanavey, History and Geography teacher that’s my Dad. So not only have I been cursed with drastic looks and dreadful shyness my Dad is a Teacher in my new school. Can you top that for disastrous fate? Anyway, at least I can relax this evening, they didn’t need all the Teachers at the open night, so he won’t be there. I felt a little guilty at first, but I don’t feel too bad now as he is all set to settle down and watch the Ireland match, I think that they’re playing Germany."Mia Dinners ready’’My Mam calls out.

‘Coming’ I reply thinking that I’m just going to settle for my jeans and Diesel top, my hair can go up in a scrunchie, damage limitation. Don’t start me about my hair! I will fill you in on its imperfections another time.

Having got by with eating the least amount of dinner possible, my heart already taking up every available space in my stomach, I’m finally in the car with Mam going to collect Chloe and her Mum.

I bet Chloe‘s not one bit nervous she never is.

Open night. Oct 15th. Chloe.

Alyssa and Joey are sitting with their eyes glued to the TV. Mum is letting them watch Peppa pig, Back-to-back, anything for peace, while we get ready for my open night at Aidans. My Auntie Katie is due to arrive any minute to look after the Peppa’s that’s what I call them, my little brother and sister, because they’re so into Peppa Pig. Mum goes mad. I love them really, I tell her.

Ding dong.

She’s right on cue my Auntie I rush out to open the door the Peppa’s haven’t moved a muscle I don’t think they even heard the door they are so engrossed in the tv.

‘Chloe my love you get more grown up and prettier every time I see you’

‘Stop Auntie Katie, you’re embarrassing me, you say that every time, I only saw you yesterday at your house and you said it’.

‘Ha Ha it’s worth it to see your lovely cheeks flush’

She pinches my cheek between her bony fingers tickling me under my ribs at the