Hello. I know how you must feel, but there is one important factor you must always remember: DON'T. GIVE. UP. DON'T GIVE UP. You can do it if you put your mind to it. My mother is the most wonderful mother there ever was, and she ALWAYS tells me "don't give up". She tells me wonderful stories (true stories) of people and herself. For instance, she told me of this one woman who worked as a nurse late into the night. She was walking home in the dark when a man started stalking and following her. So she prayed. God answered her prayers and protected her. Later on, the man was arrested and asked why he was scared away and didn't kidnap her. He answered the police that a tall, white-coated man was walking beside her, protecting her. The woman never saw the mysterious white-coated man. She was SO optimistic and never gave up hope in her prayers that she was protected. Hope is the best thing you can have, no matter how hopeless the situation seems. Just PLEASE, PLEASE never give up. "You can do anything if you put your mind to it", my mother always tells me. And if kids think your gross and won't be nice to you, just think that if they WERE your friends, they would only care about you if you were skinny or other physical appearances. If they are your real friends, they would look at your heart rather than your appearance. Your step-mom and teacher were like this, I'll bet you. And just don't give up. If you start to give up hope, just tell yourself "I can do this", or "it'll be okay!" over and over again. Trust me. If you are completely optimistic and try your best, you will win, EVERY TIME. And if you need more encouragment, e-mail me at gaitherj@insightbb.com, just don't tell anyone my e-mail address. I'll be there if you need me, and don't give up hope! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE. Remember that. HOPE. :)