The Remarkably Real Challenge

Short Story: “The Diamond in the Rough”

By Jasmine Vassell

Submitted- 21st December, 2021

The Diamond in the Rough

They say diamonds as pulchritudinous as they are, are formed under intense heat and pressure. That it takes millions if not billions of years to produce something so durable, and extravagant. A gem that is deemed the toughest mineral on earth, and the most stunning to the eye. In this story we will discuss another kind of gem formed under pressure. A “diamond in the rough” …

Desiree was a young high school student who liked drama class and was a natural at political science, but was not so gifted in mathematics. She liked Oreos, and was in love with her best friend Madison. She was the type of person to never give up, and stand up to make a difference, when it mattered most. Her fire fueled the flames of change, and the first ever gender-neutral bathroom was installed into her catholic high school. Her ultimate desire was to belong to something greater than herself. To make a positive impact on this dreary gray world, that is often devoid of color. Though in this world, appearances are deemed "everything".

Her hair did not sparkle or shine like her grandma's porcelain dolls, or that of their diamond eyes. Her school uniform had been ravaged by the weather on a rainy day. She was an atomic mess being crystallized under pressure. The young girl was waiting to show the world that she was much more than her appearance. More than the nasty words they called her. More than the torment and abrasions she received at home. She was going to show them all that true beauty lies within.

An epic event that drew closer everyday would be the perfect chance to not only show herself but also the world what people like Desiree was made of. The days leading up to the special event were the hardest yet most satisfying. Her eyes may have been wet with tears, and her soul ached for love, but she never gave up. She spent all her time and creative energy that would make a lasting impact, a sort of legacy, even after she was gone. Something that could reach the souls of others, more than even gems could...Art.

Art became a haven for the misfits, the outcasts, and the "freaks". Our stories that we shared were diverse but similar in that we all had been ostracized from society, for some even from their families. Some had been abandoned by a parent, or experienced homelessness. We may have been born in a standard size diamond world, but we were all gems of assorted colors, cuts, shapes, and types, and together we were the most beautiful gems of all. Our posters spread awareness to those who did not have a voice. Those who had undergone too much heat and shattered under the pressure of expectation. Our very existence was controversial, and shook the very native earth that our school stood on. Hate trolls lurked around every corner to rip and tear down any posters or people who stood for growth or metamorphosis. Though like a Diamond under pressure, Desiree did not yield:

"You may tear those posters down. And try to silence us. But know this-under the most extreme conditions are the most beautiful and toughest gems created." Her fiery eyes shook them to their core, and they left without a whisper.

The last few hours until Outshine 2017:"Queer Prom" was difficult, as all the events and incidents leading up to this had finally caught up with our young hero. Doubt was a curse and was starting to set in her mind…

"Alicia, what happens if people are going to harass us? I do not want my friends to get hurt. They deserve the right to freedom, and to love who they want without scrutiny or the fear of violence." Desiree says hysterically, as eyeliner runs down her scarred face.

Her sister Alicia, with utter kindness in her heart says, "Everything is going to be all right. The world is changing more than ever before. It is time for people like you to shine. Shine on love."

It is true. Through everything she has been through, the grit, the pressure, the heat, and the number of abrasions- she kept intact the part of her that mattered most. The part that is capable of love, and compassion. The ability to not break under pressure as compared to those who succumbed to it. This diamond in the rough was ready to outshine all the synthetic rocks that stood in the way of her journey to greatness.

The last stage of the metamorphosis is to style and polish. Desiree once an atomic mess was formed under pressure from adversity. Her hair is now cut, and her nails polished. Her bejeweled dress sparkles in the light. She radiates with a natural glow and new found confidence that took all who set their eyes upon her by surprise. With one step onto the dance floor, she became the person who was hiding inside her all along...

This is a lesson to all who have undergone scrutiny and judgment for who they are, or who they love. That you too are a “diamond in the rough.” With a little pressure and adversity, you can and will become the most stunning gem of all.