The next following days went as flat as a pancake. My days were tranquil. Some students tease me and make fun of me since I'm always alone. The truth is I don't have any friends here. I tried, though, but it's hard for me to socialize. My interests in other people here are different. Since I live in a city, most people here prefer going outside and hanging out with friends.
I was once told I'm a nerd since I love reading books and watching shows. They even say who even reads books these days. I mean, duh, I do.
"Okay, class, it's Friday today, and you know the rules!"
The girls moaned in torment while the guys cheered and did a high five. Damn, for the first time, I relate to somebody. Why did I disregard it's Friday today. Meaning? We have to do Physical Education. I grunt at the thought, more like physical abuse, torture, and pain. Every time we play sports, some way or another, my classmates find their way to make a monkey of me. If we are going to play volleyball, they see me as their net. If basketball, I'm the ring. If dodgeball, ha! I'm the unfortunate student they continuously target at first.
"Go to your lockers in the Gymnasium and shift to your P.E uniform." Mr. Brown, our subject teacher and coach of the varsity team announced. He even used his whistle to blow it right in front of us.
I talk in an undertone, so he couldn't know I'm torturing him multiple times now. The whistle isn't mandatory. He feels almighty as his deadly implement is his whistle. As if he can take over the world by using it. I rolled my eyes subtly, then went outside and my classmates changed pants. I do not get it. I'm already a graduating student. We shouldn't focus on minor subjects such as physical education, but I keep in mind I have missed different minor issues some time recently in my lower years. I'm taking it now to graduate and leave this place.
I can't wait to travel outside the country and be with someone I will fall in love with. I suddenly stop in my tracks with my thoughts. It's my first time thinking about things like this.
Guess I have been all alone for the past years.
I disregard the thought and kick them in the trash can. There is no room for drama here. I heaved a sigh then proceeded to walk straight into the Gym. I can feel my heart beating so fast like a drum because I don't know what sport we will play today. It sucks to be an irregular student. But can you blame me? I really don't have time before because of my errands. I have to cook, clean, do groceries, and work at night for my living.
I saw some other students, mostly guys, playing basketball. They ran back and forth, and I followed by a look. I somehow pictured them as hungry beasts fighting over their sustenance. The winner gets the prize. I will never understand sports. I have never been fond of it. Or maybe because of the trauma I received? Well, I'm enjoying my life anyway.
"Listen up!"
I heard the annoying sound again. We gathered up together in a small circle in front of coach Brown. When he's done whistling, he puts his hands over his hips then looks at us one by one. His eyes are scanning as if he's scaring us away.
"Today, we are going to play a sport that you haven't played before."
"Oh boy," I said in glee.
"In this sport, you need to be fast. Your body must be strong. Most of all, you need to use this." he pointed to his head.
Someone raised their hand, and Mr. Brown looked at the kid.
"But sir, there's nothing inside your head."
I felt my jaw hang open like a cannon that aimed a fire. Mr. Brown just got burned, roasted, flickered, ignited, and turned into dust. I wanted to laugh, but I restrained myself. Some of my classmates almost choke on their saliva. Others are cheering. I shook my head in disappointment.
"One-hour detention!" Mr. Brown was fuming mad. The kid happily left the Gymnasium. Oh, that sneaky kid is so lucky for not doing P.E today.
"All of you! Shut up, or I will mark your grades an F!"
I stood on my spot like a statue. I gulped when he inspected us again. He put his hand behind his back then walked closer to us. I did my prayers because I didn't want to fail on his subject.
"Change of plans. You're going to play a difficult sport."
"Oh, that Sebastian is so lucky. I'm going to beat him like a pulp." I heard a guy beside me murmur. I'll send regards to that Sebastian guy.
"Now, I'm giving you five minutes to change into your P.E uniform! Once you don't come back and you're late even for one second, you're all going to fail!"
Before I could process what was happening, there was a stampede. My classmates are pushing themselves to go to their lockers. I was moved and stepped on from the ground. I coughed in pain, but I didn't mind it because time was ticking, and I bet the lockers are full of girls by now.
I stood up and hurriedly went to the lockers. My hands were shaking as I did my combination. I can hear the panic in my classmate's voice. I can't blame them. Thanks to Sebastian's stunt earlier, Mr. Brown is now strict and not in the mood.
When I opened my locker, I took my P.E uniform then proceeded to the bathroom. I yelped in surprise when I heard someone knocking on the door.
"Open this! I was here first!"
I gulped and didn't listen to her voice. I wanted to pass this subject, so I hung my clothes on the door and started to remove my clothes and hung them beside my uniform. I reached up on my P.E uniform, but I couldn't feel my clothes on my hands to my horror. I looked up then I realized my clothes were gone. All of it!
"Hey! Who took my clothes?!" I yelled, but all I heard were laughs coming from a group of girls.
"That's for not letting us use the bathroom even though we got here first!" I heard a familiar voice exclaim.
"N-no..." I can feel the overflowing of my blood rushing down quickly to my whole body.
"Please! give me my clothes back!" I almost kneeled in front of the door, but all they said were their goodbyes to me. I tried calling for help, but it was no use. I can't go outside because I'm stripped, and I don't want others to see me like this, looking so helpless.
I cried in silence. I hugged myself in shame as I felt the cold air brushing.
I remained within the bathroom for god knows how many hours. I know I can't stay here any longer, but I am naked and cannot be seen like this. I can't help but choke back a sob again. I am once again a target of bullying. I thought they'd leave me alone for good this time, and it turns out I was really wrong. I feel the cold breeze of air brushing through my substance. I embraced my knees so tight my nails were burrowing deeper. I don't know how many minutes, likely, that turned into hours I have been stuck here.
I know it's way past time now at our school since I heard the bell ring outside. I hurled out a loud sigh then removed the tears on my cheeks. It's futile to remain here all night, but what choice do I have? A few freaks might see me meandering within the boulevards at night looking like a potato that's been chimed. Okay, my thoughts are inching me out, and I need to do something.
I stood up and combed my hair with my fingers. I opened the entryway and stepped outside on the cold white tiles when I gasped in shock to see what's happening before me. Blood flowed quickly on the surface of my face. I can feel my cheeks getting red because of humiliation. Why didn't I hear them?! In front of me is Nathan making out with a random cheerleader that he must've dragged away!
I was about to rush inside the stall again since they should not see me looking like this when it was too late. They halted mid with their making-out session then looked at me. I can see the perplexity and beguilement simultaneously, asphyxiated since somebody hindered their moment. Adrenaline surged through my veins, and the first thought I may think of was to cover up, but I felt something damp on the floor. So rather than going inside the stall to hide, I felt my butt landing on the desensitizing ceramic tile. I winced in pain, and a roar of laughter rang in my ears.
"Oh god! I know you! You're that lonely kid who doesn't have any friends to talk with. What's your name again?"
I can feel their presence next to me. I was as well embarrassed to look at them within the eye, so I covered my face with my hair to hide it. I know she got to see at my features for seconds, but she quickly identified me. She's a cheerleader. I know she bullied me, and they know all of their casualties.
"Oh, I can't wait to post this in the media." she took out her phone and swiped on her screen. I can feel my hands shaking, and my heart is beating so loud I can't even hear anything anymore aside from it.
I need to stand up and cover myself, but I'm paralyzed on the floor as if a tremendous tidal wave slapped me on my face, and I couldn't recoup from the injury that had hit me. My tears were already forming in both corners of my eyes. Why can't I move to save myself from this humiliation? Why am I letting her?
"Stop that."
Then suddenly, Nathan stopped her. I looked at them. Nathan was holding her hand, gripping it tightly, making her grimace in pain.
"You're hurting me!" her high-pitched voice reverberated all through the comfort room but Nathan didn't flinch on his spot. He instead took her phone and tossed it on the wall. My jaw hit the ground as the pieces of the phone scattered on the floor. The cheerleader was too shocked to speak.
"Now, get out of here." Nathan threatened her with so much menace in his eyes that I even gulped the knot of my throat. He looks terrifying to look at that even sends a chill on my spine. I suddenly remembered my dream. The same expression.
"You're going to pay for this!" she removed her hands away from his grip, then she strode out. She was covering her face with her palms as tears started to roll off on her cheeks. I kind of feel bad for her but when I remember she's about to post my nakedness in the media, I immediately regret it.
Nah, she deserves it.
"Hey."
I felt something warm that wrapped around my bare shoulders. Now that I am back to reality, I abruptly recalled that I was not wearing anything and saw my nudity. I look away from him while holding firmly on the coat he offered.
I didn't say anything to him since I didn't know how to strike up a discussion. This is even the first time someone has been nice to me. I feel like he's just planning to trick me sooner or afterward, saying there are hidden cameras all over, and I will rapidly discover I'm on a live TV broadcast making an idiocy scene for myself once more. But what am I thinking? Minutes have passed, he just stood beside me. He's too quiet, likely. His eyes are meandering through my body. It isn't exceptionally comfortable since he saw it. I suddenly stood up and secured my body with his coat. It's a great thing this warm leather is enormous and can cover down to my knee. I bolted the zipper up to my neck then looked at him side-way. He put his veined hands on his pockets then let out a tremendous sigh. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't know someone was here." I snort at the thought. They probably didn't hear me crying or screaming earlier. Well, I can't blame them because I am dumbfounded at the abs
“Tell him I’m not here.” I turned her back on me and pushed her outside my unit. She stumbled and almost lost her composure but when she regained her thoughts, she suddenly halted then pinched my arm. I let go of her, wincing in pain while she’s pointing her finger at me, eyes gleaming with rebuked. “You can’t turn away from him, dear. You need to face him. He’s been waiting outside for an hour. You should be ashamed!” she then pinched my ears. I was crying for help, asking the gods above to help me get out from this cruelty, but I think it’s my punishment for making a commotion earlier. “Go changed into something vogue. Use something on your face. You look-” “Ugly? Better believe it, I thought of that.” I grunt then caress my ears. Good thing she let go of it but I don’t think I can run away from her, now that she has an idea that I know the guy she’s alluding to. “I was going to say washed-out.” She then walked past by my side and went to my closet. I let out a tired breath. Even
“Because…” I look around, anywhere but his face. I bit my bottom lip then chewed on it. It’s one of my idiosyncrasies whenever I’m anxious. “Stop that.” “Hmm?” I looked at him and I noticed he’s looking at my lips. I raised my eyebrows, asking a question with my look. He didn’t say anything. Instead, his jaw moved hard, making a sound. “Hmm…” he crossed his arms then raised his left eyebrow at me, “I believe I asked you first.” I swallowed because of the intensity of his voice. I was about to say something when I noticed those who were looking our way. I meandered my eyes around, sudden panic assaulted me. Before he could say anything, I turned my back on him and ran away. I heard him calling my name but I didn’t look back. It’s better this way. I shouldn’t be engaging with someone like Nathan Jones Davis. I can’t read what he’s thinking. What if he just sees me as his potential prey? Those alluring mysterious eyes are making me weak and can fall off my knees instantly. I was abo
“Come on!” he abruptly opened the entryway of his car. I nearly jumped in my seat in astonishment when he opened the door on my side and then he continuously took me with him. He appears elevated all of a sudden. “Nathan, wait!” we just run while he’s making fun of my fidgety phase. “So, what should we ride first?” Yes, you heard him right. We’re actually at the carnival right now. Before us are diverse developments of a traveling entertainment show, rides, and any fun, party, or celebration, as a program of sports or amusement. In short, I’m in hell. “What are we doing here?!” panic can be heard in my voice as I scan the place. Goodness no, this is the least thing I need right now. Engaging with a parcel of people isn't truly my cup of tea. I can feel the color of my face deplete. From here in my spot, I feel queasiness just by observing the tall establishments. The sun was dropping as the sky turned elevating. Night was drawing nearer and the cold breeze was blowing on my skin.
“Look, if this is about Nathan, we’re just acquaintance because he’s my classmate in Ethics and-” “Acquaintance but he kissed your hand?” My jaw stopped mid air, slightly open in stun, How did she even know about that? There isn’t even any meaning behind it. I shrieked in my spot when she took a step forward along with her friends as they cornered me. A few understudies who saw what’s happening just looked at us, somewhat teaming with the cheerleaders. “Who do you think you are exactly? Do you think Nathan is going to feel in love with you just because he notices you? Don’t you know I’m his girlfriend?” what? He has a girlfriend? All of a sudden I felt weak when Natalie pushed my shoulder, making me nearly lose my balance. I closed my eyes as I felt her face creeping closer to mine. A few students chuckled at my situation. They are not helping as they are low-key having fun of my misery. “News flash dear, because he wouldn’t be intrigued by somebody like your breed.” she looked at
I’m happy. I’m really happy. My apartment doesn’t feel gloomy anymore. I smile regularly. I got optimistic. But that soon pulverized down when he all of a sudden asked me to have a serious discussion with him. I don’t know what to do at first since he might want to end what we have and I'm scared. “I like you, Natasha.” I didn’t say anything when he confessed his feelings to me. I know I have a crush on him but I kept it to myself since I don’t want to demolish our friendship. We’ve been hanging out for the past month and now that he also feels the same way, my mind went blank. “But! It’s okay if you don’t like me. I don’t want to ruin what our-” “I like you too, Nathan.” “W-what?” his eyes suddenly widened in shock. I nodded my head and let out a warm, but lovely, smile to him. “Yes.” He went to me and embraced me firmly. Soon afterwards we went out again, but this, it’s more than just friends. I was nervous. I really don’t have any idea how this day will go. But at that point,
I don’t care if I look like a weirdo gaping at his back. It’s him! He’s back! I run up to him and grasp him behind. He halted in his tracks, and I felt him freeze on his spot, unable to say anything. I get it since he must have been traumatized because he went missing with his parents. I’m glad he’s back. I haven’t checked my socials since I’m too depleted for the past week considering him. But now he’s here, and my worries are gone. “I miss you!” I went around to confront him, not minding the students observing us. I look up to him, and my body abruptly ends in fear when I sense something is wrong with his look. He looks…different. Why do I suddenly feel like I’m talking to another person in front of me? The way he gazes at me, if he doesn’t have any clue who I am. Or am I just hallucinating since we haven’t seen each other for a while? “Nathan?” I asked him since he was towering over me. I held up for him to do something. Like kiss me or embrace me, or say sweet things to me as h
“Natasha…” “Natasha…” I listened to a recognizable tone of voice calling my name. I look around the site, searching where it came from. “N-nathan?” I know it’s him, but I can’t find him anywhere. The range has a perpetual circle of obscurity. I don’t think if I am inside a room with a small space or in a vast pit below, that I simply can’t run-up to the surface because it pulls you underneath endlessly. “Nathan, where are you?!” I’m starting to get worried and anxious. I can feel his presence. I tried getting a handle on something. Looking for an object to hold at but I landed on the floor with my face. I let out a moan of torment. My heart beat fast, and I didn't know what to do. My head pirouettes each time I look around. I tried to move forward, but somebody seemed to be pulling me back to where I was before so that I couldn't move in my spot. “Natasha.” My eyes dilated when I felt him behind me. I turned around, and our eyes met. There's no question he had enthralling eyes th