Specks of Light

THE SPARK

After a few minutes, I decided to stop fixating on the issue and relax. My body has been under a lot of stress with over-analyzing everything that I do.

I went to my classes, and after school, I went to the soccer field to take pictures. I put on my headphones and just engaged myself in getting good shots for the spread. As usual, Luna and Alex greeted me, which made me smile. I was happy to see them since I was not able to see them all day. Alex had his sassy attitude when he was on the bench wherever I tried to take a picture of him, which made me laugh. The other guys were happy that I was taking pictures of them. I felt like they were talking about me, but I could not hear what they were saying. I did not pay that much attention to it because I was concentrated on getting the right lighting and shot for the possible dominant.

It was not until after practice since they ended early that a boy from my AP English class. He was medium height, curly hair, white skin, and brown eyes.

"Hey Casper, how are you doing?"

"Fine"

"Aww, do not be like that. I like you. I have been observing you and think that you are something."

"Something. Am I supposed to be flattered by such a compliment?"

"Woah, so you got some sass to you. Fine, I will bite just make sure that you do not fall for me."

I was pissed. Though on the outside, people have seen me as quiet, I would not let him belittle me like that.

"Sure, I will bite, but are you sure you can handle the heat?" I looked him straight in the eye, and I was not flustered one bit.

"I-II"

"That is what I thought, so next time, come at me with a proposal that you think that you can handle."

I left, and I was stunned. I cannot believe I had said that to him, but I was outraged, so I did not think straight. Now Alex and Luna were going to hate me for bullying their classmate because they were also stunned, and neither one of them could muster a single word in.

"Mika" I turned around, and it was Alex and Luna coming towards me.

"I am so sorry, guys. I did not mean to be so rude, but he was making fun of me, so I had to say something back."

"Mika, I did not know you had that in you. You are truly awesome, and I assume I am rubbing off on you because you were badass."

"Umm, thank you, and of course you are." I smiled. Both of them looked at me, stunned because, in their eyes, they saw who I truly was.

"Mika, you defended yourself from that prick, so he had it coming."

"So Mika, do you think I can handle the heat?" Alex teased.

"Of course you would. You have always been my first choice." I started to laugh.

"I do not know what I am going to do with the both of you," Luna said, laughing.

We all walked together out of school, and I walked home with Luna and said goodbye to Alex.

"You seem to be coming to your own and finally letting your true self shine."

"What do you mean."

"I mean, you always seem to have your guard and are always trying to smile for those around you. But we are here for you if you need anything."

This comment got me annoyed because he was saying these things, but he was a hypocrite. He did not mean them because he would also want those who care about him the most to help them if he did. Though I may only know him for a week, I feel like all of us just click with one another.

"Do not say those things if you aren't going to do the same thing for yourself."

"What?"

"Do you not think I do not notice how you also hide your feelings away. You are kind and smile at everyone that you talk to, but I can do something that is weighing on you. So do not tell me that I have my guard up when you do the same thing. Even with Alex, who has known you the longest, you seem to keep your distance. Why is that? What are you afraid of? Now I am in no position to say this to you, but I knew I had to because if not, you would not notice the number of people who care about you. To all of us, you are not worthless, but you are a beautiful light, one of the brightest I have ever seen."

I started to cry. I had held it all week, and I just had to tell him. Though I keep secrets, I had to tell him before it was too late that he is loved. I have been trying to figure out what has caused this sadness, but I am at a standstill, which is why I am so frustrated and had to let out all of it. Though he may get mad, I don't care if I needed to tell him.

"How did you know?" That was all he could say.

"About what?"

"That I was hiding my emotions."

"I just had a feeling from the way you would talk to the people around you. Although you seem happy, I feel like you are carrying a weight on you that drains your energy even when on the outside, people do not see it. You do not need to tell me anything. Just know that I am here if you want to talk."

I was overcome with emotion that I decided that I would hug him. I stepped in front of him and looked him directly in the eye. His eyes sparkled and were so beautiful with the sunset, and I told him that "I see you."

I then wrapped my arms around his body, and I placed my head gently on his chest. At first, he tensed up, but then he slowly relaxed. We stayed like that for what felt like a minute, and then I let go and looked up at him again and smiled.

He was flustered, which made me laugh. We then walked the whole way home, and we did not say a word to one another. We did not need to. Although we knew that we still had ways to feel comfortable telling our troubles to, I knew I had made the right choice.

"See you tomorrow."

"Who is going to pick us up?"

"Alex, who else." He let out a chuckle

"I will text Ashley tonight to try to convince her to see if she can go, but I know that she will say no."

"Well, it is settled then."

"I will not be able to do much because of my leg, so I will make sure to bring some homework to do."

He looked at me and then smiled. "Do not push yourself too much with homework when it is the weekend. But you are free to do what you wish."