The Plant

Class discussion

The next day I saw him sitting in the corner as usual hiding behind his hood. Some people clearly talked about him. It was obvious in the way they kept staring on and off. While others just focused on their own stuff.
I went to him. And I was met with curiosity as people now questioned more about why I still was on his side. I imagined they might wonder if there was something they didn't see that I saw. But they might not think that at all.
"Hey. Are you okay?" I leaned closer onto his desk. He looked up and right into my eyes and backed off a little because I was too close.
"Sorry." I said.
"I guess you're the only one who really gets me now, huh?" He seemed to try to laugh it off. But it wasn't very convincing.
"Why can't you just tell people the truth?"
"They probably wouldn't get it anyway."
"But I did..."
"I guess that's because you're different...or?"
"You know... no one is alike in here." I was starting to get frustrated. How am I so different that others wouldn't get it?
"I guess not?"
"Come on! Before the teacher gets here... tell them what happened." I took his arm and dragged him up from his chair. Reluctantly his feet followed after until we were standing in front of the class. I think we both felt the pressure upon us. Nervousness creeping up on us. This is actually really scary. Are we going to make it.
"Uhm... uh... I'm ... I just wanted to say that ... I'm sorry for scaring you all... uhm... and... I'm partly a ... healing plant now..." after that he ran out of the classroom as fast as he could. I stood still. Completely left in shock. I tried to smile at the class that was staring at me waiting for more to come. "Uhm... please don't be afraid of him. He's a nice guy."
"Honestly I was glad he beat up that guy in the gym. But he kind of went too far." The most popular guy in class had spoken.
"I agree!" Several people nodded to him. Another friendly or at least sensible soul. That somehow had got the attention of others. The air around the classroom lightened up. It was like we all were suffocated and now managed to breathe. The chatter became more natural. Is this the power of being popular? Or was it just the words alone? Could it be both?
"Yeah... that's why I tried to stop him..."
"If you need help stopping him, then I'm the strongest" a boy proudly announced. The whole class laughed.
"Thanks." I said relieved. "Could you all help him?"
"What is happening in here?" The teacher said calmly as she just entered the classroom finding us all gathered having a serious discussion. "Are we having a discussion?" She seemed really pleased. "Can I hear the topic?"
"That's our secret" the most popular said. "All I can say it's about right and wrong" he continued.