It was about time that the end of the day had come. I hurriedly grabbed my things, making a break for the door. Rush, rush, rush. My thoughts screamed "Get out!" I wanted to go before he came. He always did when I was alone. The halls were radiating with excited energy. The sound of chatter and lockers opening/closing filled the background noise. It wasn't likely that he'd bother me here. I sighed in relief, walking along the crowd. The guy I was so worried about, his name was Kiernan Albayos.
We were friends only when it convenienced him. His presence was non existent when other people were around me. At first I thought it was because he was shy, but I eventually caught on. My reputation wasn't the best and he knew that. Being in contact with me would blemish his image. The social hierarchy of middle school held great influence above all. I understood that, so it didn't bother me when he averted his gaze in public. Altogether I wanted to keep my distance from him. Why would I want someone who couldn't even acknowledge me.
Outside the air simmered, the remnants of summer still lived on. The sun began to lean towards the horizon after passing its midpoint hours before. It was after 3:15 and I needed to get Idate by 3:30. The walk there wasn't too far off, but it'd be better to get there sooner than later.
"Yo!" A voice chimed.
I turned around, half-expecting it to be someone else, but it wasn't.
"Why do you look so glum?" Kiernan doted.
"I told you to leave me alone," I sighed.
"Aw that's mean!"
"Well if you didn't avoid me every time others were around then I wouldn't be feeling this way !"
"No clue what you're talking about," as he shrugged .
Without hesitation my body began to shy away from the conversation. There was no point in losing my temper over a one sided spat.
"Hey where are you going?!" He whined.
Kiernan continued to talk behind me as if nothing had happened. Talking to himself was almost like a natural instinct for him. I paid no attention to his mumblings nor his measly complaints about his first day back. He went on and on, not giving a care in the world. Didn't this guy have anything better to do? I thought. It's the end of the day. Shouldn't he be hanging out with his other friend? It confused me why he drawn to me like a moth to the flame. I'm sure it wasn't a crush, but what was it exactly? I wouldn't know, no matter how many thoughts crossed my mind.
"Hey Kiernan!" a girl hollered.
When she saw me her smile disappeared.
"Oh I didn't know you guys were friends,"
"We're not! I was just asking her something about class! Nothing more than that!"
The temperature skyrocketed in my cheeks, the inner flames swirling around like a destructive whirlpool.
"This is exactly what I mean Kiernan you nev-"
"So are you going to Kaylee's sleepover this weekend?" she interrupted.
I glared at Kiernan as he avoided eye contact with me once more. The awkward tension in the air flared up. I had enough of this.
"Where are you going?" His hand reached over, gently touching my shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" As I veered my body away.
"She's probably going to get that little parasite of hers!" The girl snickered.
"Gosh Dane that's mean, but its on the mark" the other girl commented.
My lips pursed together. I wanted to say something back. I wanted to fight and make her apologize. The trouble that came from it wouldn't be worth it. It wouldn't be hurting anyone else except my own family. Sucking it up was all I could do for now. Walking away from the situation was necessary. My mind slipped further away, ignoring their insults and mindless banter. Idate was waiting for me. I had to go. He needed me.
