Forlot: The Car on the Side of the Road - Book Forty-Two

Chapter Two

I never figured that I would have a boyfriend. I did not believe that I was good enough. Not pretty. Not smart. I was shy, so I did not have lots of friends. My hair was always a mess no matter how much I brushed it. Yes, I was bullied for it. A girl like me is bound to be bullied.

I am also bullied for my dresses. I love to wear dresses. My favorite is the sleeveless one. My brother calls me a Christmas tree whenever I wear it. According to him, it lights me up like a Christmas tree. Now I take that as a compliment. Better than those bullies' - if you even call them compliments.

I was still picked on, but not as much. Nobody thought that Rick and I would be together, not even me. I never thought that Rick would want me. Out of all the girls in the school, he chose me. I asked why he wanted to date me. Why he was interested in me. He did not know my name until I told him. I prayed that Rick was not using me.

"So your name is Ella," Rick said with a smile. We were in front of my locker. I was gathering my books. "What a unique name. Ella. I have never met an Ella girl."

I rose with my textbooks in my arms and brushed back my messy hair. "You think that my name is unique?"

He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Absolutely. And I love how it is pronounced. El-la. Ella. Simple, but...not simple. Know what I mean?"

"I think that I do." I quirked an eyebrow. "Why are you talking to me?"

He was surprised by my question. "What do you mean, Ella?"

"Why are you having a conversation with me? Why are you not hanging out with your buddies? They probably are wondering where you are." I closed my locker door. "I do not know why you are wasting your time on me."

I sounded angry. That is because I was angry. Rick was wasting our time. I have been attending this school for over a year now. I have been in Forlot for over a year. I wanted him to leave me be. Somebody was forcing him to talk to me. It was clear. I was nothing but a bet. Why else would a handsome and popular dude talk to me?

Rick had on a confused look and took a step back. "I do not know why you are ticked off at me. I just wanted to talk with you. Get to know you. Was it something that I said? If so, I am sorry."

"I do not want your apology. I only want you to answer my question. Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you want to carry on a conversation with me? I have been at this school for a long time. I know it like the back of my hand."

"I am happy that you do, Ella. Makes it easier to never get lost."

I gazed into his eyes. "I also know that we share a class together. You and I are in the same class. Not once did you look at me or speak to me. You acted like that I did not exist. I am aware that you have a busy life. You just do not have the time to hang out with everybody. But it does not give you the right to treat me like a nobody. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth."

"I understand. I understand what you are saying. But I have a good reason. Hear me out. Please."

I sighed. "Will you leave me alone if I do?"

He hesitated. "...if it is what you want. I will respect it." He leaned against my locker and crossed his arms. He is a muscular guy. He should be. He plays baseball. He is a terrific player. That is what I have heard. But looks are not everything. "So...the reason that I have ignored you is because...um...how do I put this?"

"You have been ignoring me because you loathe me," I said. "There. I said it for you."

"No, no. It is not like that. It is not like that at all. I like you. I...I like you a lot, Ella."

I felt as if bricks fell on me. I opened my mouth to talk. I needed to say something. Anything! But I was utterly speechless. I did not know the words to say. This could not be happening. Rick did not admit it. A popular guy did not admit being in love with me. This needed to be a dream. It was the only explanation. An attractive guy like him could never love a girl like me - right?

"My gosh," I said. I rubbed my forehead. "You have got to be kidding. You are not in love with me. You did not confess that you are in love with me. That is ridiculous, Rick."

Rick was twiddling his thumbs. "Why is it ridiculous? I do not understand. I thought that you would be happy. Happy to be with a man like me. Unless that you are in love with someone else."

It was my turn to take a step back. "I do not love you. I am sorry, but...I do not want a boyfriend. Not now. I...I think that it will not work out between us. I know it. So it is best that we remain strangers."

"You...you do not even want to be friends with me?"

"I...I cannot be with a guy who has a crush on me. End of story." I was about to turn around, when he grabbed my hand. "Hey!"

"You sure that you do not love me, Ella? I really do not want you to miss out on an opportunity like this."

"Positive."

How did I ever become his girlfriend?