Fortunately Unfortunate

Chapter 2

I started to enjoy being at school for once in my life because of my new friend.

As time passed, we grew closer; he helped me become confident, I stepped out of my comfort zone, and he gave me a voice once more. He introduced me to the two persons he considered his closest friends, Nathan and Alex, who later became the brothers I never had. My favorite spot under the mango tree wasn't so lonely anymore.

It wasn't easy being friends with the popular kids at school at first because Madison grew to despise me even more and tried to make my life a living hell by wanting to push her luck and get physical. But my friends wouldn't stand for that. Because of these three boys, I lived what one would classify as a "normal" life at school.

Despite living decently and happily after so long, there were still doubts in the back of my mind about Jasper.

One day at school, those doubts got the best of me, and I confronted him after Nathan and Alex left us under the mango tree to play football during lunch break.

"What made you so interested in talking to me in the first place?" I asked, and he leaned back against the tree with a content sigh. "I hate seeing people getting treated the way you were. Don't get me wrong; it's not solely out of sympathy; you needed to know how to defend yourself in this setting." He stated, turning to look at me after a while.

"What do you mean by "this setting"?"

"Well, there is a much bigger world out there than the one in which you think you live. If you don't learn how to stick up for yourself here, you're going to have a much more difficult time out there." He shrugged.

"Of all the persons in this school, why did you choose me?" I asked shyly, looking down at my fingers, which I was busy fidgeting. "This might sound cliche, but there's great potential in you whether you believe it or not. I love impacting people's lives positively and lending a helping hand wherever I can. You seemed like you needed it more than anyone else, which is why I became drawn to help you."

I have to admit I was not expecting that answer. Most of my doubts faded, and I felt a bit special at Jasper's gesture. I pushed all doubts about him out of my mind and focussed on enjoying our time together instead.

Time would fly by relatively quickly, and within the second year of Jasper's transfer to our school, I noticed a change in behavior with Nathan and Alex. They were still there when I needed them; they only seemed sad and a little detached. They both held back when I inquired about it, which I found strange.

Did I do something wrong? Didn't they like me anymore and weren't sure how to tell me?

These were a few of the things they left me wondering. However, I remained positive and showed up for them when they needed me. I would later learn the reason behind these strange behaviors when Jasper asked me to meet him under the mango tree one evening after school.

Upon my arrival, I saw him sitting down with his head held low, which was out of character for him. I immediately approached him and rested my hand on his shoulder, to which he responded by looking up at me with a weak smile.

"What's wrong?" I asked, kneeling beside him, and he sighed. He was hesitant at first, but he finally started talking after some words of comfort.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

A/N

Hey guys, I hope you are doing alright :)
What are your thoughts on the story so far?

This is actually my first book and a project I enjoy working on. If you like it, please vote and comment your thoughts. If you think that this is something worth continuing to work on and you want to read more, please let me know.