The Smile That Made Me Smile

Chapter Four

I've been messaging Kim for the past two or three days and sometimes I forget to respond to her for up to 5 hours. She's actually quite funny and witty over the phone, just like in person.

I was nervous today because I'm hoping whatever Erza has planned today doesn't screw me over big time. He messaged me earlier this morning, being really ominous like. It scared me quite a bit. I didn't want him to scare me anymore, so I walked into the cafeteria full of confidence, almost like a new man. I felt quite bad about this bet recently. Kim's so funny and has a heart of gold.

Erza was laughing with everyone else, and Garrett gave me a look of sorrow.

Erza gave me that grin again and almost laughed.

"So, Noah, I got another plan for you to make 200 more bucks. I want you to go ask Kim to prom. It'll be perfect for her first ever date, won't it? Then we could just ruin the rest of her night after that, sounds good?" he asked.

Everyone was laughing at the idea. So that's why Garrett was giving me a look before I sat down.

Something in my heart could just not let that happen to her. I could feel my blood boiling and I didn't know why. I know she's a freak, but she's got a heart.

I wanted to defend her this time because she does not deserve this. She never has and never will.

As confident and strong as I could, I took a deep breath.

"No, Erza. I'm not gonna take your fucking money. I know she's a freak to all of us, but while I've gotten to know her, she's a kindhearted person who did nothing wrong to you or any of us except just live her life. She's a good friend. I'm sure if I was the one paying you this money, you would be the same way I am right now. I'm done with your bet and I'm gonna get to be her friend my way. Go fuck yourself."

I threw the money he gave me right back at him. Bills were flying everywhere, and I was red. He had a look of absolute disgust. In fact, everyone did, besides Garrett. Garrett was smiling just a little bit. I left the cafeteria, embarrassed I even took this bet in the first place and went to go find Kim at her bench.

I heard footsteps coming up behind me and it was Garrett. He had a smile on his face and was really joyful.

He was so happy, he spoke really fast and said, "I am so glad you stood up to Erza. That asshole had it coming to him ever since that bet. If you do manage to invite her to the prom, I will have your back the whole time, alright? I'll get out of here now."

He started running back and I went to find Kim. I just don't think I can come clean to her just yet. I think it would ruin everything I've got right now.

I found her after about 5 minutes of walking around. I pushed the feeling of embarrassment away and walked up to her. Something about not wanting to do with Erza's bet anymore and that I actually know her more now, it felt less awkward to be around her.

"Hey, did you sleep okay?" I asked her.

She smiled at me and wrote in her notebook again.

Yea, I slept quite well. Although I was a little late because of my stupid alarm. That thing goes out every damn morning.

I kept catching myself staring at her eyes. They had a bit of hazel in them. I never noticed that. She also took notice of my staring, and she was blushing a little bit.

I wanted to change the subject before she noticed anything else. I thought about prom.

Without a second thought, I asked, "So, you know how prom is Saturday night. It's okay if you don't want to go because my group is going to be there, I understand. But what do you say? Do you want to go as friends or something?"

She stopped smiling and started writing again.

Listen, I'd love to go to prom with you but I'm afraid you are still around me and are my 'friend' for a different reason. I'm sorry if my questioning sets you off but no one has been as nice as you have this year to me and it's throwing me off.

I felt kind of awful for even giving that suggestion. I didn't even give it a second thought. Before I could even respond, she took her notebook and walked off down the hall into the girl's bathroom. I felt so stupid for even asking that.

Why did you ask her that, I thought to myself, you know how your friends are and you just ask tha-

My thought was cut off as Erza started walking towards me. He seemed kind of pissed off, but I don't know why. Maybe it was because I told him to 'go fuck himself'. Whatever it was, he wasn't happy.

He took a deep breath and said angrily, "So, you think you have the audacity to tell me to 'Go fuck myself' and throw my money in my face and think you can go hang out with that freak like nothing happened? You're insane." he proceeded to get closer in my face and said louder, "Don't show up to prom with her or anywhere else with her. If you do, I'll tell her everything about the bet and ruin this little friendship you've got going with her and you know I will. See you around, pal."

He started walking away and I never felt more fear and anger for a person before. I don't know how he wakes up every day and decides to treat people like Kim or Garrett like utter shit.

At this point, I can only assume I'm not in the group anymore. A part of me was quite hurt. I've known those guys since freshman year. We had been through everything together. I mean, it's not that I completely lost my friends, but they were my only main group. I've got other people to talk to, probably better than Erza.

I left the bench. I didn't want it to be awkward if she heard anything and came out of the bathroom. I started to walk back to the lunchroom and was stopped by Counselor Lincoln. I've never had to go to him for anything. He's a freakishly tall dude, ironically almost as tall as Lincoln. It was quite scary seeing him walking around here.

He bent down to me and commanded me in a stern voice, "Walk with me, Noah."

I don't know what I did to get Lincoln on me, but I listened with no arguing. I'm sure it was something stupid anyway. I started walking with him, wondering what I could've done.

Maybe it was Erza, I thought to myself. He probably ratted me out because I'm treating someone with a heart. I can't believe that kid sometimes.

"You know, Noah, I'm quite proud of you.", he explained, "Kim has been coming to my office happier. She's been describing what happened in her early childhood and just opening up more, with some stuff being a little serious. She still hasn't spoken and continues to write but I don't think she plans to ever speak. I don't know what changed in your heart to be her friend, but I'm proud you're changing your heart, just thought you wanted to know. I always knew you were a good kid deep down."

I didn't know what to expect but it certainly wasn't that. I'm quite glad I've been helping Kim but a part of me feels awful for not being honest about why I'm around her. I need to come clean with her at some point before she finds out on her own. Who knows what Nyx could do if he found out.