Better Beginnings 💞

2 - Behind the Mask

Lake View High School held a special place in my heart, despite its flaws. It was the one place where I felt seen, where I had friends who mattered.

You see, while most people cherished the comfort of their homes, I dreaded mine. It was like stepping into a war zone, with my parents constantly at odds with each other. And Adelaide, my sister, was no help either – she was too wrapped up in her own world to care about anyone else.

At home, I was invisible, a mere afterthought. But at Lake View High School, things were different. People noticed me there. They paid attention to what I said and did. So, I often skipped school just to bask in the attention I craved.

Yes, I'll admit it – I was an attention seeker. But can you blame me? After years of being ignored at home, I needed validation from somewhere. And that's where Liam, Carter, and Victor came in. My loyal companions who stuck by me through thick and thin. I should have been grateful for their friendship, but sometimes, I couldn't help but feel like I deserved it. After all, wasn't I the most popular – and supposedly heartless – boy in school? But contrary to popular belief, I did have a heart; I just preferred not to show it.

Sure, plenty of girls liked me and showered me with attention. But there was one girl who hadn't even spared me a second glance – Sadie, or Sadie Lily, as she preferred to be called. There was something about her that intrigued me, despite my lack of romantic interest. She was different, mysterious in her own way.

People often questioned why I didn't have a girlfriend, but the truth was, I hadn't found the right one – someone who would accept me for who I truly was. But maybe girls like that only existed in fairy tales.

As I returned to school after a three-day absence, I found the boys gathered in front of the building.

"What's up, guys?" I greeted them, trying to mask my inner turmoil.

"Hey Noah, we were just talking about the football match next week," Liam replied, breaking the tension.

"I heard you won't be playing in it," Victor said, disappointment evident in his voice.

"Sadly, no. I have to go somewhere that day," I answered, deliberately keeping some things mysterious.

"We'll surely lose without you," Carter said, sounding crestfallen.

"Don't worry, you guys will kill it. Anyway, I have to go. History class is calling," I said, eager to change the subject.

"Dude, why did you even take history? Who studies that?" Liam asked, unknowingly hitting a nerve.

"Sadie does," I blurted out absentmindedly, instantly regretting it.

"Dude, Sadie Williams, seriously? The first time you check out a girl, and it's her. Couldn't find anyone better?" Carter teased, oblivious to my discomfort.

"Shut up, Carter. This topic ends here," I said, feeling awkward, and quickly made my escape. Why did I mention her name? It was a question that plagued my mind as I hurried off to class, hoping to put the embarrassing moment behind me.