VALERIE
Today was my last day of school before I started the private lessons dad had arranged for me to have at home.
The bullying had become too much. The constant insults, jibes, taunting, they were all too much. This was the third school I'd been transferred to and it was as bad as the old ones.
“I don't understand how they could allow such people in the school. This is unacceptable!”
“She’s not even that pretty.”
“She’s bad luck.”
“She’s mute what do you expect?”
I ignored my classmates. I was sitting alone since no one wanted to sit with the mute girl. I was okay with that. I wanted to be alone. I didn't want to talk. I wouldn't be able to bring myself to even if I tried.
The door opened and a guy stepped in. He was short with black hair and freckles across his face. His eyes were green and so pretty. He looked shy as he walked in.
“Class, today we have a new student. Hey, why don't you introduce yourself?” The class teacher said.
“H-Hey everyone, I’m Theo Machiavelli. I...
I lost interest. He was cute but as always he would come to hate me. I picked up my pencil and began to write in my journal.
I smiled in satisfaction when I was done. I loved writing. It calmed me.
“That’s a beautiful poem but so depressing.”
The comment had me startled as I turned to see the new guy peering into my book. I closed it, embarrassed and a little angry at the invasion of my privacy.
He smiled sheepishly. “I’m Theo.”
His accent was thick. Italian? Besides what was he doing sitting with me? They'd hate him if he sat with me. I could feel the burning gazes of my hateful classmates. If looks could kill...
When I didn't answer, his expression fell. “I thought they were lying but it's true. You don't talk.”
My heart dropped. Not you too. When he first came in I thought he'd be different but I was mistaken.
“But I still want to be your friend. You're so pretty.”
I was surprised. He still wanted to hang out with me? I blushed and he smirked. My palms suddenly became sweaty.
“Valerie. Theo. Please pay attention. You can talk later.” The teacher, I've forgotten her name, said.
I blushed again. He winked and stared straight at the board while I couldn't pay attention. I was giddy all of a sudden. I stared at his face.
It hurt that I wouldn't be seeing him anymore. We would've been great friends. The period ended with my thoughts in chaos. For the first time I didn't want to leave, to disappear.
He turned to me, his expression full of excitement. I smiled shyly.
“Theo don't sit with her, sit with us instead.” One of the mean girls in class said, standing beside his table. Her eyes narrowed at me and I looked down, not wanting to be picked on.
“No. I like where I'm sitting.” He said, surprising me.
The girl huffed and left. He turned to me. He took my hand and I blushed.
