Tricky Heart (Wattys 2024)(English)

Chapter 9 - The center of attention

The infirmary corridor is filled with people. I walk through the crowd.

A blond girl waves to me. "See you on Saturday."

Who is this girl? Where have I seen her before?
When in doubt, it's best to say hello.
I give a wry smile and raise my hand with some uncertainty. I don't even know if she noticed it, but I think that half-smile saw it.

I keep walking and pass between two boys. One has curly black hair and looks at me as if he wants to say hello. His body is projected toward me. I think he wants to come and talk.
The other, with blond hair, smiles.
Neither of them approaches. Just as well.
I pass them, I didn't even get a good look at their faces anyway. I have already forgotten what they looked like.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice that other people are staring at me.
Or at least it seems to me. I want to figure it out without being noticed, but I see them shaded and I should turn around to focus on them better.
Maybe they are looking at me because of the cigarette thing in the bathroom.

I feel a little embarrassed.
I don't like being the center of attention so much.
I walk a little with my head down and pretend I don't care.

In front of me, I recognize Jasmine and Nicole: they smile as if they have seen an angel.

"Hi." Nicole enthusiastically swings her bracelets toward me.

I stop. "Hi, girls."

"Hi." Jasmine gives me a quick hug. "Is there a friend of yours in the nurse's office?"

"Yes, Karol."

"What happened to her? Rumor has it that she broke her arm."

Is the bullshit faster than light in this school?

"Maybe she broke her finger."

Jasmine shakes her head. "Ah, okay! Chloe's news is always wrong. She wouldn't say one right!"

"Who is Chloe?"

"You'll meet her at the party. Anyway, I don't know if it bothers you, but we've been telling around the cigarette story."

No kidding!

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yes, but we talked about it well. You've become a champion of justice."

Of course. I'm Walkgirl!

"In fact, I've noticed people are kind of staring at me." I look around and two girls gasp. "I've become a celebrity now." I sketch a smile.

Nicole strokes her hair. "You don't have to thank us."

I don't think I would have!

Jasmine looks around. "You'll soon get used to it. By now, we don't pay attention."

Actually, I don't remember ever seeing them more than a couple of times, so they didn't have to endure my gaze.

"My friend is inside, I should go-"

"Hi, I'm David?"
Where have I heard that name before?

I turn toward the voice and a tall guy with brown eyes and wavy brown hair is standing in front of me. He holds out his hand to introduce himself.

I hold out mine. "Nice to meet you. I'm Martha."

I look at the two girls, and Jasmine has her arms folded. Her eyes are half-closed. "David, don't disturb my friend Martha!"

If she had the power to shoot laser beams from her eyes, she would have already charred him.

"I'm not disturbing anyone. I simply introduced myself."