The look behind those tired eyes

Chapter three - For those who stick around

Rookie Chandler

Yeah...I walked home that night. Mia was what you can call a not-so-happy-camper the next day at School. Apparently some guy had stood up for me—which, why on earth would someone do that?! Nobody knows me, nobody likes me from what I'm constantly reminded of every day, and I have no friends! What's there to stick up for? Everyone here literally calls me a nobody, the odd kid, or the loner that sits in the Library to eat his lunch and read.

Speaking of all of that; I currently am reading.

Call me a nerd, but I find peace in books. They remind me that I'm not entirely alone in this world and they tend to teach me quite a few things about the universe and the people in it. I get so lost in them that I barely hear if someone is talking to me, books are just simply that good.

Like right now...

"Hey, you're that Rookie kid, right? The one with the really hot girlfriend?" The guy asking me was named Callum. I wasn't quite fond of him calling my girlfriend hot, but I'm too much of a wimp to say anything. So, here I was, frozen in place. I simply nodded, not too sure what else to do. "Yeah. Y-you could say that," I stuttered, pathetically, may I add. Callum grinned like he was planning some devious plan to take her from me. If he did, then that's less stress for me, honestly. "Well, that's all I needed to know. See you nerd." And he was gone. What could he possibly want that information for? I wondered in my head.

She sure wasn't one to say she's someone to stick around for you.

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I was walking home from School while the wind blew leaves off of trees, the sun was shining down on everyone as they either stood in it or walked in it. The temperature wasn't so bad, either. In fact, it was perfect.

It wasn't long after that I got a text from my Mom,

Mom:
Honey, can you please pick Hillary up? I'm stuck at work, sorry Hun. Promise I will make it up to you!!!

I chuckled at the sudden text. My Mom was one of those laid back kind of Moms. She was a pretty cool woman if I say so myself, but maybe I'm just bias.

Doing as I was asked; I was currently at Hillary's elementary school to pick her up. All of the parents and guardians were waiting around, just like I was, for their children to come out. Some came out with beaming smiles while others looked down. I felt bad for them, they reminded me of myself when I was young and felt alone at School. I always was a loner.

Hillary came out with the brightest smile she could ever wear. She was only six, but that girl sure had a bubbly personality that could brighten up someone's day. She was also my biggest supporter.

"Rookie!!" She cheered once she saw my standing figure. I shot her a smile which, somehow, got me a more bigger and brighter one in return from the beaming little lady. She was so precious. I was glad I had her as a sister. "Hey Hills. How was School?" I asked her once she was close enough. "It was good! I made a new friend!" She lunged at me in a hug, chanting about her new friend. "That's good, Hills. What's your friend's name?"

"Stella! She has a brother that goes to your School!"

No matter who it was, Hillary always made sure someone was included. Whether it be a simple conversation, or a little hangout at recess. A little bubble of sunshine, she was. But her mentioning that her new friend's brother goes to my School made me quirk up a bit. It was not a nice feeling. "Who?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic but just sounded weak and afraid. Shit.

"Umm." She tapped her chin with her head tilted in a thinking manner. "Oh! His name is Will." Will Vinny, I don't hope.