Julia

Chapter 5

After a month.

It has been a month since the first day of school. I made new friends, got closer to my classmates, and joined the school's journalism club. I told my old friends about Julia. They were interested and happy.

I never told the girls in my class, especially Julia. It was not long until one of the girls in my class, Cassey, told me that Julia already had a boyfriend. And so I kept my feelings hidden. I didn't want to confess and get framed for trying to steal Julia away from her boyfriend.

So I smiled at that information, acting happy or surprised even though I was disappointed. But that didn't stop me from waiting for her. Or at least maybe I might have a chance.

After a couple of months, 2nd quarter.

I had gotten close with everyone, but my closest was her. Me and Julia were almost stuck to the hip. Although she was sitting on the other side of the room, that didn't stop me from looking in her direction.

Me and her would walk around the hallway, our arms intertwined or resting on each other's shoulders while walking. We'd go to the science lab where we would hang out with our science teacher.

We would laugh, she would talk to me, and tell me about herself. I knew some things about her, her father had another family somewhere in the country, and it was only her, her mom, and her mom's family. I pitied her for not being able to experience a father's presence, but my concern slightly faded when she told me that her father pays child support.

It's the least he could do.

I also observed something about Julia. She was straightforward about the truth. Very unexpected. Yet, I didn't complain. I find it funny and endearing.

'Lex' that was the nickname I got from her. And she was the only one that called me that.

I didn't mind. Because it was her.

3rd quarter.

One of my favorite memories was when everyone stayed in one corner of the room and lay on each other on the floor, while the room was dark and there was no class. I felt safe and comforted. I didn't experience that in my old school.

Everyone is lying on each other's laps or arms while on our phones. I remembered lying beside her or sometimes her lying on my lap.

She and her boyfriend had just broken up a couple of weeks ago because her boyfriend cheated on her with 2 or 3 other girls.

I felt a little pity but I was happy that finally I had a chance to confess.

But then she sat up and turned to the other girls, as she announced.

"Guys, I'm back with Carlos."

She spoke, a smile plastered on her face as the girls quickly sat up with a smile and shocked faces.

And my smile slightly dropped.

Guess I was wrong. I guess I have to wait a little longer.

She and the girls would talk about how, why, and when about the whole unexpected information.

I sat there listening, looking at her eyes and her smile.

She looked so happy. I like seeing her smile. If it meant hurting my feelings.

And I continued to wait.