Hated

Lightning Speed School Day

    Pulling out the chair next to Heather, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see Daren, but before I could say hi he picks me up and twirls me around. He gives me a kiss and walks back over to his table by the time the teacher comes in. I knew everyone had seen us, but I didn't care. I just felt so happy to have him back in my life.

*****

    I spaced out all of art thinking of Daren and I, though I don't think a single kid, nor teacher, noticed. I go to lunch, not bothering to sit next to Heather today. Instead, I follow Daren to his table of jocks, even if I didn't belong. After a small conversation between Daren and his friends, they start talking to me.
    I don't bother to listen to what they have to say, just smile and nod when they look in my direction. It doesn't take them very long to know I'm not in the mood for talking. They don't seem to be bothered by it. It's probably better if I didn't make a fool of myself, anyways.
    We get called to get lunch, but I stay behind. Daren and his friends seem slightly confused, but they still don't ask. I guess they don't want to know anyone else's business. Or maybe Daren already told them enough about me.
    Lunch goes by so slowly as I stare off into nowhere. Nothing goes on in my head, not even the voices. Even if the guys were talking to me, I didn't notice. It sounded like a cold winter night when all you can hear is the crickets chirping and the leaves falling. Expect in my world, there are no crickets and no trees. It's only the snow on the ground and dark sky above my head.

*****

    The rest of school ends faster than it started. School use to seem to take forever; start to finish. It's only been three days of the seventh grade, and I feel like I can already look into the future. I can see myself in the eighth grade. Hell, even the ninth grade. Dancing at the prom with Daren, holding hands, hugging, even kissing when nobody's looking.    The bell rings after last hour and everyone rushes out into the hallway. I have never been the type to rush out of school, though I hate this hellhole. It's still better than talking to my mother. The less conversation I have with her, the better.    I take a good five minutes just packing up my stuff, then stroll through the hallways until I get to my locker, where Daren stands.    "You sure do take your sweet time." Daren smirks and leans up against the locker next to mine. I bust in my combo, grab my stuff, and slam it shut again.    "What do you want, Daren?" I ask, walking back down the stairs.    "So that's how you are going to treat me? What happened to our moment we shared in art class?"    "Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot. Why, honey, were you here waiting for me?" I give a hard smile and continue walking.    "Well now that you ask, I was actually wondering if you wanted to go out on a date?" We stop at the end of the stairs. "I'm serious."    "Where would we go, we are only thirteen. It's not like you can set up reservations at a fancy dinner place." He continues walking as I follow close behind him.    "I was thinking more like going to the park, but if you want a fancy place, I will try as hard as I can." The less food, the better.    "Sounds good to me. When did you plan this 'date'?"    "Today. Right now in fact." We continue walking until we make it to the door.    "Right now? My mom is waiting for me. And my brother as well, probably." I hold up a finger and walk around to the parking lot. Looking around for my moms car without luck, I return to Daren.    I push the awkward time envelope by contemplating going with Daren. "Well. I have nothing to lose anyways."