Fixing Up Valerie

The TattleTale and Three Stooges - 12

"How about you boys do me a favor and make room for Valerie to pass? Yeah?"
I stopped pushing once I recognized who's voice it was.
Please anybody but you. I turned around slowly and my eyes immediately met his. My stomach began to feel queasy again.
Caleb.

Suddenly like the guys were mesmerized by Caleb they moved out of the way for me. I mumbled a small 'thank you' and walked back to my desk with face hanging down. I was pretty sure my cheeks were turning red because of that embarrassing encounter. I've felt useless before but this gave it a whole other view-- how dare he tell them off for me?

Once I gathered the strength to face the class, I looked up from the desk. The boys who once were standing like buffoons had sat back down to their seats. I gazed back at the door where Caleb was, but he no longer was there. "Looking for someone?" I jumped at the sound of his voice dangerously close to my ear. "Whatever."

Eventually the idiotic teacher came back claiming he had to do something. He began talking about the assignment for the class and that was my cue to do the assigned work he gave to Caleb and I. We had the choice to work together, but of course I declined. "Psst." Is all I would hear every once in a while, at first it was easy to ignore Caleb but he was making it difficult after the 50th time. I turned to look at him and asked him what he wanted. "Okay first off, I was really worried that you weren't coming back but you are and I'm so relieved. And why are you ignoring me did I do something?" He seriously looked so stupid, like he had no clue. It's been pretty obvious why I did what I was doing-- just not obvious enough for Caleb.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair.
"Look, I don't know what kind of games your playing but please stop. You already know about my parents, personal problems, so why don't you just hang out with those other kids who won't stop staring at me?-" Caleb tried interrupting me off but I cut him off, "they know already because of you, I don't care if you get to boss around every kid at school but you're not gonna do anymore shit with me." Caleb's eyes widened but before he could say anymore I looked back at my assignment and continued to work.

"Look whatever you think of me, your wrong. I'm not some bully and I'm not going to spill your problems for a reputation-- I already got one. But clearly you haven't heard of me yet," I stop writing and look up to Caleb. Haven't heard of him yet? Already has a reputation? Who have I been talking to ..?
Caleb noticed how I was looking at him in a different way-- shocked. "Nononono, not like that. It's just that I'm the offices aid and also the captain of baseball."

I decided to discontinue my work and listen to Caleb explain. Turns out the principal really likes him because of his perfect 4.0 and has him as a little spy; if there's ever a fight,drama, or drugs and Caleb knows about it he reports it to her. So basically if those 3 stooges didn't want to leave me alone they'd have a visit with the principal. Then he started talking about baes ball and how he loves it. He looked exactly like a enthusiastic kid talking about something that happened. After he was done I asked him why everyone was staring at me if they didn't know about my problems. Caleb immediately started turning pink and scratched the back of his neck.
"Well you see, when you weren't here last Monday I flipped out thinking you were worse than I thought. . So I ran to the office asking when you'd be coming back and all that, turns out a few students heard me."

He wanted to know when I would be back. He asked about me-- he cares. I smiled how he thought of me but then I remembered who I was. Before I could reply back to him the bell rung and I shoved everything into my backpack and ran out the class. 11:45 am Lunch, finally.
I head to the office to see Carol I almost reached the door until someone pulled my arm and took me away from the office. I look at the person who was yanking me away and taking me outside, Caleb, of course it's him.

I tried pulling myself away from him but of course he's stronger and holds on to me. Everyone that we pass by immediately stop what their doing-- whether it's eating or walking-- just to look at us. I hate myself for not being strong and that I'm here following Caleb like a lost puppy. I shout his name only loud enough for both of us to hear but yet he doesn't look back to me. He let's go of my hand for a millisecond and grabs my wrist, exactly where my skin was slashed. I immediately feel it stinging since he still had put a bunch of pressure on it. I land on my knees making contact with the pavement. Caleb turns to look at me- still holding onto me, "Caleb let go of me, NOW!" He looks down where his hand lies and let's go of me. "Valerie I'm sorry I-I just want-wanted tto talk to you I, I really didn't mean to hurt you, honestly!" He bended down to my level and helped me get up, "it's fine, it's my own fault for that hurting. What is you want to talk to me about? I really just want to be alone."
Caleb backs away from me and just stares.

"But you're always alone."