The next day wasn’t much better. Actually, much worse. I walk to school as usual with Dylan. Hand in hand, we gaze into each other’s eyes and clasp our hands together, only imagining our future. I stop to stare at what I thought was Mr. Herrit – but it was Dylan’s dad (thank god!) I hold Dylan’s hands tighter until he stares at me as if to say what are you doing Sally? Let go! I let go and feel disappointment fill up in my chest. I find it hard to breath, stumbling upon my words Dylan holds me up so I don’t fall over. As we arrive at the gates, we part our ways and reunite in lessons and throughout the day. Finally that school day was over for now. I went home with Dylan and got changed, and then we (Dylan, Christine, Gemma and Dylan’s ‘friends’) went down to the park. We sat down and watched the boys play football, all the girls just sat there gossiping, enjoying the sun and warmth and joining in occasionally if the football came close. We were all having fun until my whole body went into shut-down mode.
‘Sally? You’re really discoloured, are you OK?’ Dylan rushes by my side. I grimace and stop still. I scrunch my eyes up and open my mouth with horror. Mr. Herrit was at the opposite side of the field, taking pictures with his camera – of us! Of kids! Of me! The realisation talks over my body, I gasp for air before Mr. Herrit spots me and takes yet another picture.
‘That’s vile. Why is he doing that?’ I think to myself (at least I thought I said it in my head)
‘Oh uhhmm… sorry Sally…’ Dylan whispers, as he takes his hand off of my leg.
‘Oh, no. Not you!’ I shudder. ‘I’m just gonna check over there be back in a sec’ I stumble.
I walk slowly towards Mr. Herrit. I sure hope he doesn’t see me this time… I put my hands on my curved eyebrows, to keep out the sun. Mr. Herrit disappeared. Oh no! I’ve lost track of him, where is he now? I wonder around, but find nothing. No trace of footstep. Nothing. I skip back to where everyone was. No one had even noticed I had gone! I smile at everyone and relax feeling bliss. Mr. Herrit pasts the group, but ‘accidentally’ (on purpose) dropped his wallet. He bent down to pick it up, brushing against my hand doing so. I was uncomfortable as he spoke.
‘Oh hello… Sally’ He paused. Taking a glance at Dylan who was frowning furiously (I told him about Mr. Herrit) I suddenly remembered what mum had said ‘Sally. Stay away from Mr. Herrit okay? You hear me now? I’m being serious. I don’t want you to get hurt hunnie…’ I took my mum’s words and quickly stood up.
‘I uhhmm… I have to go, I’ll see you guys later OK?’ I burst.
But before anyone had time to say something, me and Dylan were rushing and before we know it, we’re back at our own houses.
Heaving, I pull my drawer and slip into my pyjamas to relax. I go downstairs, grab my tub of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream (cookie dough), a tea spoon and a blanket, I snuggle up watching TV (Eastenders which I had recorded earlier) and ate my ice cream happily, with no care in the world.
I turn on my bedroom light, and as per usual Mr. Herrit was looking up at me. Staring. But this time… There was something… rather, odd about it…
