I'm Here

Chapter 13: The Audition

The hallways were quiet. It truly was relaxing. Everyone stared at me, but instead of harsh glares, it was gentle smiles and sympathetic looks.

I opened my locker. I saw a little more than a dozen notes written and packed in. Each one included some sort of apology. It warmed my heart that people took a step back and realized it wasn’t me who said those things. They were finally leaving me alone.

I closed the door and a few feet away I saw someone who had helped me tremendously. It was Jack. He was taking to some friends I was assuming. He left them and started walking towards me. Jack gave me a grin.

I started walking up to him and we met in the middle of the hallway. Before he could say anything, I pulled him into a tight hug. His height was definitely an advantage over me, but I went on my tip-toes to hold him close.

“Whoa, hey.” Jack said, surprised by my gesture.

I let go of him and smiled. “Hi.”

“What was that for?” Jack asked.

“That was for everything. You spoke to me when no one would. You’re a really great friend and you told everyone that it wasn’t me. Because of you, I’m not being picked on anymore. I just want to say thank you.”

A humble smile spread across Jack’s face. “It was nothing.”

“No, it was everything. Thank you.” I replied.

“I just couldn’t stand to see someone getting bullied when they didn’t deserve it.” Jack said as his smile grew.

I wanted to kiss him. It was bad for me to think of such thoughts because of my relationship with Louis, but Jack was being really great. It took every ounce of my body to not lunge myself forward. I could say it was the heat of the moment. No I couldn’t. I was a terrible person. That would be cheating on Louis and I’m not that kind of girl.

Instead, I went in for another hug. I felt his arms wrap around my waist while I had my arms around his neck.

“I have my talent show audition during lunch today. Do you want to watch?” Jack asked while pulling away from the hug.

I nodded with a smile. I was actually excited.

“Great! I’ve got to go, but come to the music room during lunch.”

“See you then.” I said as he walked away.

I was forcing myself not to develop a crush on him, but I think I had a small one. I pushed the feelings from my mind and focused on Louis and how great he has been. My heart warmed at the thought. Jack was gone from my mind, so that was good.

***

Hailey came up to me at the end of third period. She looked extremely depressed and her eyes were swollen as if she had been crying.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I had a great time with Harry the other night, but he said he doesn’t want to see me anymore. He ‘broke up’ with me last night.” Hailey cried.

I see Louis spoke to Harry.

“I’m sorry, Hailey. That’s terrible.” I sounded sympathetic.

“I don’t know what I did wrong. Oh, and I’m not in the talent show anymore. I left the group.” She said.

That was unexpected. “Why did you leave?” I asked.

“Ashley thought I was overreacting about the whole situation. Mary told me to grow-up and focus. I told them it would be best for our friendship if I left, so they are doing it on their own. She was acting like such a mean person, though.”