The World is Ugly, but You are Beautiful to Me

Chapter 2

   “So shouldn’t you be at a party or something? It is New Year’s Eve, you know,” Logan says. 

        It is? Actually, I didn’t know. I shrug. “Why aren’t you?” I counter. 

        “I just moved here last week. I don’t know anybody. But you seem to have no excuse. You look like you could go anywhere.” Logan explains.

        I blush slightly. “Thanks, I guess. I don't really hang out over break.” I state. 

        “Oh… So, what are you working on?” He asks, gesturing towards my laptop. 

        “Oh, nothing really.” It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I don’t want Logan to know I’m a nerd that spends their time writing, especially since he already figured out I have only a couple in-school friends. 

        “I don’t believe you. Can I see?” He questions. 

        I don’t want to give him permission. “Um, I don’t know…” I start. 

        “Come on, it can’t be that bad.” He insists, coming over to my side of the table, pulling over his chair. 

        I start to object, but know it’s pointless, since Logan already started reading. His eyes dart about the screen. 

        “Wow,” He says, “this is really good. How’d you think of this?” 

        My eyes fall to the ground. How am I going to tell him that this story is true? 

        Logan seems to understand the movement. “Oh, um, nevermind. It really is good, though. You should keep it up.” He smiles his amazing smile once again. 

        I almost fall into a trance. “Thanks, I’ll try.” 

        We sit there in a peaceful silence for a while, until Logan brings up a new conversation. “So you’re going to South Hampstead High School, right?” he asks. 

        “Yes,” I reply, “are you?” 

        He nods.

        “Great, I’ll see you there! Maybe I can help you get around.” I suggest. 

        “That sounds nice. Now I’ll know someone when I get there,” Logan agrees.

        I can’t hold in my smile. There’s no doubt he’s in my grade, I can easily tell he’s sixteen, like me. Now I’ll actually have a real friend when I go back.