The World is Ugly, but You are Beautiful to Me

Chapter 5

I wake up without a groan for the first time in years. I never find any pleasure in school. It's more like torture.

But today, it's different. I don't retreat inside the covers of my warm bed. In fact, I jump out and take a quick shower. Then I change into one of my new outfits.

Today is my chance. My chance to bond with someone without them knowing my past.

I sprint down the stairs, skipping the last four and landing with a loud thud. I hope I didn't wake my mum.

After gulping down my breakfast and packing my school bag, I realize I still have twenty minutes to spare. At first the thought is comforting, but after a while, I become anxious. I pull out my phone, but suddenly remember I never got Logan's number. I curse under my breath.

I instead decide to text Madison. Madison is what you could call my friend. She's there for me through little things, like when I forget homework. She's always my partner at school and goes places with me. But that's nothing compared to what I do to her. I help her with everything. And when something actually gets hard for me, Madison just blocks me out. On top of all this, I can't tell her anything. It'll spill in a matter of seconds.

So, technically, we aren't very close.

I still decide to text her. I send her a text reading, "hey."

She doesn't respond. The typical Madison. Trying to act popular. She should know it will never happen.

I sigh and steal a glance at the clock. Five more minutes. Finally. I get on my coat and shoes, then exit my house.

There's nothing wrong with being early, right?

When I reach the stop, I find there is someone waiting. Their face comes into view and I realize it's Logan. I almost forgot he's on my bus.

Seeing his handsome face makes me completely forget about Madison.

"Hello," Logan greets me.

My stomach starts to freak out, from both the stunning boy in front of me and the fact of going back to school.

"Hey," I smile.

The bus pulls up beside us before he even gets to reply. Once I take a seat next to him, Logan whispers, "I'm scared."

I look over at him. The fear in his eyes is quite obvious. "Don't be. I'll guide you around. And I'm sure you'll make friends right away." I reassure him.

The fright dims, but it's still lingering in Logan's green orbs.

"You can do this," I murmur.

We reach the school and I begin to lead Logan to the main office. Many stares are being thrown our way, questioning looks of why I would ever be with a guy and who he even is. These glares just make Logan more terrified.

He reaches out for my hand. I glance at him, to make sure he's serious.

Logan blushes and pulls his hand back, thinking I didn't want it. But I do want it, so I reach back out for his hand and grasp it in mine, giving it an encouraging squeeze.

He smiles and we make our way inside the warmth of school. I drag him to the main office and introduce him. We receive his schedules and other various papers. I skim over his list of classes and find that Logan is in four of them. I squeal as I tell him.

Logan beams at me. "That's great!" He says.

My life may actually get better, I tell myself. This is it. This is my chance.