Half A Heart

Chapter Five

I entered the school feeling weightless. Brand new week and a brand new me and I let go of the heavy back pack from all the problems I had during the last week with Glenn. Edward and I decided to take things slow but he still calls and texts me every night and we are starting to get to know each other. He was a basketball varsity player in his high school and he chose this school because he was offered a scholarship program in exchange he will play under the school's varsity team. 

I never pegged Edward as a basketball player. He just looks like a normal student with a normal academic standing. He goes to school in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans unlike other varsity players who goes to school in a super styled waxed hair, expensive Nike shoes, and a varsity jacket screaming I-am-a-star-player-who-brings-honor-to-this-school-worship-me. Edward is just effortlessly handsome and cute. 

Edward is kind and caring but sometimes he's a bit confident with what he wants. He uses his jokes and confidence to conceal his true self. Sometimes I think he cares more about what's between us than me as a person. But I am so happy to witness both sides of Edward. I guess all people also conceals their true selves, even me. I might look happy and funny but on the other side I am sad, I am still coping up with all the damages I had. It may not look like I've been hurt that much but that's how I protect myself, I sometimes hide what's in here.

Edward told me this is his first day of training with the varsity team so I decided to check him out at the court. As I enter the court I saw a lot of girls in different groups all over the court. I saw Sandy with never before seen girls, I guess they came from another course. I was about to approach her when she saw me and glared at me like she wants to kill me. But I still insisted to approach her thinking there's nothing wrong between us. When I was in front of her and I opened my mouth they stood up and Sandy bumped me.

"Fag.." She said and the other girls laughed.

What the hell just happened? I was so shocked and for the first time I felt scared by myself. I never experienced bullying when I was in high school and especially, I was never called "Fag" before. I just sat down at the bleachers staring at the floor trying hard not to look so scared.

"Hey!"

"Ian!"

"HEY!" Someone threw a towel at me.

"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost or something that has to involve death???" Edward said from the bottom of the bleachers.

"Oh. Hi. N-Nothing I w-was thinking about something." I said while stuttering.

"Oh well. Practice is over, wait for me I'll just get changed and freshen up then let's go to the classroom." He said.

"Sure." I threw the towel back.

I don't know what to do at the moment. I've seen this in movies before, popular guy liked a nobody kind of girl, popular girls enters and makes our lives like a living hell. It's really hard when you're already in the situation, plus I am not a girl which makes it more complicated.

"Hey! Let's go!" Edward snapped on my face.

While we were walking our way to our classroom which is in the other building, 4th floor. I keep on thinking why did Sandy call me "Fag" and why does she look like mad at me. If ever I did something wrong to her, I shouldn't be bullied like that, gays shouldn't be bullied, never. Edward keeps on talking about his experience during the practice but I can't process most of it.

"You know what, my teammates are so friendly! I really feel like I belong!" Edward said.

"Oh really, that's good." I said.

"I met a new friend, he's also a rookie like me. He's funny too, I'll introduce you to him next time. His name is Nathan." He said.

"Ah, sure."