Bad News

"At least you got him to talk to you!", Saphy elbowed me as we were collecting our books from our locker. "I guess," was my reply. But i was still shaken by what Jason had said...'Bad News' what does that mean? Shaking my head, I walked into class.

The next morning, as I walked down the corridor, I passed Jason. I tried to subtly catch his attention but he was fumbling with his phone again, a defeated expression on his face.

At lunch time I strolled over to him, not as nervous as yesterday, but slightly hurt that he hadn't made an effort to acknowledge our last conversation. This time, he looked up as he heard my footsteps nearing him, and smiled at me! Thats right! Im talking actual facial movement. "Oh its you again." He said playfully. "Haha am I bothering you? I can go away if you want?", I replied back. His face automatically fell and he replied seriously, "No, stay. Please?"

I squinted shyly at him and perched on the wall beside his skateboard. Silence grew over us, but it wasn't awkward. I actually found it relieving and enjoyed his quiet company.

After a couple of minutes passed I ventured some questions, careful not to upset him again like yesterday. "You know, I hardly know anything about you." He looked slightly taken aback but didn't hesitate when replying, "Well , I hate it here. Always have done. I didn't used to be like this; aloof, rude, always alone. I used to be happy but my parents soon sorted that out." He paused, swallowed, and squinted into the sun. A few moments passed where I didn't say anything, urging him to go on but a faraway shout from the nearby football game seemed to bring him back to earth, and he swiftly twisted his body towards me, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bum you out like that. I've never told anyone that before."

I smiled gratefully at him and said, "It's okay I understand. I guess you don't know much about me either?"

He raised his eyebrows at me, "I know more than you think. You make friends easily - everyone here loves you...the complete opposite to me." I had no idea he thought that about me and he must have seen my astounded expression as he shrugged and said, "I may not say a lot. But I notice."