No one knows what love is (#1)

10. Life has things to look forward to - Hunter

I grew up in my mother’s hands. It wasn’t always easy but we managed to make it this far right? It has been 2 days since I got here, meaning it’s my 3rd day here. We got invited for dinner again, this time Mom’s coming along. It’s already 4 in the afternoon, dinner starts at 7, but I could go over any time I liked. Mom’s not coming home till it’s 6. Flashes of my previous life entered my mind. Kindergarten, primary school…… I have grown up quite a bit since those days. Now standing at 171cm, at the age of 15, my body is built like a swimmer’s. Broad shoulders and a small waist help to create the streamlined body shape in the water that I see today.

Who am I? That’s an interesting question. How people see you and who you are two different questions. The impression others have on you is just an image, an image that is fake in a sense. You can show people who they want to see but it’s hard to stay true to yourself. Contrary to popular believe, I don’t like ‘hanging out’ with large groups of people. A few is fine but imagine 5 people surrounding you. It suffocates you. Back in primary school, I was apparently the most popular kid in school. My classmates would always stay by my side during school and I even created the ‘popular table’. I hated how people saw me but I just couldn’t do anything.

I complained to my Mom a few times, saying that my classmates hang out with me too much. Note the use of classmates and not friends. I did try to make friends though, however at the end of the day, I am the one walking home alone, the one struggling with homework in the corner. Do you know how it feels like to have everything but have nothing at all? I had the perfect school life, perfect grades, good achievements…but I also don’t have real friends, no one I could really talk to. That’s the truth behind the image.  I took out my smartphone and looked into my contact list, it was empty.

I took a little nap and I awoke to the door opening. I guess my Mom’s home. I looked up to see the time, it’s 6.30. Almost time for dinner.

“Hunter, you do know that we are going over to Jordan’s later right?” My mom walked into the living room. I got up from the couch and stretch a little.

“Sure Mom, How can I forget?” I replied her with a hint of sarcasm. She just shook her head and smiled to herself while walking up the stairs. I let out a chuckle and proceeded to my bedroom to change my clothes.