The Headturner

The Approach

Chapter Four- The Approach

She reached school a tad bit early. She was sweating a lot by the time she reached school. She rushed directly to the restroom to fix herself a little. She didn't want others to see her sweating like a pig. She didn't want Adam to see her sweating like a pig.

Even after washing her face, Anne could not feel freshened up. She was feeling exhausted and sleepy. When she went to her class, it was empty since it was still early. When other students arrived, she had fallen asleep on her desk. Due to her awkward position, she was snoring.

"Hey look, the pig is here." Someone said and others erupted into laughter. She was woken up by the insult and she was embarrassed at that. She fought back the tears. Suddenly, a spitball came flying at the back of her head. She silently threw it off and before they could throw another one at her, the teacher entered the class, thus ending the torture.

During the class, she could still hear the snickering and teasing but chose to avoid any drama. She could not focus on the lecture but acted like it did not affect her at all. Inside, she was a mess.

By lunch time, her stomach was tumbling like a washing machine. She could not take it anymore. She had to eat something or she would pass out. She was looking around the cafeteria for a place to sit when Adam came up from behind her and had his arms around his shoulder. She literally stopped breathing. What was happening? Did he mistake her for someone else?

Her monologue was broken by his "Hi, what's up?"

"Uh... Hi???"

"So, you on for my party or what?"

"Yes, of course." She glanced at his eyes and looked down quickly as his eyes bore down to her eyes.

"You got my rose?"

"Mmmm.. yeah. I thought it was there by mistake."

"No, why?"

"Why did you put it there?"

"For you. As a gratitude for helping me out." He shrugged. "Why did it surprise you so much?" He asked.

"Because I am fat and ugly and you are magnificently perfect" She wanted to say to him but just said "No reason. It just, was a first time for me."

"No... Really? But why?"

"Have you looked at me? I am not socially popular if you have not noticed."

"What does that have to do with anything? There are many introverts in the world, you know?"

"Well, I'm not one by choice. I'm not accepted at school and if you want to be normal, I suggest you refrain from talking to me."

"It's not up to anyone but me to decide, isn't it?" He crossed his arms. "Why do you think so, anyways?"

"Well, I'm ugly and fat, for starters..." Anne started to explain.

"Well, I think you are cute. You may not be what you call gorgeous, but you are cute."

"......."

"Come, let's eat."

He pulled her arms and took her to the table where his friends were sitting. They looked with an amused expression towards her. The boys however gave a knowing smile as they approached the table.

"Hi guys."

"Hi, who is this?" Tanya, the only girl in the group, asked, extending her hand towards her.

"Hi, I'm Anne." she shook Tanya's hand and addressed the group, feeling awkward at being acknowledged like that.

"A new addition to our group." Adam announced.

"So, are you coming to the party?" Tanya asked.

"Yes, I guess."

"I was going shopping for dresses for the party, if you wanna tag along."

"When?"

"Tomorrow evening."

"Uh.. sure..." She regretted as soon as she said. She was scared of being made fun of.