Blind To Your Love

You Gotta Get Out There

Clover🍀

Report cards came out today in first period. I got straight A's across the paper. I was surprised when Mrs. Walwright told me, and she also told me that I might be interested in joining the chess club, because she's seen me play.

A few days ago Kiki told me to be more social. I agreed to this, only because I noticed that I flinch whenever I'm in contact with anyone. I couldn't so much as brush past anyone's arm without doing a double take.

"Clover, I've noticed you're really anti-social."

"You think? I've been homeschooled all my life."

"Well, you have a point, but there is no excuse now, you've been here for almost two months. You gotta get out there."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you come off as boring, the other day they invited you to a party, and you said no!"

"So, you're just telling me to go to places with other people, if I'm invited?"

"Yeah!"

"Hm...(my moment of realization) fine."

So, a few days ago me and Max were invited by Terry to go drink some Starbucks. I've tried it before, just not the biggest fan of coffee. I'm also talking to Max again, since he made it clear that he didn't tell his friend to tell me to stay away from him.

In Geometry, I was packing up and heard a disturbing conversation between Melissa and Erin.

"Melissa, you wanna come to my sister's bachelorette party? It's gonna be awesome."

"Best not, if Max found out, he'd probably be pissed at me."

"Must be nice having somebody to do stuff for you at your every desire, or not really, it sounds terrible now that I think of it."

"Ugh, having a boyfriend sucks. He's so clingy and I swear if it wasn't because he's one of the most popular guys in school, I would remove him from my personal space. But, he is desperate. I've got him wrapped around my manicured finger."

"Of course you do. It really does sound awful, gosh, that's why I'm never getting a boyfriend."

They walked too far for me to hear what they were saying after that.

I knew what that meant. I recognized an unhealthy relationship when I heard one. Now, it was a debate between whether or not to tell Max. She wasn't doing him any good. It wasn't fare to just let him stay with her, but I also couldn't just call his girlfriend a liar. He wouldn't believe me, and he would hate me for lying to him. Melissa would obviously convince him that I didn't know what I heard, and that I'm making things up for attention, and denying that wouldn't help, because what blind person wouldn't want attention?

I needed to think this through and hope that my solution would be enough to only improve the situation.

I walked to the pavelion and sat at the table closest to the vending machines.

"Hey beautiful, we're waiting on Max, right?" Terry asked in his southern accent.

I sighed, "Yeah, and I told you to not say that anymore, when you were greeting me."

"Sorry, can't help it. I don't lie, ya know," he rubbed my shoulders. I shook his hands off and then he grabbed me by my hips.

It started me. "Hey!" I yelped in surprise.

"Aren't you gonna shake my hands off your hips?"

I sighed again and contemplated my choices. I felt safe when he did that and he adjusted his chin on my shoulder. I didn't shake him off. I felt comfortable.

"(Cough) ready to go?" Max said loudly.

Terry removed his hands and I scooted over on the bench.

"Yes, we are!" Terry answered in his city accent again.

I got up and Terry reached my hand and put my arm around his, so we were linked to each other. I heard a grumble from Max and Terry pointed out that Max wasn't saying much.

"You're right, Max, are you okay?"

"I'm just a little worn out, and Melissa's been weird lately. I don't know, maybe I shouldn't even be walking with you guys."

"Nonsense," Terry cut in. "This is perfect for you to clear your mind and be around a few friends."

"I agree, I'm glad you came," I followed up.

"Thanks, I'm smiling," he said in a low voice so only I could hear.

Lately, he'd been acting very peculiar. I couldn't figure out why. He asked me the strangest questions. A few days ago, he asked me what my thoughts were on October, like, the month in general. Yesterday, he asked what quotes I believed in. Nothing really wrong with that, but still, doesn't it seem like a strange question? Today he seemed distracted. He obviously had his mind on something, but I knew he wouldn't tell that easily.

"Today I failed a quiz, and someone shoved me into the wall between periods," I lied.

"What? Real-" Terry began.

I quickly spelled out the word silence with my hand and I stopped him from talking.

"It was terrible, I hate that class now."

"That's pretty bad," Max answered dully.

"You say that as if you could possibly have something worse happen."

"I actually do, but it's not something important right now."

"I'm sure it is."

"You'll think I'm crazy."

"No we won't, right Terry?" I asked.

"Nope, I promise buddy," he answered.

Max took a deep breath before saying, "I-I think Melissa- I think she's cheating on me."

"What?" I swallowed hard.

"She's been on her phone a lot lately, I don't know what it's about and she won't tell me. I think it's another guy."

"You could be right. I've heard her talk about a guy. I thought it was you, but she mentioned the basketball team," Terry said.

"Ugh- I knew it!"

It was now or never. I could tell him what I heard, but that would make this worse. In my thoughts, I slowed my pace, and Terry nudged my arm a little to remind me to keep up. We were almost there. It was right across the street.

"Max- I heard something today."

"What is it?"

"Melissa, she was talking with her friends about you. She said that-"

"Hey Max!" Melissa appeared out of nowhere and forced herself between me and Max, shoving me into Terry's chest.

Terry gasped a little. "Oh, boy."