"So, your wanting to try and get close to Kalila..." Carlos' green eyes glared down to me. I was only 5/7 he was 6/0. I didn't say anything. "What makes you think she'll go out with you?" No reply. "Its not like you ever had a conversation with her anyway, now you look like a fricking creep." "Leave me alone Carlos." I said in a small voice. "What did you say?' "Leave me alone." I said louder. He took hold of my shirt collar. "Boy I ain't going to leave you alone! Listen to me!" he jerked me up. "You better hope to God she says no, you hear me? Because, if she says yes, I'll make sure you never ever see her again." With that he dropped me to the floor.
All day I laid my head on my desk thinking about what he told me in the hall. I was afraid for my life, but why should I be? He never appreciated a girl anyways. All he really cared about was getting in their pants. It wasn't until later you heard how the girl was dumped a few weeks prier to their intimacy. I felt bad for them, but why did they have to fall for someone like him? Of course his looks. He was strong and sturdy with an olive complexion and curly dark hair. He was growing a beard right now though, made him look so dumb. Me I was rather opposite. I was pale with dull blue eyes and messy dishwater hair. Not to mention I was a bit scrawny. What girl wants a scrawny guy like me? Including the fact that I was so pessimistic. I sighed to myself as I stared at the wall. It was my last class today. The moment of truth awaits after this.
I drug my feet slowly making my way to the bus stop. She told me to wait there before she got on. I never rode the bus. She held her books in her hand. "Hey, uh about what you asked me...yeah I don't want to be mean at all, but, I'm not really looking for a relationship right now. I hope you understand Malachi." I nodded slowly. It was expected anyways. I turned to leave when she was trying to tell me bye. Rejection never hurt so bad. The knot was gone, but it was replaced by this warm feeling in my throat as if I wanted to burst into tears and cry. Was I happy that I wouldn't be beaten into a bloody pulp? No that's not it at all. I wanted her to say yes. She could have helped me through alot of things. She could have been the one to pull me out of my shell.
I rode silently on my bicycle trying to keep the stupid tears from running down my face. I looked like a wuss. I forgot about the steep hill and decided just to carry my bike the rest of the way home. Life was dumb. I wonder why I even existed. I'm just a shell, not a person.
My room was fairly messy from my lack of keeping up with it. I dreaded cleaning it this weekend. I threw some clothes here and there and made it to my little desk area with a bunch of action figures and random things I collected for no reason. Beside my laptop was a picture of me and the students in beta club at our convention. I stood next to Kalila nervously. My smile looked so dumb. Man, I was so dumb. If only she knew what I went through, she would probably have a heart. Then again since she's so popular and all, she might not even bother. I didn't want to handle the whole truth that she might just be one of those girls that are heartless. I opened my laptop but didn't turn it on. I could talk to my on-line friends. I didn't want to, instead I opened a comic book and scanned through the pages. I never dreamed I wanted to be a superhero, but I wanted to have some kind of reason to be here. Was there anything I could do to feel like I belong here? My mom called from downstairs to come eat. I wasn't even hungry. I want to lay down and maybe I can get sleep.
I fall on my bed and just lay there staring up at the ceiling. I was lost in my thoughts about what happened today. "All that work for what-rejection." I threw one of my pillows at the wall. "Malachi." My mother stood at the door holding the knob. "Honey aren't you hungry. I made your favorite, pork chops." "No mom, I'm good." "I don't want you to go to bed starving." She closed the door behind her. "Whats the matter, bad day at school?" "No-yeah." "What happen, do you feel comfortable telling me about it?" "I liked this girl-and I got rejected." I could have told her about how Carlos threatened me but...."Honey, rejection happens to everyone. I know its hard and you like this girl alot, but It happens. You'll move on and find somebody who appreciates you for who you are." "I wish." I said as I rolled over to the side. Mom patted my back. "Its hard, to find someone like that. When you do though, all that hard work will have paid off." I wish it could pay off now. She gave me another reassuring pat and told me to come downstairs and eat. I answered that I really wasn't hungry and didn't mind skipping tonight. I know she wanted me to get at least something but she didn't press on and left me alone for the rest of the night.
