Friday was another interesting day.
It was my second day at school, and somehow more people seemed to notice me. Even the boys from Miles' group came over and said hi - of course not all of them but neither did I expect the last person to say something to me, nor was I able to look at him the same way as I did yesterday. The person I nearly recognized yesterday suddenly turned into a complete stranger. I couldn't even look at him without thinking about what he could possibly have done to that poor girl. Frankly, I felt uncomfortable being around him.
''Hey Malliah!'' Ally finally got through to me as we were sitting in the cafeteria. I was in my own world. ''Got any sleep yesterday? You look very tired.'' She asked.
''Yeah, I'm just a little exhausted from unpacking all my stuff from Louisiana.'' I lied.
Last night, I had troubles sleeping. It was around 11 pm and I had jumped into bed, laying on my fluffy pillow and staring blankly at the white empty ceiling. All I could manage to think of was how it was none of my business, and that I shouldn't be overthinking stuff that I clearly don't know anything about. But I still wondered.
Did he force the girl to go through the abortion? And was he the reason behind her miscarriage? And how was she coping with her loss? Did he even care about her, or the baby? I kept asking myself useless questions when I knew damn well it was none of my business. But I was curious...
Very curious.
''Malliah, please get up here and pick a number.'' Mr. Cullens, the English teacher calls out my name for the second time.
I was so caught up by other things that I had no idea why I had to pick a number. Number 8 was my favorite number, so I picked 8. ''Great, you're partnered up with Miles!'' He says.
We were probably assigned to do some work together and to be frankly honest, I felt relieved to be in a group with someone that I could talk to without hesitation. Miles was nice to me.
''Whoops, sorry about that. Just a sec. Number 8... Number 8... '' Mr. Cullens searched in his notes as if he made a mistake.
''Here it is. Number 8. You are partnered up with Shawn. And you guys are assigned to present a small play of own choice for class next Friday. You get this class to brainstorm together, and two more lectures next week. It will require some homework from your sides as well''.
At that point, my day turned upside down. Not even because it was great to start with, but at least it was somehow fine. But now, I felt extremely uncomfortable and completely helpless.
While the others in class switched places to take a seat beside their partners, I noticed that Shawn and I were the only ones who were sitting alone. I felt like he was in denial as much as I was. But for what reason did he act like that? What did I do?
This was too childish.
That being so, I was the one to take the bold step and turn around so my seat was placed right in front of him. It was unavoidable, and he was forced to look at me. After a brief moment of silence, he opens his mouth.
''So... I guess we're in for a play. What are you thinking about?'' He asks as if we didn't just have that awkward moment of silence. Wow. Not even a hi? Or hello my name is Shawn? What's your name? I guess not.
''Malliah.'' I reach out my hand, trying to be more professional and look past all the things that kept bothering me. I knew someone had to be more open to make this group work.
''I know. So tell me what's on your mind... Like... For the brainstorm'' He ignores my hand.
''Okay, umm...'' I try my best not to take it personally when it clearly was.
''I guess you can't think of anything?'' He asked.
His question really bugged me there.
''Forced abortion, abuse, and miscarriage. That's what's on my mind.'' I stare at him, waiting for him to react.
