Destined

One

Evelyn

The only class besides English that seemed even close to bearable was French. Languages were a fun escape for me, the enjoyment of learning new ways to speak the same old crusty words was exciting. Mrs. Austen (my French teacher) and I get along like paper and glue which always makes any class easier to get through. She keeps telling me I've got a really good talent for the language and I could be a tutor if I really wanted to, an offer I felt I had to decline for my own sanity. I would love to teach others, however, I could never tutor. Sometimes people don't take to certain things and I wouldn't be able to continuously try to have them get it when they need a much longer time to be able to do so. Completely understood, even she knew how I felt and yet she's been doing this gig for, surprisingly, a lot longer than I originally thought. Mrs. Austen looks quite young for her age, good on her.
Now eventually the school day comes to an end and that's when all the kids get excited about many different things. A favorite television show is on or they get to hang out with that best friend of theirs. Unlike those other insane teenagers, I haven't been to school for a few days for personal reasons. So I spend most of my days outside in the backyard under my favorite tree, in my bedroom creating my masterpieces, or having a blast on the couch with MasterChef in front of me on the television screen.
Today, for instance, I took the outdoors approach. Sun beating down on my face, allowing me to become one with the rays and the warmth. I had always loved the feeling but, of course, I loved anything that made me feel something I knew was bigger than myself. There's so much out in the world that never gets to be stopped and taken in, as the aroma of wilderness or your favorite flower. I try to make sure I give those small things in life a chance because it truly is the small things that mean more than they appear to.
These past few years have been nothing but an emotional roller coaster, taking me around in circles, sharp turns and great drops. Some days it felt like the ride would never let me off until one day I met Daniel, now I know it sounds ridiculous but he really helped me think that things could be slightly better. We've been together for about a year and I suppose instead of being let off, he jumped in the cart with me. Still trying to figure out if that was a good decision or if it will eventually blow up in my face but I'm hoping for the latter. Don't think my dad ever thought I'd end up with his favorite coworker's son, however, neither did we. I knew him from school before I was aware of who his father was. We starred in a play together (Peter Pan) and then shortly after, we were 'introduced' at his home which to our surprise turned out to be the actual beginning of our relationship.
Once our relationship became public, most of the school supported us fully except for one girl who pretends to be my friend. Daniel has always ignored her attempts doing anything to steal him away from me. He, my best friend, Lia, and I would have our laughs about the situation every now and again but it was harder on me than I let on. I've always been an insecure person, never feeling good enough for him, for school, for my parents, or even myself. Daniel, I'm sure, must have his days where he's fed up with how I act but I'm scared to lose him and when I get scared I tend to shut down and almost push people away. None of my past relationships have ever lasted this long so maybe I'm in denial that it's actually happening and that he is truthful when saying he wants to be with me. I'm hoping I find that answer sooner than later.
"Evelyn, sweetheart," my mother calls from the back door. "Come inside, Lia's here." I take a stand and find my way inside. My mother's a true saint, so pure at heart. All she ever wants for anyone is the best and all the love in the world. When Lia and I first became best friends, my mom took her in like she was a second daughter. She makes sure my dad is well and healthy, I don't think I've ever seen him ill and I'd like to think it's because of the tender love and care he gets from his wife.
Lia and I embrace as if we haven't seen each other in ages when in reality it's only been a day. Soon enough she drags me up the stairs and into my room, plopping her bag down on my bed. "I know you've been having a hard week and that's why you haven't been at school so I brought you everything that's gone on in your classes. I've even done all the difficult assignments for you so you don't have to stress out over that." She does this every time she notices a change in my behavior and I couldn't thank her more than I already have.
"You know you don't have to keep doing that." I remind her for what was probably the hundredth time.
"I want to. Anything I can do to help, I'll do it. She insists. Best friends, remember?"
"How could I ever forget when you continue to do these acts of kindness for me."
After hours and hours of Lia begging me to see if Daniel could set her up with one of his friends and me continuously telling her she's too good for any of them, she tells me this, "it's not that I actually like any of them. I mean I could end up liking one if he set me up with a decent friend - I just don't like having to sit around watching you two be all lovey-dovey when I'm single."
"You know we aren't that lovey-dovey, you're being dramatic."
"No," she protests. "Every time I look at both of you, you two are either holding hands or hugging or laughing or whatever couples do."
"At least we don't make out the way others do," I tell her honestly.
"Yeah, but you do in private." She says as if she knows.
"No, we don't. We barely kiss and we haven't done anything else. Who told you that?" I ask curiously.
"Oh, Daniel's been going around his friends saying you've been doing things with him. If it's not true, you might want to talk to him about it before it gets out of hand." I'm warned.
About fifteen minutes after she told me that, I walked her to the front door and hugged her good-bye. I smile and wave yet all I can think about is if she was telling the truth, I know she has no reason to lie about it but I just don't understand. Now that I think about it, his friends have been speaking to me differently than they used to but, I always thought that was because they had become more comfortable around me. I guess I was wrong. I'm disgusted really. What am I supposed to do in this type of situation, do I leave it or confront him about it? God, why did this have to happen today, I was having such a nice day.