The Difference Between Us

1: Big Words Don't Scare Me

Hey, it's the author here. For everyone who's been around, second times the charm right? For everyone who's new, I really hope you like this book. Feel free to give feedback. I LOVE YOU ALL OKAY YOU CAN (re)START NOW!!! :D

I was at the park. I was feeling kinda sad because a lot was going on. I couldn't handle much more than this. Between my family's absence due to having to work all the time, my dad keeping his distance, and the long line of medical burden that still has its way of making my whole family suffer, sitting in that house for another night of loneliness was not an option.

I walked to the park and sat on the swing releasing a huge sigh of relief. I wrapped my hands around its chains and watched neighbors and families roam by and eventually leave. I sat that way in silence for a long time.

Thinking was something I was all too good at. After snapping out of the trance I was in I looked around and realized I was alone again.

Alone, man I hated that word.

I began crying a silent cry, feeling ashamed to be this pathetic in such an open area. I hate crying in public, although I have cried in this position many times before. I felt ridiculous for caring so much, knowing things could be worse. I stopped crying after a few tears. Three to be exact, one of my lucky numbers.

I knew my eyes were red, but I didn't care that much, it's not like anybody I would know comes here. I'm probably the only 14 year old who still goes to this park, considering I'm always here and nobody else ever is. I began wiping my eyes and I decided to listen to music. Before I could plug in my headphones to stop "When I'm Gone" by Eminem from playing outloud someone called my name. By instinct, I looked up and saw a familiar looking guy from my math class. I think his name was Jay.

"Hey." I replied. My voice luckily doesn't croak after I cry. I sounded pretty okay if you ask me.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, drawing his eyebrows together. He didn't waste any time getting to the point, which told me this conversation wouldn't last long.

"Just jamming is all." I replied with a shrug, keeping my eyes low to avoid eye contact. I knew as well as anybody else that my eyes were still red, and I wasn't really up for explaining why.

"Are you okay...?" He asked. I could feel his gaze on me, making me uncomfortable. I think he was trying to find my eyes, so I kept them locked to my bright phone screen.

"Yeah, why would you ask that?" I try and ignore the concern in his voice.

"You won't even look at me." He dead-panned. I decided to ignore him, that is until he walked closer to me and covered my phone screen with his hand. As reflex my head shot up and gave him a sharp glare.

"Hey! What are you doing!?" I demanded, my voice growing loud. I was glad that my voice hadn't cracked at the sudden change of my volume. Luckily, my voice didn't sound as weak as I felt, and I was thankful for that.

"Why are your eyes red?" He ignored my anger, unintimidated, and only exchanged curious glances with me as if he were interrogating me in his mind.

"Allergies." I shot back with a deep glare. I was very agitated now.

"That's a lie." He remarked unwavered, probably coming to the conclusion that anyone could've come to. He knew exactly why they were red and that his question was pointless. I found his perseverance menacing.

If you know why my eyes are red and I know why my eyes are red then why the hell do I have to tell you why my eyes are red?!

"Then your question was pointless if you already know the answer." I muttered also matter-of-factly.