To Catch A Dream

Bailey Part Sixteen

 Period 6 is starting soon, which means it's P.E., my favorite time of day because I love the burning feeling in my lungs when I run. That boy who pesters me is in this period. I grumble as I change in the bathroom, so no one can judge my body.

I walked out to join the class, and people are staring. Ugh, just what I need.

"Wow, she's hot," I heard a guy say.

"Do you have her number?" Another boy whispers.

"No, but I definitely would trade a whole lot for it," says the other guy.

I snort, in a very unladylike manner. Wait until they found out I didn't have one. That's sure to be a fun trip to Disneyland. Hunting for Bailey's non-existent phone number. Instead of saying this to them, I ignore them, as usual.

"Alright girls and boys, let's start today with 6 laps. You can do it girlies. I believe in you," says our coach.

I roll my eyes. Six laps? Really?. Dad makes me do around 20 every single day. These babies would be whining on the floor at those numbers.

As usual, I finish first, with half the class only on their second lap. I sit down to grab a drink of water.

"Hey, Ms.West, I've been wondering. How would you like to join our track and field program? You're one of our strongest runners, and I think it would benefit you," she asks me kindly. I flinch. No way Dad was going to let me join an activity at school. That would take another sixteen years.

"Uh, yeah Coach, I'm actually really busy on, um, weekdays practicing for uh, lawn mowing?" I say weakly.

The coach raises an eyebrow questioningly, and responds, "I see. Then I'll leave you to your... *ahem* lawn mowing," she says, amusement twinkling in her crystal blue eyes. I make an excuse about having to use the restroom and run over there before I say any more stupid stuff.

Once I clear my mind up, I head back to class. Right now, Coach Lara, or at least that's what I think her name is, gestures everyone to move closer together. She talks about the importance of staying physically fit, and when to stop pushing yourself. Huh, That's funny. Dad says there is no limit to how hard you can push yourself.

I walk out of P.E. confused, and that boy shows up again. I keep on walking, why does he think he's that special to deserve my attention?

"Hey," he says, catching up to me.

"What?" I answer, my voice comes out cold.

"Um. I was wondering if you could meet me at the park tonight," his words are latticed with hope. I don't want to let him down because I want to experience this "friend" extravaganza, or maybe I'm just desperate. But I can't, so I just say I can't, unable to look at him. Boys at this high school typically tend to be exhaustingly curious. So of course-

"Why?" he asks.

"Just because," I reply, barely looking at him.

Jonah

Finally. I think. Finally. Today, Rose, texted me to meet her at our secret spot to explain everything. Of course, I obliged, wanting to answer all of the questions which have been circling my brain these past few days.

Once I get there, Rose does NOT seem like the joyful and happy girl that had once been making out with guys just a couple days ago. Her eyes are swollen and red like she's been crying.

"What's up," I say coldly.

"Look, I know you must hate me now. I know I should have told you earlier, and I definitely should've ended it at our kiss. But, I just didn't know how to explain myself, I guess. I was really ashamed and I looked everywhere for you at the party. Everyone said you ran out. I'm here to apologize and say goodbye to you. That boy I was kissing? We've been in a relationship since eighth grade, and best friends since kindergarten. He broke up with me last night because I was too different from everyone else, which was ruining his reputation. What's the point existing in this world if no one can accept you for who you are?" she finally blurts out.

"Wow," I say, a little in awe of all she had been through.

"But why would you say goodbye? I-I thought we could maybe still stay friends?" I ask, a little bit confused.

"What I mean is... All my life he was my only source of happiness. Life wasn't good at home. Not that I had anyone to make it home either way. Now, he's gone. What do I have to live for? Nothing," she says, tears streaming down her face.

"Please Rose. You don't have to do this. Maybe there's another way?" I ask, my voice was strained.

"What, Jonah? Whatever happens, move on, okay? Just know that I really care about you," she says, sobbing at this point. Then she leaves. And I know this is my last time to hold her close to me. To love her. Without Rose, life isn't life, because I can't be myself.

That's when the tears start falling. She was my only friend, my only companion throughout this entire year. I would be completely messed up without her, but making her live in unhappiness isn't what I wanted. I just wanted someone like her in my life again. Someone who understood me.. Someone who didn't just care about football and girls/guys. Someone I could talk to without remorse or awkwardness. Someone who understood me. Sympathized with me. Someone who listens to me. Always. Someone who sees doesn't just look.

m

...

One thing that is much more different from when I was younger is that school is no longer my top priority. I guess I have much better things to do now. Like chasing mystery girls and throwing parties. For all this time, I didn't know how to live. I was this golden boy that my parents learned to love. I was, and still, am the star of my football team, and my grades were perfect, so are my grades right now, but they aren't as good. Even though I've changed in ways that are not preferable, I've learned to live. Before life was monotone, now the world has finally started to take on color after I met Rose and Bailey.