When I Realized What I've Become

Chapter 2

The next day Oliver was getting shoved around by his buddies. Cool, I thought, he's getting what he deserves.

"Hey!"

I turned around to see a girl running towards me. She had blonde hair pulled back into a messy bun and blue eyes the color of the sea. She wore a large hoodie and black leggings. That told me a lot and made me have a theory since I was always alone I could judge people really well. She acted like a popular girl would and walked like she knew everything and everyone and had no fears.

"Lizzie!"

A boy with black hair and green eyes confirmed my theory that she had a boyfriend. He didn't look like the popular type. He had his hair a little bit down below his ears and covering a bit of his eyes. The way he dressed was with very old school references on his shirts and blue jeans that were faded. His voice was deep but not as deep as most guys.

"What do you want John!?" she called over her shoulder, "Oh, I'm Lizzie. I do believe we are in the same grade and this," she motioned towards John, "Is my best friend John. Isn't that right John?" She messed with his hair and turned towards me again.

Okay, I thought, Maybe they're not dating but one of them likes each other.

"So," John said, "You took down that kid Oliver. You're popular. How does it feel?"

I replied, "I'm not popular, I just de-"

"Nah," he waved me off, "That's what they all say. Listen I'll get to the point here."

"We want you to join our group of friends!" Lizzie said a little too excitedly.

"Yeah, you look like a nerd that we could use to help us out in life and fill the position back up with. Trust me, it's a great honor to become a part of this."

"I don't really know man," I paused and Lizzie gave me a bad look, "and girl. But maybe, maybe I'll join. When would this happen."

"At night stupid," Lizzie said, I hope, sarcastically.

"At night?!"

"Yeah, we meet at night in the park. Tonight, if you're up for it."

I sighed, "Fine. I'll go."

"Yay! Oh my god, you can meet everyone and you'll really get to know them-"

John interrupted, "That's enough. We gotta get to class."

"Tonight," Lizzie said while walking away with John.

I blushed. It seemed like they both had a group I could be a part of for once. I looked around wondering who would be a part of this group. It seemed like more people were looking at me now that Oliver was defeated. I accidentally made eye contact with a girl whose hair was brown and went down past her shoulders. A black leather jacket and ripped jeans immediately made me know what type of person she was. But something about her eyes caught my attention. Her eyes went from light green in the middle to a light blue on the outside. She turned her head and I felt something deep down inside after looking at her. I shook my head and continued onto English class.

Everything went okay for the day. People actually noticed my existence and used my name to acknowledge me instead of 'hey you'. I still tried to keep my head down but I kept getting noticed, and I liked it. School actually didn't suck now, people actually appreciate my presence in the halls. Also, Oliver wasn't a problem for me anymore. I got more, well, freedom in this.

I started to realize what I got myself into in study hall. I never noticed before that Lizzie and John were in it too. They invited me over but I just shook my head and pointed to my homework. Then it hit me, this group was either going to be popular or losers. With no in between.

I completely forgot about the meeting with Lizzie and John until I got a note sneaked into my bag during what must have been study hall.

Don't forget to come! 11 at the junkyard. You'll know where we are.

I could easily tell that it was Lizzy's handwriting because it had a feminine touch in it.

I walked to my 2000 Ford Taurus named Blanca, because it was white, and got into my car. I sat in there for a long time wondering about this group. I sounded like there were a couple more kids than Lizzie and John.

I sighed and turned the keys in the ignition and drove towards my house. I parked on the street and got out, taking my keys and backpack with me, then locking the car. I looked at my watch and it said 5:44 p.m.

Wow, I thought, I got time to spare.

I walked in, and my dad greeted me with a spoon in hand, looking like he was going to make some sort of good diner tonight. I mumbled my hello and walked to my room like I normally did.

Ever since Mom died right before I entered eighth grade, Dad has done everything. From getting me to soccer practice, which I keep asking him if I can quit and he keeps saying no, to cooking meals for me. I tried to tell him to go out into the world to meet some other ladies but he'd just tear up and ignore me. Heck, I was so desperate once that I got one of the single neighbor ladies to come over and talk to him. But he wouldn't budge, I guess he still loves Mom even through life and death. I remember that whole event like it was yesterday.

We were in the car, coming back from the airport after picking Dad up from a business trip. It was my mom, Juniper, my younger sister, and I picking him up. It was dark out but I think it was around 10 p.m. Mom was driving and all of a sudden a driver, who was high, hit our car head-on. Mom went to the hospital and was in and out of comas and surgeries to try to help her recover for months. But in the end, nothing worked. They tried but she went holding Juniper and I's hand while Dad held her in his arms. 

After remembering the story I started to cry. It has been years since it happened and I thought I could get over it. I sat there on my bed crying until I looked at the clock, 7:32 p.m.

Great, just what I need. The food must be ready now.

I took a second to calm down then walked out of my room to the kitchen, where my dad sat looking proud of what he made, which was spaghetti.

I got out a glass and decided to talk to him, "I thought I was supposed to cook tonight."

"Yes, you were," He said, taking a sip of his water, "but after I heard about your little incident with Oliver today I decided to cook."

I took out a plate and put some spaghetti on it, "Listen I don't want to talk about it, okay Dad?"

"Listen, all I was going to say was that you beat that kid up."

"And?" I replied sharply after putting tomato sauce on my plate.

"He deserved it."

I was surprised to hear that. My father never liked violence and hearing that from him I was astonished.

He pushed back his short red hair and looked at me, "Let me rephrase, he deserved it, was it a good choice? No."

"Now that's my dad," I said chuckling and sitting across from him at the table.

After talking for some time about his day he looked at the clock, "Oh my I should be heading for bed."

"Okay Dad, good night," I said as he got up from the table, "I'll do the dishes."

"Thanks, Son, go to sleep after that," He messed up my hair a bit and then walked up the stairs to his room.

When he was out of sight I whispered to myself, "Yeah right like I'm going to sleep."