Popular Love

Chapter 6

“Hi. Justin.” I sat at my desk and immediately scanned my notes to review our lessons ‘cause we would have our long quiz today in Algebra.

“Still studying?” he asked me, reading a book.

“Yeah, I didn’t have the chance to study last night because I visited my profile in Facebook and spent the whole night accepting friend requests.”

“Sounds you’re exhausted.”

“And sounds that you’re in a good mood.” I stated watching his attractive eyes reading.

“Well…”

“Would you tell me?” I asked with my teasing tone.

“No.” He said it flatly.

“Why?”

“’Cause it’s none of your business.”

“Why?”

“’Cause it’s a secret.”

“Why?” I asked him again.

“Why why? He asked me giggling, putting down his book.

“Nothing, I’m just curious.” He got back to his reading and me to my own book.

I was so worn out in our long quiz. I felt that I failed the test. I can’t bare that. I went to my locker and got my other book for the next subject. When I opened it, as usual, about eight letters was there, considering, that it’s still the first subject. I got my books and also the letters, just for reading and went back to class.

When the teacher was discussing, I opened the first letter and began reading it.

Hi Sam, I’m Shelby from first year. Would you mind if I ask you for lunch? I really want to be your friend.

“Another letter?” Justin suddenly asked me, half-listening to the lesson.

“Yeah, as a matter of fact, I’m tired of reading them with the same words.” I said.

“Then, why still read it.” He asked lifelessly.

“I don’t know. Maybe, I just want to read their comments about me.” I looked at him and saw the perfect shape of his nose. “What would you do later?”

“I would look for Leslie.” He smiled and listened again to the discussion.

“Oh, then I would have my own time, then.”

“Uh-huh.” He nodded.

I feel completely alone and lonely. What would I do with my life? I never really thought about it. I just see that my future would be great with people admiring you and all. But now, I felt that it’s useless. I want to feel something. I want to do something, but I don’t know what. I want to change but I don’t know how. I want to find answers but I don’t know where.

I walked in the corridors, just walking but thinking nothing ‘til I observe Justin talking to some girl. I quickly hid beside a locker and peeked a little, trying to listen.

“So, how’s your day?” Justin asked the girl, who was Leslie.

“It’s fine.” She answered shyly.

“Your hair’s so beautiful. Blonde. I like it.”

“Well, thank you.” Leslie smiled sweetly.

“Would you go out with me, Saturday night?”

“Are you asking me for a date?”

“Maybe.” He said and touched her hair.

Oh my gosh! Did Justin ask that girl out? No way! He never shows interest to other girls, even to me, the most popular one. How could he neglect me? For all those times that I stood beside him, for all those days! Ugh! I hate you, Justin Tyree!

“Hey, Sam!” Justin called for me after the end of class. “It’s a miracle you’re not following me anymore. Is it already the end of sem?”

“No, it’s not. I just want a time on my own.” I said it and turned around to go home.

He grabbed my arm and looked me at the eyes. “Do you have any problem?”

“Absolutely none.” I pushed his hand and walked away.

Dear Diary,

That girl, Leslie, I tried not to think about her, but she wouldn’t vanished from my mind. She sticks there like a gum and I hate the sticky feeling. I hate everything about her, even though I really don’t know her. I just hate her. Justin said he loved her hair. What about mine? Is it because it’s black and he wanted it to be blonde? But I hate blonde, what’s amazing about it? It’s just the same color with your skin and it will look like you camouflage with your own body. Anyway, even though it’s black, it’s still beautiful. When you’ll touch it, you can feel the softness of it. And, like I said before, she could not compare herself to me. She’ll never be as popular as me. See? Everyone loves me, including her. Her!

Sam