Tearlet

Chapter 20

Ch. 20-

During the weekend I stopped eating completely and lost interest in working out in the morning. My week of being grounded has passed and I guess I can call myself a free man.

Lisa tells me these are signs of depression. She brings soup to my room and begs me to eat. She sat there and forced me, with her fierce eyes, to drink it. When finished, she gave me a pat on the back and left. I pull the covers over my head and shut my eyes. I am hopeless. I can't even help the people I care for.

School comes and the classes go by in a blur. Richard hasn't came to school yet and Courtney still buzzes around me. I place my head down as I try to fall asleep. Cold fingers run through my hair. I shake my head knowing that it is Courtney. I creep my hand from underneath the desk and snatch the arm away from my head without opening an eye.

She struggles from my hold as she giggles softly. I frown surprised how weak Courtney is and how soft she laughed. I let go of her wrist and open my eyes to find Skyler. She places her hand behind her back and sticks her pink tongue at me. I watch her carefully and grin. Skyler is so childish.

"Hello," I say, softly.

"Hey," She says and sighs as she gives me a serious look, "So, have you thought of something?"

"I am sorry," I say, disappointed.

"Yeah, okay." She says and returns to her desk.

The bell rings and students fill the class. I bury my head in my hands. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I told her to trust me when I have no plan.

"Ednan, wake up!"

"I am awake," I groan and raise my head.

Mr.Barber stares at me with his crazy white hair, "Pay attention," He says and turns around as he continues to write on the chalk board about the history of America.

My eyes widen, "How can I forget?" I mumble to myself, "I think it was because I fell into depression." I reply to myself, and laugh.

"Would you like to share something with us?" Mr.Barber says without turning around.

"No, Sir." I say as I watch him scribble notes on the board.

After his class I walk up to Mr.Barber. He is putting away his stuff in his handbag.

"What do you want?" He says as he slips a pen in his shirt pocket.

"Can I have the flyer for the history contest?" I ask.

He smiles, "Well, yes of course." He looks through his bag and hands me the paper.

"Thanks." I say and put it in my bag.

"Who do you plan on working with?" Mr.Barber says.

"A friend." I reply and leave before he can ask me any more questions.

~

Monday passed and on Tuesday Skyler wasn't anywhere to be found. Skyler appears to class during the middle of second period. She hands the teacher a tardy slip and sits in her desk. I look at the teacher and wait when she turns her back to me. I grab the flyer, that I have made into a paper airplane, and send it towards Skyler. It drifts in the air and comes crashing into her desk. She frowns and looks back at me. I look forward and ignore her stare. She picks up the paper and opens it. I watch as she reads and covers her mouth. She looks back eyes wide open filled with happiness. She expresses her gratitude with a soft smile.

After class during the few minutes I sit in Richard's seat. Skyler is already talking and telling me how thankful she is. I smile in silence as she grins back.