Dear Janet, You're Ugly

He Won't Give Up

Janet's POV

It was a common tradition in our school, where each grade would team up together and raise money. This was so that we could go on any trips at the end of the year. Last year we had won for raising more than the other grades and were able to go to Australia. I, of course, stayed home, not interested in leaving or going on any trips.

But this year there were rumors that the surprise was a trip to Paris. That is if we could make enough for everyone to go. I stayed in my own little bubble, refusing to engage in such trivial matters. I didn't care about some stupid prizes or trips.

I sat in the auditorium on the bleachers waiting for the principal to arrive. It was the same thing every year yet the excitement around the room was still loud and boisterous. I rested my chin against my hand, wanting this to be over already.

I gazed around the room lazily, watching as Millie Anderson came through the gym doors in her black and white cheer outfit. The Greco twins were right behind her, there long curly hair tied back in a bun. I held back a yawn as more students entered the gym.

It just so happened that at that moment Erin and Amy walked in laughing with another group of people. He had made friends just like that and he had only been here for a week. Amy's laughing gaze met mine, and she waved at me hysterically.

I cast my eyes down pretending as if I hadn't seen her. Peering up again she was getting the attention of Erin and pointing straight at me. He and I held each other's gaze and then the next thing I knew he was smiling at me softly. He lifted a hand giving me a small wave before pulling Amy to sit on the other side of the gym.

Attention everyone! The ceremony will now begin, as you know here at Gamba High each year we raise up enough money to be able to send you on trips and such. This year we will continue our annual tradition and each grade will come up with a way to raise money.

The prize for the most grade to raise money will be to go on a trip to Paris! After careful consideration, Principal Lee has decided to have the go-ahead for all of you to engage in this opportunity!

Loud whispers and excitement rolled around the gym. It seemed the rumors had been true. After spending two hours in the gym it was finally time for lunch. I slowly walked out with the crowd hoping to get my lunch and then be on my way.

That was until an excited Amy came leaping at me head-on. "Jane did ya hear that! I hope we win then we can be roomies"! I blinked rapidly as she tightly held me in her grasp.

"Will you relax? You're scaring her" Erin says making himself known. He was wearing a black hoodie with some dark washed jeans. He placed his hands in his hoodie pocket, he looked quite comfortable coming to stand beside us.

"I was just telling her that if we win we'll be roomies! It's not like I'm hurting her" Amy grumbled crossing her arms over her chest. I give her my best attempt at a smile, awkwardly patting her shoulder.

Erin looked me in the eye, a small smile gracing his lips. As if I hadn't told him off last week. Why wasn't he ignoring me? Why was he acting as if I hadn't said the meanest things to him? "Where are you headed to"? Amy asked her almond eyes staring at me in question.

"I... uh... was just heading to lunch," I say pointing a thumb into the direction of the cafeteria. I thought about lying but then they could easily follow me so it left me with telling them the truth.

"Oh good we can eat together" Amy bounced off towards the cafeteria leaving me to walk with Erin. He didn't say a word as we walked side by side as if the tension wasn't obvious.

He opened the door for me and I mumbled a thank you. I had always entered the cafeteria alone, secretly walking past to avoid confrontation. But this time had been way different, I could feel the thousands of eyes watching my every move.

It was intimidating, to say the least. I felt my body shiver with anticipation, I was no longer comfortable. My anxiousness must have been noticeable because Erin did something I hadn't expected.

He gripped my hand tightly in his. And when I turned to look at him, he looked as if nothing was out of the norm. Head held high, shoulders back with his tall lean figure.

We stopped at a table and before I could stop him he pushed me down into the seat. "Lunch is on me" he smirked before walking away. Wide-eyed I had zero ideas what had just occurred. Yet here I and Amy sat while she yapped her mouth away.

I spent the entire lunch period not saying a word. Only eating small bites of my food while Amy kept forcing me into the conversation. Next time I would make sure to grab lunch much earlier. I just didn't feel right as if this was a daily routine I was used to.

Standing up I grabbed my still full tray in my hands. "Uh I'm gonna leave first... see ya around". Before they could say any last words I dashed out of there like a scared hyena.

Next time I would definitely make sure this never happened again.