You're Special To Me

Dan's POV- 1

Another day at school, I thought miserably, trying my best to keep my bag on my shoulder in the wind. One strap was longer than the other, so it could only go around my right shoulder, making me uncomfortable yet it felt so familiar. I wore it almost every day, carrying my school books, phone and video camera that was hidden in a food bag so it just looked like a large slice of chocolate cake. One thing about me: I like to make YouTube videos. I may be the worst person on Earth, with no friends, but I enjoy posting everything about myself to the world, as I don't really care about what I do with my life. It's not like I'll have it for very long anyway.

"Danny!" Sang the mocking voice of Tom the school bully; my bully. "C'mere! Gimme your homework!" He grabbed my bag and yanked it off my back. I knew better than to complain, so I just stood there and watched as they rummaged through my bag. The camera was well-hidden; they wouldn't find it.

"There was only one peice!" I protested as they continued to pull stuff out. "Give it me back!" I tried to grab it from them, but they pushed me back with a snigger.

"What else do you have in here, eh?" Tom tipped the bag upside down, so everything spilled out onto the muddy floor. I bit my lip to repress tears. "What's this?" He pulled out the video camera with a grin.

My heart stopped. "No- that- that's-"

Tom threw it on the floor and kicked it away. "You will never be famous, idiot. Lets go guys." They walked off, laughing.

I bent down and scooped it up, grateful that the mud hadn't got to it. I checked for damage, but there was none. I thanked God and then gathered my books up. They were coated in dirt and mud, and the pages were creased. I shoved them away and continued down the path like nothing had happened. I did it everyday. I was used to it.

***

I was late to class for the third time in two days, and as I shyly took my seat I noticed that there was a new boy in front of me. That seat had always been empty as no one had wanted to sit anywhere near me, but there was a boy there. His black hair was swept to one side, sort of like mine, but I couldn't see his face as he was watching the teacher. Over his shoulder I could see him fidgeting with his pen, until he moved his arm and I saw that he had been doodling. It was a bad drawing, but I knew what it was without question: Crash Bandicoot. It was one of my favourite games!

"Daniel?" Mr Stephan called from the front of the class.

My head snapped up as a few snickers erupted from my classmates. "Yes, sir?"

"Would you mind answering the question? What was the exact date World War Two started? We discussed this, Howell."

"Um, yes..." I swallowed, noticing every head in the room swivveled towards me; all except the new boy. In the silence, I could barely hear him whisper something, so I leaned in.

"3rd of September 1939."

I repeated what he said, and there was some mumbling from Tom and his friends at the front. The boy's shoulders shook: I could tell he was laughing.

Mr Stephan arched an eyebrow. "Very well done, Daniel. It seems you have been listening."

I nodded. He turned his back to the class and began talking about the Anderson Shelters, but I wasn't listening. I was watching the boy in front doodle more Crash Bandicoot Characters. He must really like that game, I thought, my mind drifting away to the game. I focused on his shaking hand until the horrible sound of the bell cut me off. I blinked, grabbed my bag and pushed my way out of the door. The next class was PE, one subject I absolutely hated. I huddled into my little corner as I changed, keeping my eyes averted from the people laughing at my skinny, brown body. The teacher, Miss Mol, clapped her hands to get our attenttion. I listened as she gave out instructions, and recapped the rules of football.

"Now get into partners!" She ordered, and my heart sank. No one wanted to go with me, so I'd either end up in a three or with someone who inched away from me as if I were a disease. To be honest, I was.

In the corner of my eye, I noticed the new boy shuffling uncomfortably. No one turned to him, or even spared him a look, and in the end he ended up backing against the wall, watching as everyone filed out of the door.

And then he caught my eye.

I managed to get a quick look at his face: blue eyes, black hair with a fringe like mine and dry lips. He was very pale, unlike me. When I tanned I looked like a peice of toast. Not very nice on a human. He was a little smaller than me, yet I could tell he was older. He had the look of resonsiblity in his eyes, something younger kids didn't have. Such as me.

I could tell he was taking in my looks. His eyes flicked across my face, and I turned away. He would end up thinking I'm a freak. He will turn against me; despise me. Tom will get him for sure. But the boy didn't laugh or make any sign that he thought I was weird. Instead, he walked towards me, a smile playing on his lips.

"I'm Phil." He spoke softly, kindly. He held his hand out: an offer of friendship. I was about to shake it when I remebered that Tom would hurt anyone who became friends with me. Phil looked like a nice guy, someone who should have a nice life that I will never get. If we were to be friends, he would never be happy again. I can't wish that on someone.

"I'm Dan." I hissed coldly, watching the smile on his face slowly disappear. His hand dropped and he nodded, averting his eyes. I instantly felt bad, but I couldn't be nice to him. That would make me feel worse.

"Nice to meet you, Dan. I don't have a partner, and I'm new, and I was wondering..." He trailed off, looking nervous.

His hurt blue eyes completley messed with my head. "Yes of course." I noticed his eyes lighten, so I immediatley turned away and followed the others outside. I heard Phil shuffle behind me, something I did not want to hear but heard anyway, and hung my head in shame. I was becoming like Tom: mean, emotionless, uncaring. Phil was already like me: lonely, confused, in desperate need of a friend. I could try to help him without letting Tom know we were friends. Maybe it could happen.

"Sorry I was unfriendly before." I apologized to him minutes later when we were spread out across the wet field. "I was angry with... people. You seem nice."

Phil looked at me with understanding in his eyes. "Don't worry about it. You sit behind me in History, don't you?"

I nodded with a smile. "Thank you, by the way. How did you know that?"

"I listen." He passed the football to me in a clean pass.

"But you were doodling. I saw Crash."

"You know Crash Bandicoot?" Phil froze."Whenever I ask someone if they like it, they make fun of me. Do you like it?"

"Are you kidding me?" I laughed in delight. "I love Crash Bandicoot!"

Phil joined in with my laughter. "Wow, my second lesson and I've already found someone who likes it!"

Just then, Miss Mol jogged up to us and gave me the dirty look. I looked away. "Phil, a teacher is here to collect you." She smiled at him. "You can get dressed and then go."

"Can Dan come with me?" Phil asked, almost panicking. I was so shocked that I choked on my own spit. No one other than Phil noticed, who patted my back. "He's my new friend and I would feel better going with him. Please?"

Miss Mol gave me another dirty look before nodded defeatedly. "Of course. Go on then."

I showed Phil back to the changing room and we pulled on our uniform as quick as we could. I had more space to change, plus Tom's bags were right next to me. With an evil smile, I grabbed his shirt and shoved it in Megan Jones's bag. She had a huge crush on him. Phil watched me, his lips twitching. I wondered why but didn't say anything as we joined the teacher who was waiting in the hallway. She eyed me curiously, but in the end turned away and left us to follow her down the empty corridor. While Phil spoke with a teacher in an office and I stood outside, I thought that maybe- just maybe- I could finally be happy and have a friend. Maybe Phil would be my saviour.

Maybe we were always meant to meet.