Lonely Heart

III. Annoying but...

After school I have to go to my part time job. (Yes part time job, this antisocial girl actually has one) I work at a bookstore near my home, it's nothing special and it can be super boring but the payment is good and I need the money although I don't like to admit it, thank God my classmates don't come to this shop.

The rest of the day passes with no incidents and at about 20:30 I get home, take a shower, eat, do my homework (Yuck), then it's of to bed.

The next morning I go to school just like yesterday, listening to music and ignoring everyone around but when I reach my classroom my routine is ruined. Mark is waiting in front of my class. 'Wait, I don't have to worry, his probability waiting for someone else. It would be strange for him to be waiting for me.' But that thought is shattered when he sees me and starts walking my way and says:

-"Good morning." 'It was, just a second ago.'

-"...morning." I say reluctantly. "Do you need anything?"

-"No, not really, nothing, other than your number that is." He answered with a smile.

-"I'm going to class."

-"Hey don't ignore me." He says childishly. 'This is starting to get on my nerves.'

-"Don't get involved with me."

-"What, why? Do you really dislike me that much?"

-"Yes." I say as I see his face sadden. Just then I feel a strange painful heartbeat. 'Wha...did I just feel guilty? No that can't be. Why would I feel guilty? He's the one at fault.'

-"Are you ok?" He asked probably noticing I was holding my fist to my chest.

-"Yes, but I'm leaving now." I say coldly. 'It feels like I'm running away but I really don't want to be here any more than this.'

-"Wait..." I ignore him and go inside.

Once there, some classmates stop to stare at me. 'Why are they looking at me like that.' I pretend to not see and go to my seat. I can hear Mark's name being spoken as my classmates seem to be talking about what happened earlier. Then one of my classmates comes to talk with me. Her name is Samantha, we where friends during 9th grade but since then we've drifted apart and now we hardly ever talk. 'I wonder what she wants, usually if I don't start a conversation she never talks with me.'

-"Hey, what's up with you and that guy Mark?" She asks with a smirk.

-"Nothing."

-"That can't be true. Everyone is talking about it, how he carried you to the infirmary and how he was waiting for you since he got to school. He even asked beforehand if you had arrived or not."

-"So he was waiting..." 'Not that I care or anything.'

-"Yup, so there can't be nothing, tell me." She says with pleading eyes. 'I hate that face, she knows I can't resist it.'

-"It really is nothing. He just took care of my wound and today...he just wanted my phone number."

-"But that's not nothing, that means he wants to be friends or...something more."

-"Well I sincerely don't care what he wants." I say although I feel a little strange as I do.

The teacher comes in and Sammy goes back to her seat and the lesson starts. Irina (my deskmate) asks me about Mark too and I tell her the same thing I told Samy then she asks me:

-"Are you sure you don't care? I mean I know you don't care much about socializing but that guy is practically begging you to talk with him."

-"I'm sure." 'I am, aren't I?'

After the bell rings a guy from my class tells me someone is looking for me but since I know who it is I tell him to leave it be and I don't go. Not a minute later he comes inside, 'Just like I thought, it's Mark.'

-"Why didn't you come?" He asks almost angry and everyone around started staring.

-"It was my right to refuse. Now leave."

-"No!" He says firmly.

-"Fine, then I will." And I leave the classroom.

Once Natalie is gone Samantha approaches Mark and says:

-"You should probably give her some space."

-"Are you a friend of hers?" Mark asks.

-"Something like that. Anyway, Naty is a bit unsociable and distant, as you probably noticed. If you force your way in her life it will end badly, you should give her some space." Sammy advices.

-"I know but if I don't do anything she never will."

-"You would be surprised. When it's important she will be there. It's in her nature." Sammy smiles as she says that.

Meanwhile I am walking in the hallway. I see Mark finally leave my class and I go back. No one said anything and I don't have the motivation to ask.

That day Mark didn't bother me again so the day went smoothly. Once school was over I went to work. It was 18:00 and just as I was thinking that I didn't have to worry about Mark he shows up.

-"Hello..." He says not taking his eyes from the floor. 'I wonder if he's depressed or something, his eyes look swollen too.'

-"Good evening, what can I help you with?" I ask trying to be as calm as possible. Just then he looks up and his eyes widen. 'Oh shit, and I wanted to keep working here a secret.'