CHAPTER SIX

The week passed by in a blur, and as soon as I realized it was Monday again. The recent events caught in my mind and I stopped to think about all that had happened in the past week. Aside from coming home to my alcoholic mother and being bullied, which was relatively normal, I also managed to almost gain and eventually lose a possible friend. I was confused why he would want to talk to me, I was nothing special and nobody ever made the attempt before. They were all afraid of facing the wrath of Andrew.

Speaking of Andrew, I haven't heard much of him since last week when Noah stopped him from punching me. I found it peculiar how he wasn't bothering me anymore, not that I wasn't complaining.

Coming back to reality, I grabbed my chemistry textbook from my locker and headed to my next class. Dr. Shapiro, he insisted we call him doctor because apparently he paid Harvard a lot of money for the title, was in front of the class and waited for the students to file in. I was the last one to enter and everyone gave me strange looks as I took my seat. I was already used to it, but I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness as I sat next to my chemistry partner.

"Do you need Friday's notes?" I asked my partner since he was absent on Friday for reasons unknown.

"Uh, no. I-I can grab it from someone else." he glanced at someone quickly before sinking in his seat.

I raised my eyebrows and pressed further. "Why would you do that? I'm offering the notes right now."

He glanced again to the person behind him and I followed his gaze. Andrew was glaring at both of us, figuring out what we were doing. Now I understand. My partner was afraid to talk to me. Typical.

He didn't bother responding and started taking notes furiously. I put my notes back in my binder and started to follow the teacher's directions on what to do with the chemicals in front of us.

After class ended, I started to pack slowly, hoping that Andrew would leave. He didn't and it was soon just the two of us and Dr. Shapiro. Eventually the teacher got annoyed and said, 'You can leave now. I have a meeting in five minutes and I do not want to be late." Grunting I grabbed my bag and started to leave. Teachers are so oblivious.

As soon as I was outside the class I ran as far as I could but of course that plan had to fail.

"Kate."

I turned around, fully expecting to see Andrew but it was surprisingly Noah. I internally sighed.

What did I need to do to get rid of him?

"What?" I said rather harshly.

"I wanted to say something."

This again.

"About what? Didn't I make it clear that I didn't want to be your friend?"

He put his hand on his heart and frightened hurt. 'Wow, that almost hurt."

Glancing to my right, I saw Andrew start to approach me but when he saw Noah, he just glared and headed past us. Noah visibly relaxed after that and that was when I knew what he was doing.

"You didn't have to do that."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not some sick little puppy that you feel obligated to protect. I appreciate your concern but can you please just leave me alone."

He looked perplexed as if he couldn't leave that I was rejecting him. Again. With that I walked away to my next class.

***

I'm not a fan of school lunch, I don't think anyone is, so I brought my own lunch. It wasn't much since I didn't know how to cook but it was enough to get through the day. The cafeteria wasn't big but I managed to find a small table next to the garbage cans. Not many people sat here, and often times I was alone but I liked it that way. There was no one to bother me.

"I finally know what your deal is."

Until now. I fought the urge to hit my head against the wall as Noah sat in my table. Is this boy that dense? I. don't. want. to. talk. to. him. 

"What do you want now?" I asked him as I took a bit of my tuna sandwich.

"You're one of those people who always isolate themselves and push everyone away who tries to help you. I just want to know why."

"So you're analyzing me now."

"Well it kind of is my job. Well that's besides the point. My point is that you don't have to go through this alone. I may not know exactly what you went through but I can help."

I slowly put my sandwich down and faced him. Maybe if I explained this slowly he can finally understand.

"We only met a couple of times. Sure, I bet you're an awesome guy and we could've been the best of friends in different circumstances but you can't help me. No one can. I'm better off being a loner where I can't hurt anyone."

"Now that's where you're wrong. Everyone can be helped but if you really want, I'll leave you alone. I won't bother you anymore. Is that what you really want?"

I thought back to all the times I let someone be my friend. They always ended in disaster. But he really seems genuine. No. I don't want to hurt anyone when I'm gone. It might hurt them too much.

I smiled sadly. "Goodbye," I said.

He just nodded, picked up his lunch and went to sit in another table.

I did the right thing I kept telling myself although I kept doubting if it was true.