New Day, Same Old Thoughts

"So, dude, what did that freaky old man tell you?" Cam's language is definitely embarrassing me, especially considering that we're at school. Also, he's trying hard to sound a "right guy", but this way he's only being silly. I wish there was a button somewhere in his body to mute him for once.

"Really, babe, you can tell me everything. I'm here for you, after all." I can't believe what I'm hearing right now. He didn't support me while I was being laughed at when I stood up to Leah Bleta and her disrespectful comments. He was the first one to burst into laughter, all while he should have supported me instead. He may not be a good friend, after all.

"If you were a real friend," I point out, "you would have stood by my side under ever circumstance, and not laughed like an idiot!"

"You're exaggerating. Chill out." His last sentence is enraging me to levels I never though I would reach. Seriously, come on. It's pretty obvious that Cam is attempting to provoke me, otherwise he would've just kept his fucking mouth shut.

Speaking of you-know-who, I don't want to deal with her anymore. Not only did she break my heart, but she also let her closest friend ridicule me in front of the rest of the student body, which can be unforgiving.

So, what if I'm about to lose my only friend here? What if I'm bound to be the one who will be involved in anything romantic, including the prom, with Aaleyah Ronin? But, also, what if I could change everything and restart from the very beginning? No, no, it doesn't involve that girl, but possibly someone new.

Everything is still possible. But I must get rid of my thoughts as soon as possible, before they could harm me.

***

Jaelynn, Leah and the girl who shattered my heart, as well as hope in myself for the future, are still laughing about the tantrum I threw yesterday after breaking Leah's phone; though, she doesn't seem to be very keen on keeping mocking me - I know, she doesn't seem to be very truthful in her reaction.

"Oh, come on, Birch," she approaches me, all while the other two girls are still chit-chatting. "Don't tell me you are still upset for what happened yesterday. Anyway, my phone is in reparation, so don't worry about you having to buy me a new one."

"Well... if so, then sorry for breaking it." My apologies don't sound very sincere, to be honest. I'm just doing so because it's the right thing to do and to avoid further mockery.

"Again, don't worry. But, is it true that you're trying hard to stay away from Aaleyah?" Oh, no. Why didn't she just kept her mouth shut? Now everyone will just think I may love her and... No no no. No silly thoughts. There's no room for them in my mind. I should remember that thoughts won't lead me anywhere. Deeds are more important.

I must tell her the truth, before it's too late. I may pay one day for my indecision, so I'd rather just confess.

"I don't like her." These four words almost sound automatic in my mouth, though they're meaningful as well as extremely dangerous. Leah can't help biting her lips - I know, she's going to reprimand me for being such insensitive, but I should worry more about staying away from Aaleyah and just focus on my family and my studies.

Though, she doesn't. This kind of surprises me, especially because she seems to disagree with almost anybody else about me being a loser; nonetheless, I know she'll never admit it and instead will prefer calling me a loser to please her friend.

Unlike Leah, Jaelynn and especially Rylin stayed unsympathetic when I stated for the thousandth time in my life that I will never be Aaleyah's Prince Charming. So, as soon as they can, they leave, still laughing at what they define "an irresponsible behavior" by Leah.

The latter, taking advantage of my moment of weakness, then says, "At least you were being honest when you said you don't like her. Remember. I may appreciate your honesty, but she may be crushed by this, so take that into account." After that, she leaves the hall, as well.

***

I take a seat at a little corner of this area, trying not to be completely absorbed by my thoughts as usual, although I already know this is going to be as painful as hell. Everybody knows that excessive thinking is harmful for oneself, yet I can't let go of this habit - it's been part of me ever since.

At least, no-one is noticing me. No, no, hold on. Someone is approaching me. Oh, no, it's Aaleyah! Now that I've been caught, I must find another place where to stay in peace. However, this is much easier said than done, as she talks first, "Hello Gareth. What are you doing? Are you playing hide and seek?"

I deny that, causing her to laugh a little bit. Well, her laughter is a bit off, other than disturbing, to the point that she would just do me a favor if she shut her mouth for a while.

"Could you stop laughing that way, please? You're making me get a headache!" I point out in a nasty manner, hoping to have her leave, yet this won't happen, as she is laughing even louder.

"Let me tell you, Gareth, you're beyond hilarious, especially when you look upset," comments Aaleyah, still laughing. "Seriously, you make me laugh."

"Well, I'm not." Again, this reaction produces the opposite effect to the desired one, which therefore forces me to be honest with myself and, more particularly, with her.

"I'm not joking. Seriously. I like people who make me laugh, and you are one of them, do you agree?" I nod upon her question; nonetheless I'm not convinced at all by my means.

"I'm sorry, Aaleyah, but I can't find anything entertaining in your ungracious laughter. Your humour is appalling. You didn't make me laugh at all, you were laughing at me!" Upset by her not taking my words seriously, I decide to turn my back at her and leave her behind. She, however, sees it as a chance to chase after me, which forces me to run through corridors to escape her.