This Can't Be True!

Another day has just begun. However, it's not going to be a day like others. School is finally over, which means I can take care of myself a little bit, especially because I passed the year without too much trouble, even though Mr Darby has been trying hard to fail me, yet he did so to no avail. When I want to reach a goal, I almost always manage to accomplish the said task. Well... except if it comes to facing Tamora Reegan, that's way too hard even for Neelia, so you can guess it's impossible for me.

Speaking of today, it seems as Neelia is going to leave somewhere for the holidays, so I won't see her at least till September. Yet, I still hope to be able to hear from her sometimes, all while I'm being stuck at home with the chance of bumping on Tamora Reegan and, possibly, dying while facing her.

However, my mother doesn't seem to be very understanding when it comes to facing bullies. She truly believes I can stand up to them by myself, something I disagree with. The last time I attempted to do so, yesterday, ended with death threats being charged on me.

Today, things don't seem to go any better. I know Mom is going to reprimand me again for my supposed lack of backbone and, to be honest, I'm already fed up with her. Why can't she just realize she's being overbearing that way? She only needs to do a thing, which is letting me be.

***

After failing to avoid yet another of Mom's reprimands, especially about my health and other stuff, I decide to leave the house to go for a walk. I truly need it, for that I'm tired, lacking stamina and, more importantly, fed up with my mother's shenanigans about "what my perfect life is supposed to be". I know, I said it again, though I don't mind.

As soon as I reach the park, I hope to catch up with my friends, but I'm more than surprised to find out none other than Ty Conley on my path. I try hard not to blush (otherwise, I would make a poor figure in front of him), although his smile is already confusing me. Why can't I just be more confident? Mom could be right, after all. I need to show a little more backbone.

"Hey, darling, you're still blushing, aren't you?" I laugh softly, trying hard to avoid answering the question, even though I know this isn't going to work: after all, he catches every single glimpse or frown of mine. I can definitely say he's the type that pays much attention to details regarding facial expression.

"You don't need to be afraid to show your true colors," he states, trying to encourage me. This is very nice of his, though I don't think this is what I truly need. I just want a little bit of time for myself, but why should I refuse the golden opportunity to none other than Ty Conley outside of school? That would be definitely very stupid of mine.

"Come on, Putana, tell me. How are things going at home?" he asks, disregarding whatever has to do with respect of privacy. Though, since it's him asking, I have no trouble answering his questions.

"Well, let's say things are not that perfect there. My mom and I are constantly arguing lately. She thinks I have little to no backbone and therefore I'm a loser," I explain, causing him to be shocked by my revelation. How come I told one of the most popular guys at my school that I'm often said to be a loser? No-one else would do so out of pride. Okay, does this mean I have no pride, though?

"You're not a loser." His words are beyond encouraging, though I don't know if they're enough for me to just forget all the nasty words I've been said in my life, especially from my peers. Including one in particular: Tamora Reegan. However, this is not the time to talk about her: hence, I won't let any thoughts of her ruin my day.

"But I actually am. Listen, Ty, I can't even stand up to my own friends, I can't even disagree with them, whatever they say is fucking law!" I end up screaming so loud, to the point that I can't even retain my tears. Again, I proved to be weak. He won't talk to me again. He'll definitely wind up dating a popular girl like him, something I'll never be in my miserable life since I can't seem to be able to change it.

"You can change your life, but what you need to do first is change your attitude," he admonishes. "You are too negative." Okay, I never considered myself a positive person, but at least I cared about giving people a rather good impression. But I've never, ever been told I'm negative. I have to admit it, this is crushing me and, what's worse, it's Ty, they guy I've dreamt of going to a date with for a long time, who said that explicitly for the first time.

"So, what can I do to be more positive?" I ask, but then I remember being usually told to "just enjoy life", which, for obvious reasons, never worked, later going on talking, "Some sound advice, please, not something I've already heard a thousand times."

Instead of giving me what I requested, a piece of useful advice, he just hands me an envelope and then orders, "Open it and read its content carefully," all while smirking. Oh, God, I don't think I can stand him doing so, since this is embarrassing even more than before.

Anyway, I obey and read the letter that's inside aloud. 'You're invited to my summer party. Make sure to come and bring a lot of energy and fun. RSVP. Ty Conley.' After that, I can't help laughing. "Really? Are you inviting me to your party? That's really nice of yours. Thank you!" I hold him in a tight hug, which he seems to appreciate. His gesture is proving to me that he's a reliable and mature guy who does not care about all the bullshit envious people make up.