The Nameless Boy

2: Him

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. My alarm clock obnoxiously wakes me up. I rub my eyes and let out a big yawn.

I'm not going to lie, I spend quite a while getting dolled up. I think it's important to look your best as much as possible. Don't get me wrong, sweat pants and messy buns are great too, but there's a time and place for everything. It's not like I'm trying to impress anyone, I think that's where people go wrong. I don't put on mascara and curl my hair for any guy, I do it to make myself feel confident. While picking out an outfit, I see Jamie walk by in the corner of my eye. She's wearing my shirt.

"Stop it right there!"

"What?" She steps back looking at me from the hall.

"My shirt. Give it back right now."

"Come on, it's not like you were going to wear this today."

"How do you know that?"

"Because you never wear this."

"Yes, I do." I crossed my arms. "Please give it back. I don't want to have to bring mom or dad into this."

"You're just mad because it looks better on me."

"I don't have the energy to argue with you, forget it." I shut my door and took a breath. 'It's just a shirt.' I thought to myself.

-

"What's wrong?" Avery randomly asked me during class.

     "Nothing, why do you ask?"

     "I know you. You're not yourself. We've been working on this packet for twenty minutes and you're still on number five. Did something happen?"

     "No. I'm just tired and worn out."

     You're lying. Did Reed say something to you? Because if he did, I swear-"

     "No! I haven't spoken to him at all."

     "Then what's going on?" He asked with curiosity.

     "I decided to tell my parents about California. It's eating me alive." I tapped my pencil against the desk subconsciously.

     "Oh...yeah. I thought you decided that a long time ago."

     "Yeah, but tonight I'm finally going to tell them. How do I even say it?" I tugged my hair behind my ear nervously.

     "Just tell them as if you were telling me in a matter-of-fact kind of way. Don't build up too much anticipation. It's not like you've done anything wrong. And who knows? Maybe they'll be proud of you and your decision. I mean it's on the top ten colleges for science for God sakes!"

     "I don't know. They don't believe in me like you and the other guys do." I smiled weakly.

     "Well, that's bad parenting on their part. Regardless of what happens, remember I'm rooting for you. You're going to do such amazing things one day because you're an insanely smart, beautiful, and talented girl. Nothing can change that; not even your parent's opinion."

     I felt my face smiling uncontrollably. "Thank you so much, Avery. I don't know what I'd do without you." I said sincerely.

     "Anytime. I'm here for you, Doo."

     I chuckled. "And I'm here for you, Doodly."

     Now that my worrying had minimized, I continued working on the assigned packet.

     Near the end of the packet, I began to struggle on a question. I glanced over at Daniela who was across the room checking out her nails. I laughed inside and immediately knew asking for help would be pointless. There was no way she was even halfway through.