Rejected

Chapter 4

I was desperately calling my mom as I paced back and forth waiting for the 'Hello?' to come from the other line.

No answer.

I continued to pace as I saw some of the guys walk out of the athletics door.

I grabbed my water bottle thinking of how dehydrated they must be. I have no interest in sports yet people say that I'm a good runner.
My eyes crossed each of the sweating guys that came out of the door, as I chugged the rest of the water.

Then I saw that Jackson came out shirtless.

My inflated cheeks had quickly led me to spit out the water, causing me to choke severely.

He turns to the "beautiful" noise of me choking and, smiling and waving. After I've calmed down I wave back not even glancing at him still trying to control myself.

Ugh. If I pull something like that again he's gonna suspect something.

I shove the empty water bottle in my back pack and cross my arms, thinking how stupid I must've looked.

His ego probably went up a few digits.
No doubt.

I hate it when guys know they're good looking.
Yes. I admit it. So what?

Will I say it?

I'd rather die.

......................................

"I heard that Jack is also enrolling in your school!"

"And?" I shrugged.

"Well I thought it would be nice to see him and his family again, so I asked them if they would like to join us for dinner! I know you two were always together back in elementary school."

My eyes fell to the floor.

"Mom, things have changed."

My mom stayed silent for a moment.

"I thought you two were like best buddies, or something?" She quickly glanced at my face.

I didn't feel like answering. I've already had to speak over a million times. Besides, I didn't really have a good response.

It may have been something small, but as a kid it broke my heart. It was only every day that we would be partners in any activity.
On Valentine's day he would often give me a basket of snacks. No other classmate received and ounce of his attention. Jackson was the sweetest guy in the school. At times I wished to tell him that I loved him.
Of course, I didn't understand what love is.
But one day, he wasn't there. I thought he hated me. He had left without a goodbye.
I assumed he made a better friend than me.
He didn't want to be with me anymore.

Since my figure as a child was more chunky than the other kids, my self-esteem hadn't always been at its best.

I remember one trip, we had to pick a bus buddy and no one even glanced at me.

I start noticing the familiar houses as we pass by.

Our house was a regular condo, surrounded by trees and a simple yard for a simple average person like me.

My bedroom is the first thing on my mind. I need to relax.

I can't believe Jackson is coming to my house.

I prop the front door open, tossing my backpack on the couch, and directing myself to the staircase.

"Where do you think you're going?" She quickly stopped me.