It has been a week now, and surprisingly, school has returned to normal.
On that day, I had a presentation with Raymond, and despite everything he put me through, I decided to help him out. We only talked a few minutes before the presentation. I thought he would apologize for the kiss but he did not, which only validated some I always knew deep down, I knew the kiss didn't matter to him.
If it doesn't mean anything to him then why should it mean anything to me? Every time I see Raymond with Ellen, I remind myself of that fact. I continuously persuade myself that I had feelings for the wrong person, and I repeat this mantra whenever they cross my path, hoping to eventually move on.
Dany has been a constant presence by my side which has been a huge help. On most days, he joins me during lunch, which definitely draws some glances my way but I will get used to it. On other days I read my book. Books has always been my companion since I was nine.
Dany has always been like that, he was extroverted, liked engaging with people and always stood out in the crowd. I remember, since seventh grade he mostly had a bunch girls waiting for him outside the boy's locker room. I never understood the obsession though.
Dany engages me in conversation to keep me from drifting away into my thoughts, he knows I tend to overthink. It works well, at least while we're at school. After school, he goes for his football practice, and I head home.
School has returned to its usual, with everyone gossiping about the latest hot couple—the infamous Mr. Popular meets Ms. Popular. Yes, Raymond and Ellen are together.
No, don't think for a second that it affects me. Why should it? They can do whatever they want. I couldn't care less about their existence.
Dany has become popular now, which I knew couldn't be long overdue. I overhear girls whispering about the "new hot guy" in school. Every time I'm with him, it's as if the girls are throwing daggers at me. I swear, these girls will be the death of me someday.
I was walking towards my locker, searching for Dany, when I saw Raymond and Ellen making their way through the corridor. The entire corridor seemed to be in awe of them, treating them like celebrities.
I'm strong. I'm strong. I'm strong. I repeated these words to myself, hoping to remain calm and unaffected by what I witnessed. I kept chanting to myself as Raymond walked past me. In that fleeting moment, our eyes met, and time stood still.
My breath caught, and I felt a surge of emotions. I couldn't help as the shiver went down my spine, mostly because he came too close as he passed by me, our skin brushing against each other. It was warm, but the sight I witnessed was painful enough to shatter a piece if my heart. I looked at Ellen, who wore a smirk on her lips as they reached her locker. She claimed Raymond with a kiss.
I didn't want to see any more of the PDA so I started walking aimlessly, not knowing where I was headed. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, repeating the mantra, "I'm strong... it doesn't affect me..."
Lost in my thoughts, I accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry. I didn't see you. I was busy texting. It's completely my fault. I apologize...", it was a girl I had never seen before. Definitely not someone from school, I thought. I might be a wallflower but I am a good observer.
"I am so sorry. I should have been more careful-", this girl kept apologizing repeatedly. I tried to say "It's okay-" but she didn't listen and continued, "It was my fault... My mind has been preoccupied, and-"
"IT'S FINE!" I interrupted, raising my voice slightly, and finally, she stopped.
"Oops," she smiled awkwardly.
"I'm sorry for yelling. I didn't mean that. I'm just having a rough day," I said, guilt evident in my eyes.
"It's okay. I understand," she replied.
I nodded in response. Then, extending their hand, they introduced themselves.
"Hey, I'm Claire Williams.", she said as she extended one hand towards me for greeting.
"Sophie Esinberg," I replied, shaking her hand.
"I'm new here, and it's my first day. Could you help me with finding my schedule? Where can I get it?"
"Oh, yeah, sure. I'll take you to the administration office. You can get your schedule and they'll assign you a locker there."
"Thank you so much for helping. I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said, offering a sweet smile. I had to admit, her smile was cute. She appeared breathtakingly beautiful in her simplicity, radiating an ethereal charm that required no embellishment or even a trace of eyeliner. Her captivating green eyes glistened, complementing the cascade of light brown hair that gracefully fell just above her belt, enhancing her allure.
"No, not at all," I replied. This was my free period, and since Dany had a class, my plan was to seek solace among the shelves of the library. Through reading, I could escape into an alternate realm, living vicariously through the lives of others.
We went to the administration office, where I patiently waited outside while Claire went in to collect her schedule and other essentials. As I stood there, my attention was drawn to a guy steadily approaching me. I vaguely recognized him from previous encounters with Raymond, he was one of his friends. However, my curiosity piqued as he walked towards me.
I instinctively avoided direct eye contact with him, choosing instead to focus my gaze upon the ground. Each step he took brought him nearer, prompting a subtle shift in my position.
"Hey, Sophie,", he greeted me as I looked up, meeting his gaze.
"Hey?" My response had an air of uncertainty, almost sounding like a question. Confusion settled within me. Why would he initiate a conversation with me? It couldn't be related to Raymond, could it? Raymond had clearly moved on.
"I'm Chase. I happen to be one of Raymond's friends. I was wondering if you'd consider coming to my party this Friday," he sighed, his words laced with a tinge of hopeful longing.
"Umm-" I began, but he didn't allow me to speak.
"I know you're not one to typically attend parties, but it would mean a lot if you could make an exception. Daniel will also be there, so you won't feel alone. Just this once?" His face contorted into the kind of pleading expression that nobody could easily refuse.
"Umm... I'll see. I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best," I responded apologetically.
He nodded and said, "Great, then. I'll see you in chemistry."
I nodded back and smiled, my mind filled with lingering questions. First question, he knows we are together in Chemistry. What has happened to the world? Have people started acknowledging my presence?
Second question, did Chase just invited me to a party? A party, seriously! I was taken aback because I've never received an invitation to such high school parties, especially not those popular ones.
However, something felt amiss. Chase is Raymond's friend, which means that Raymond and Ellen are also going to be there.
I sighed at the thought of it. I can't go to this party. Definitely not if Raymond is going to be there. I need to stay away from that boy as far as possible.
As these thoughts continued to occupy my mind, Claire emerged from the office. "Earth to Sophie..." she snapped her fingers in front of me, effectively grounding me back to reality.
"Huh?", I blinked.
"Do you zone out this frequently?" she inquired, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Uh, nope," I replied with a shrug. "It's my free period, so we can explore the school!" she suggested, handing me her schedule.
"Oh, alright. Sure, I can show you around." I responded. This is exactly what I needed—a diversion, a moment where my mind can be free from thoughts of Raymond. Although it was easier said than done.
****
Hey guys.
Another update. I know this one's too late. Sorry. I was busy. I'm extremely sorry guys. I love you guys a lot. Thank you so much for reading. Thank you.
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