What About Love?

I was born in the summer on Friday the 13th, our doctors laughed at the idea and the thought of Jason and Friday the 13th. With that I always thought I was unlucky. The worst things only happened to me. I was always sick as a child and made no friends; not until middle school at least. I was an empty shell as I entered my English room doors. I thought it was just going to be another year like elementary was.

I sat at my assigned table and saw I sit with two other people. They were both Hispanic; I groan. My father is a homophobic racist, so it grew onto me a little. “Alright class, why don’t you talk and get to know your partners at your table. It’ll be like this until you graduate.” Until we graduate? I thought seats change every nine weeks. Oh well, guess that means I only need to speak to theses two, then forget about them and toss them out of my memory. They talk to each other.... it seems they already know each other. “Hey Tati! Who knew we’d be in the same class?” She smiles as she shows her braces. Guess she’s got crooked teeth as well. I bit my lip as they press against my braces, leaving marks on the inside of my mouth. The boy looks at me. “And you are?” My dead eyes look at him. “Elizabeth, pleasure to meet you.” He smiles, and it surprises me a little. “Nice to meet you Elizabeth. My name is Carlos.” He gets a closer look. “Wait, you’re in my band class! You play flute right?” I nod. “That’s right.” Tatiana scoffs. “Band is for nerds.” Carlos chuckles. “Nah man, I’m doing it to get out of gym.” My body jolts. That’s why I’m in band. He grabs my hand and shakes it. I feel his warm, soft hands and my face heats up a little. “We are going to be great friends.” My mouth slightly opens; almost going to a smile. I smirk. “Yeah.” The teacher looks at us. “Looks like you guys got along quick.” I shrug while Tatiana smiles.

I look at them. “So.... how do you two know each other?” They look at each other. “We’re cousins.” Oh, I kinda see it.... I guess. I nod. “I see.” Tatiana stares at me a little. “You talk weird?” Carlos clicks his teeth. “That can be rude to say to some people Tati.” She panics a little. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t really hear how mean it sounded!” I sigh. “It’s fine.” Her mouth quivers a little. “I feel really bad now.” Carlos laughs and the teacher tells us to try and be more quiet. The class looks, and I start to sweat. Great, now we have all of their attention on us. I glare at some of them and when I look back, Tatiana looks a little worried. “You.... are you alright?” I look at her a little confused. “Yeah, why do you ask?” She jolts a bit. “You just look unhappy.” Carlos butts in, “She’s not unhappy, just a little shy from all the staring.” My heart throbs a little. How does he.... I look at him and he smiles. “Right?” I sigh. “I don’t like be watched; that’s all.” Tatiana goes to say something, but the bell rings. The class squeezes through the doors as if their life depended in it, and I feel someone tap my shoulder. I look to say Carlos, but it’s the teacher. “May I have a word?” I nod as I stay put. “Are you feeling alright, Ms. Winters?” I nod. “I’m feeling fine.” She doesn’t waver. “If you ever need to-” “I just have a weird resting face. No need to worry.” With that I say good bye and rush to my bus. I get on and try to sit by myself, but end up sitting with a neighbor. “Hi, my name is Makayla, do you remember me from elementary?” I shake my head. “Not really.” She continues to talk until we get to our bus stop. I stagger home and grab a snack so I can go to my room. I do my homework as I ate and later watched Youtube. I finish my night with a shower and think about English class. He’s also in my math, reading, band, and computer class. My heart throbs at that thought. What is wrong with me? I look in my bathroom mirror and see that I’m blushing. I touch my cheek and feel my heart is light, and yet heavy. I smile as I think about him. Why am I thinking about him so much!?