Before Summer Break I knew I was in love with you. Was I a fool for thinking you were in love with me too? - Jesu Nadal Natalie - I don’t like it when West snaps at me after making love. It makes me feel used. As if I could give him everything and still it wouldn’t be enough. I wipe my tears and take a deep breath to calm myself down. Sometimes he doesn’t even want to come near me. This is one of those days. I get it he is upset and occupied. But whenever he does this, it makes me feel abandoned and ugly. I look at my face in the mirror and wash it in hopes of reducing the redness spread across my eyes. After a while, he opens the bathroom door and says, “Come to bed…” “So you could fuck me, then shut me out again?” I ask with indifference. He sighs. ”Nat…” He takes a step towards me, trying to touch my arm, but I shrug him off. He stands there for a while, then says, “Sometimes I wish I hadn’t told you anything. You worry too much… and you know how I feel about it...” “Yeah
Party - Natalie - West has been avoiding me. I know he was on vacation during initial week. But something was odd. After vacation, he told me his father was giving him a hard time, and he needed space. Then more and more excuses. Even though he never said anything to me, I tried to move on… But then he would breadcrumb and pull me back. He barely talks or texts these days, but doesn’t leave me alone either. So last night, I confronted him. I asked Why didn’t he call me? Why was his phone always busy? He asked if I was trying to spy on him. I was not! I just missed him. When called, his phone was busy. Every. Damn. Time. Doesn’t he miss me? In school, it’s formal between us, but at night, we used to talk about anything to everything. When my mind wanders to dark corners, I tell myself It’s just a rough patch. He opened his heart to me. Told me his troubles at home. I told him about my insecurities. He is always pushing me to do better. I am always there to support him. ‘We
Reckless - Natalie - I usually avoid parties. That explains the surprised faces when they see me there. Riley says it’s because I look stunning. I catch up with some old acquaintances I know from race competitions in town. Finally, the three of us stand there while West talks about his plans for the next match. He could talk all day long about his upcoming game as if he doesn't spend enough time with his playing, practicing and planning with his team. At Least there is something that makes him happy. After a while, Norris calls out his name, “Hey WEST! Look who’s here?” We turn and West laugh, “Oh my Fucking GOD!” He walks over to Norris. “Who’s that?” Riley asks me. I glance in the direction and ask who? “That Muscular tall boy…” Then I spot him.. Standing next to Norris. I sigh. “I wish I had that kind of tanned skin..” She laughs. “You are perfect the way you are.” I snort. Mom says that alot. I find it hard to believe. “I am seeing him for the first time? West seem
Girl Like me? - Natalie - The next few days go in a blur. I am too numb to process things or talk to Riley. Completely confused if I am supposed to warn her or If West is right and I was just expecting a relationship when he didn’t want anything from me. Shit has hit fan in school too. I have been isolated. I am still avoiding West & Riley for the last three days. I understand Riley’s confusion. But I don’t understand why the hell West is still approaching me. I am giving him the fucking space he often asked for. Why doesn’t he just enjoy it? As I sit in my room just blankly staring out the window, a chime from my phone breaks my trance. Both of them have been texting me a lot. I am reading her messages, but avoiding him. I will probably have to talk to them. Both of them. I need to make sure he doesn’t use Riley as he used me. Riley: ‘You have no idea how much I am missing you. Can we please talk? West isn’t telling me anything.’ Riley: ‘I hate it when you guys fight.’ Me: ‘Com
His first crush — A Year Later — - Jacob - . “It’s time Jacob!! I told you to get ready half-hour ago!” I grunt, trying to reach my shoes below the bed. I should listen to my mom often. It’s getting more and more difficult to find things in this messy room lately. And how the hell did my shoe go this far under the bed? Coco’s deed. I am sure. They say dogs don’t hold grudges, but I call it animal dung theory. She knows how to annoy me. I should have taken her for a walk last night. “Just Go!! I know their house, “I yelled at mom in annoyance and grimace immediately. “OK!! We will talk about your condescending tone later.” I wince, imagining the late-night lecture. Thanks, Coco. She sits next to me amused, watching me move the bed. It’s heavy… Wish I hadn’t thrown all my shit on bed earlier. Considering the level of enthusiasm, I should be the first one to reach there. But looks like, Thanks to Coco, we will exercise play-it-cool tonight. This girl has been on my mind ever since
Kisses - Jacob - . Just when we are about to head home, I ask for her number discreetly. With her father nearby, I don’t want to be open about it. I really behaved like an idiot at the dinner table. She must be thinking, I am some awkward dork or something. Technically, I am in many aspects. I just don’t want her to know about it. Not yet. I couldn’t be happier when she obliged and entered her number into my phone. My smile widens when I see the contact name she entered ‘Dull-Mean-Happening-Girl. Too long but works. She is a tease and I like that... Her dating life probably isn’t as clean as a slate like mine. I hope I can leave an impression good enough to convince her to date. After Mom’s lecture about my tone, my room, and my ungrateful attitude in general, I am ready for bed. My fingers are itching to text her. I give myself several excuses like ‘she doesn’t have my number yet’ or ‘ We need to figure out a weekend study session schedule‘. I ignore it’s only Tuesday, and we
15. Official girlfriend- Natalie -.I reach my locker and rub the obscenities scribbled over my locker. It’s chalk today. That’s a plus! I had to file a complaint when somebody used spray paint. Dumb people didn’t know about the camera nearby. Things are way better now. Whenever some new topic stirs in school, they usually forget me. Whenever they get back on me for whatever reason, it’s usually the same shit. Leaders of the bully associations will agree, they need to come up with better insults.“Hey”Riley!I turn my head towards the soft voice and nod my head, smiling. The past year was probably the hardest for her (apart from me). Because she doesn’t know what exactly happened to trigger all this mess. She created some distance first, but then tried to rekindle the friendship after a few months. Not sure if she approached me out of pity or if she just missed me? We were good friends, after all. Even before West was in the picture to ruin everything.Despite her efforts, we haven
17. It’s barely step one - Jacob - . “I thought you were coming to our school today?” West sits next to me in the locker room wearing his shoes after our match practice. “No man... one more week. Next Monday, to be exact.” I frown, “I thought I told you about that chemistry competition on Sunday..” West scoffs, “You indeed are a dork!” and walks out of the locker room. Nerd would be more appropriate. But Ok.. Whatever gets you off West. If someone from Maple High would have teased me, I might have taken offense. But I know West doesn’t mean it like that. He is crude to everyone. His default mode. I like him. He is fun to be around and surprisingly cool for things other boys have embarrassed me about. I am looking forward to attending school with him. I am sure we will have some of the classes together. With Natalie too. She and I can be good friends. Or maybe more. I am eager to meet her in the evening again. She told me she would like to take a walk with Coco. I wonder if s