by Rua Hasan
I spent all these years remembering and running from what Tyler and others did to me when my situation wasn’t that bad while someone was living much worse. It made me feel thankful for being there at that moment and stopping from anything going too far. I was glad to meet Naomi and I was going to show her to the group. My friends always made me feel less of a loser and I sure hoped that if Naomi found someone to care about her, then she’d feel the same.
Just as we walked down the hallway, Tyler showed up. He ran towards me with the crutches and then took a hold of my hand. A blush took over my face when Naomi stared at us but I held it back down. I felt his warmth as he pulled me in closer.
“You’re not supposed to be running.”
I crunched my eyebrows and stared at his injured leg.
“You took so long.”
“I know. It’s because I bumped into Naomi. Naomi meet Tyler-uh well my…friend?” The word friend rolled off my tongue in a weird way and I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable when saying it. It’s as if it wasn’t meant to be there in the very beginning but I shrugged it off when Tyler gave me a weird look. He then turned to look at Naomi and flashed her a smile while sticking out his hand.
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you,” he said as she took a hold and shook his hand. She smiled and nodded her head.
“Nice to meet you too.”
“I’m going to introduce her to the group.”
“Where are they anyways? And did you get my food?” I asked in a hurry.
Tyler nodded his head.
“I did and they just got back from their classes. They’re hanging out in the usual spot,” he said as he dragged me down the hall with Naomi by my side. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Great! I’m starving.” I placed my hand over my stomach to prevent it from making some weird noise. When the doors of the cafeteria opened, I swear I heard bells of joy! The smell of pizza and grill cheese sandwiches hit me like a brick on the face. I felt my mouth water in hunger. Yes, I knew cafeteria food wasn’t the best in the world but when you’re dying out of hunger them you might as well eat a lizard and you wouldn’t care!
Okay… Maybe a lizard was a bit extreme but you know what I mean.
I stopped all of a sudden and turned around to look at Naomi.
“Sh*t that’s right. We need to get you something to eat.” I reminded myself. Just as I was about to drag her to the line, she pulled me back.
“No, that’s okay. I have my own lunch from home,” she pointed at her bag. That was when I noticed her holding a small lunch bag in her right arm. Nodding my head, I showed her the way to our table as Tyler walked beside me. Seeing Matt sitting with my friends brought a smile to my face and it wasn’t because I missed him or anything. It was because of the food scattered across the table.
“Mine!” I yelled as Matt reached over for a cheese burger but I snatched it from him almost immediately and shoved it into my mouth inhumanly. I munched on what seemed to be heaven as I closed my eyes and savored the taste. I could finally feel my stomach be at ease.
“Hey, that was mine!” Matt whined.
I sent him a cold glare, making him back down as he held his hands up in surrender.
“Well, someone’s hungry.” Jasmine rolled her eyes.
I swallowed my first bite before answering.
“Hungry? I’m starving!” I said before shoving the last remaining burger into my mouth.
“What a lovely sight.” I heard Tyler say in sarcasm but I only flipped him off in return. As I swallowed my last bite, Naomi sat next to me attracting everyone’s attention.
“Guys, I’d like to introduce you to Naomi.”
She gave them a smile and waved ‘hello’.
“Damn, she’s ho—OW!”
Troy rubbed the sore spot Jasmine caused. She glared at him and pinched his shoulder.
“No flirting.”
“But babe! You always flirt with him when I’m around!” he whined pointing at Tyler.
Tyler let out a chuckle as his famous grin took over his face.
“It’s my weakness! Can’t blame you.” he winked at Jasmine causing her to laugh.
“See! You’re doing it again.” Troy pouted causing Jasmine to look at him.
“Aw babe! You know I only have eyes for you.” She cooed while pinching his cheek. I wanted to gag right there on the spot when they leaned over to kiss. Turning my attention away, I leaned over to whisper to Naomi.
“Sorry about that. Just ignore them.” I said.
Naomi game me a smile and let out a laugh.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind. Your friends seem amazing,” she whispered.
I couldn’t help but agree.
“So, Naomi where are you from?” Matt asked shoving a French fry into his mouth. All head turned towards her in curiosity.
“I’m actually from Britain.”
“Then why don’t you have one of those sexy British accents?” Eva asked.
“I’ve lived all my life Philadelphia so I guess that answers your questions.”
“So, what can you say about California?” Tyler asked steeling a fry from my tray. I pinched his hand and before he could shove it into his mouth, I did the stupidest thing I have ever done for food. I never expected I’d do this but when you’re hungry as me, you’d do anything to save every last bite.
I bit his hand like a hungry dog.
“Mine!” I growled steeling my fry and shoving it into my mouth in victory.
“What the heck!” Tyler hissed in disbelief causing everyone to erupt into laughter.
“You just bit my hand!”
“In front of your new friends.” I could hear the amusement in his voice but I could care less. All that mattered was that I took back my food and was filling my stomach with joy.
“Wow, your girlfriend is a werewolf.” Naomi joked causing both heads to whip towards her.
“I’m not his girlfriend!”
“I know, tell me about it!”
We both said in the same time. We then looked at each other and sent a glare at one another.
“You better get used to that.” Matt said pointing at us.
“Happens all the time.” Sydney let out a sigh of boredom.
“I have a great feeling we will get along quite well,” Naomi said causing all of us to chuckle.
“So as Tyler was asking, What do you think about California?” Jasmine asked.
“I love the weather here. It’s so warm and sunny. Just my type.”
There was an awkward silence but didn’t last long because Troy spoke.
“So how did you guys meet?” Troy asked pointing towards me and Naomi. I focused on his question and not on the big doofus sitting right next to me from the other side who was burning holes into the side of my head. Either it was because he was an admirer or because I bit his hand. I’d like the first choice better but I’d say the second one seemed more logical. I couldn’t help but think that he was a very hot doofus.
“Let’s just say we ran into an idiot.”
“A very racist idiot.”
I corrected myself causing all heads of nod down slowly in confusion. The awkward moment soon disappeared when Tyler spoke.
“So when’s the big race?”
I smiled with excitement.
“Next week!” I said.
“Wait, I thought it was two weeks away?” Matt scratched the back of his neck in confusion.
“That wasn’t the permanent date. It’s completely normal for it to change.” Tyler informed which reminded me that he once won the big race. I stared at him in awe as I played with the bracelet he gave me. Knowing that he was pushed to win the race made me even more motivated to win. Not just because of the money but because of my self-determination as well. If I won this race then I’d be sure to never doubt myself ever again. It felt as if I’d take a big step towards victory and I’d finally accomplish something. I mean if Tyler could do it then what makes me any different? I wouldn’t let my s
weat and pants for breath go to waist.
I was determined to win. I’ve been training for years.
“Omg! I’m so excited!” Jasmine clapped her hands.
“You’ll definitely win!” Sydney said causing me to smile in return.
“Wait which race are you guys talking about?” Naomi asked fiddling with her fingers.
“There’s this race represented by our schools district.” Matt explained.
“The one next Friday?” she asked.
I nodded my head.
“Yeah how do you know? Will you be there?” I asked in excitement.
“Oh I’ll be there all right …”
“But?” Tyler lifted an eyebrow knowing that there was something else she wanted to say.
“Just not in the crowd.” she chuckled nervously.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I’ll be in the race too.”
“Really? But how? I was the only one representing our school.”
“I know, but my mom works there and was able to find me a spot in this race.”
“Oh I see.” I nodded my head and was about to say something when Eva jumped up and down and hugged Naomi excitedly.
“Oh gosh this is going to be so much fun! Can’t wait to see who will win!” She yelled shaking Naomi. She looked a bit taken back but let out a laugh and patted her shoulder in relief. I guess she wasn’t expecting us to take this news in a good way. I couldn’t help but laugh and was about to pull the poor girl away from Eva’s grip before she hugged her to death but stopped when Naomi accidentally knocked down her orange juice, spilling it all over her long red skirt which was covering her legs.
“Sh*t.” Jasmine cursed.
“Uh-are you okay?” I asked grabbing a napkin to wipe off the damage.
“Oh my gosh I’m so sorry!” Eva shrieked.
“Oh no! That was such a nice skirt!” Sydney whined.
“We have to do something about it.” I said getting up.
“Guys… It’s just juice. It’ll wash o—”
“Shut up!” All girls turned to interrupt Troy from speaking. He looked taken back and opened his mouth to speak but was stopped, when Tyler and Matt pinched him in a warning matter.
“Be quiet before you get us all killed.” Matt hissed.
“Yeah never mess with girls’ clothes.” Tyler warned causing me to roll my eyes.
“Uh-it’s okay girls. I’ll just wash it when I get home but thanks th—”
“Nonsense!” Eva said getting up along with Jasmine and Sydney.
“That’s a beautiful skirt you’re wearing and if you wait till you get home it’ll just dry.” Sydney pointed out.
“I feel so guilty for starting this so let’s get it washed up in the bathroom.” Eva insisted.
“B-but—”
“No buts if I were you.”
“Eva tends to get a little crazy when she doesn’t get her ways,” I whispered.
“Hey I heard that!” she yelled walking towards us.
“It was intended to be heard.” I couldn’t help but joke as we walked towards the bathroom.
“What’s with girls and their urges to go together to the bathroo—OW!” Troy yelled in pain.
“What did we warn you about!” I heard Matt hiss to Troy.
“Don’t question them!”
I chuckled at what Tyler said. Just before we could disappear into the crowd of students, I heard Troy grumble to himself.
“That hurt, man.”
We then walked inside the hallway which led to the girls bathroom.
“Men.” Jasmine rolled her eyes.
“They’re so stupid.” she continued.
“Maybe we should remind you that you’re dating one of them.”
“Whatever.” she grinned. All five of us walked into the bathroom which was thankfully empty. I walked towards the sink and then turned around to look at Naomi. Her red skirt was covered in a big orange stain and just by looking at it, it wouldn’t be too easy to take it off. Especially if she was wearing it.
“Does anybody have any extra pair of jeans?” I asked like looking around to each girl. The twins shrugged. Jasmine pulled out a pair of skinny jeans from her bag. I couldn’t help but stare at her strangely.
“What?” she asked. “I’m on my period! Never know when a girl could need some extra clothes.” She pointed out.
I nodded my head.
“Typical.” Eva rolled her eyes as Sydney snatched the piece of clothing from Jasmine’s grip and turned to look at Naomi.
“It’s not much but this will have to do.”
Naomi took the jeans into her hands and sent Jasmine a smile.
“Thanks a lot. I totally owe you one.”
Eva dragged Naomi into an empty stall.
“Come on! We don’t have all the time in the world. Class is about to start.”
Naomi nodded her head and closed the door. We couldn’t see her since the stall door was closed but the door didn’t come all the way down to the ground so there was a little space which was enough to see her ankles and down. I leaned against the sink as I took out my phone to check the time. We had five minutes before class started and I wasn’t looking forward for that at all. Placing my phone back into my pocket, Naomi was telling the girls something about living in Philadelphia but I wasn’t concentrating because I caught a sight which completely surprised me but none of them noticed a thing. I felt my stomach drop in pity but I pushed it deep down because I knew Naomi wouldn’t have wanted me to think about her that way. I felt my heart clenched for this poor girl when I couldn’t help but replay what I just saw for a split of a second.
I saw Naomi push the jeans up her ankle and wore her shoes almost immediately. I couldn’t believe how fast she wore her shoes but I didn’t miss it.
Just before she could slip into her shoes, I saw metal on both feet.
It looked like Naomi was used to wearing so fast to hide that but it didn’t slip before my eyes. Naomi had no feet but fake metal ones. I couldn’t believe it not because it was so sad and depressing but because she wore her shoes so fast like she wanted to hide them. I guess this was a sensitive topic for her to hide it and I know it was none of my business but it reminded me of myself. Just like when I’d run away from my problems and hide in the corner.
Naomi was hiding the truth.
I’d have to respect her for her decisions but I couldn’t help but care. I tried to push down the urge to walk up to her and help but I knew that I couldn’t get myself involved in other people’s business. I barely knew the girl for less than an hour and it would be so rude of me to walk up to her and push her to discomfort. But that doesn’t mean I’m wasn’t going to try.
I was going to try to help Naomi find her comfort.
A smile took over my face when I realized something. Naomi was participating in a race to run! I’m sure that’s something which will boost her self-esteem! I’m guessing that it’s not that easy and to walk in those so imagine running. That would surely be a challenge for her but not impossible.
I was snapped out of my thoughts when the stall door opened and Naomi came out. Before she wore Jasmine’s jeans, she threw her skirt over the door to Eva so I wasn’t surprised when I saw the red fabric in Eva’s hands stain clean. She then placed in a plastic bag and handed it over to Naomi.
I know... Who brings random plastic bags with them to school? Apparently, Jasmine does.
“Damn girl you look good in those.” Sydney complement her causing her to blush a bit.
“Thanks. I’ll make sure to return them tomorrow.”
Just then the bell rang.
“Dam it. lunch is over!” Eva whined causing me to groan along with her.
“I’m guessing you’re not looking forward for your next class?” Naomi chuckled.
“I have math. What do you expect?” I said as we walked out of the bathroom and towards our table.
“Sucks. I got choir so I’ll see you girls later.” Na
omi waved at all of us but was immediately pulled into a hug by the twins. Jasmine and I hugged her goodbye to and promised to meet after school.
“It was nice meeting you! See ya!” The girls left and disappeared down the hall along with other students. I turned to look at Naomi.
“Isn’t the choir class next to Math?” I asked.
She shrugged.
“I’m not sure. Is your class next to the gym?” She asked.
I nodded my head.
“Yeah it is. Come on let’s go.” I dragged her passed the sea of students.
“So are you excited for the race?” She asked out of the blue.
“Yeahh, of course I am. You?” I asked.
She nodded her head.
“Yeah, I am, but I’m also nervous. I’m not the fastest runner out there you know... And there could only be one winner.”
“I know but you have to have faith in yourself. Whatever happens, there is always a reason. Remember that.”
She nodded her head and looked down to her feet. She then looked back up at me and smiled.
“You’re right. I have to have faith in myself.”
“But?” I asked knowing that she wanted to say something.
“But I’m filled with insecurities.”
I stopped to look at her.
“So do I. Everyone does.”
“Yeah, I know b—”
“But you have to accept them. Not to hide them.” I said.
She nodded her head as she absorbed all what I said.
“Yes that’s true.”
Just as those words left her mouth, I noticed that we made it to our fourth period classes. The bell would ring any minute now and I wasn’t looking forward for detention so I hugged Naomi goodbye.
“I’ll see you after school okay?”
She nodded her head and waved at me. I turned around and was about to walk into my class when I heard Naomi call out for my Name.
“Yeahh?”
“You know that guy totally has the hot stuff for you.” she grinned.
“Huh?”