“Hey,” Grace texted, “Sorry, I can’t walk to school or home with you, but I’ll make it up later”

“Son, get off your butt and go to school” Mom says from the other side of the door.

“I hear ya I hear ya. But can’t I skip today?” I say with a sadness in my voice.

“What?!” Mom yelling through the door.

“Nothing… I'm getting dress” I quickly get up to get ready.

Mom hates it when I skip school. Like “school is very important, if I hadn't made mistakes back in the day we would be living a easier life. For your future you need to focus on…..” Blah, blah heard it too many times. Plus, she usually finds me when I do, like she has a GPS on me.

School ends in a lonely silent kind of way. Grace and I are in the same class but instead of hanging out with me. She has been texting and spending her lunch time with her new boyfriend. It’s like I have been forgotten; what made it even worse was the fact that they were walking in front of me, heading home. I just hope they don’t last long; I don't know how long I can handle this.

…….

Lying in bed imagining every little thing Grace and her new boyfriend are doing right now. My phone buzzes.

“Hey!” a text message shows up.

Ugh! It's Mel she has a thing for me and hates grace. I've told her more than once that I am not into her, but she seems to not get it.

Another message pops up right after “Hey!! Me and the guys are heading to the movies”

“Okay? Have fun” I text back.

“Noooo!!!! Come on! It'll be fun, it's the new Fight Fight O.K.” another message follows “I'll pay for your ticket” Mel text in all caps.

Minutes pass, I don't answer.

“Free food” “???” Mel text

“Fine… Only for the food” I text back, feeling annoyed

Plus, there isn’t another option since Grace is busy with her new boyfriend. I will message grace before leaving though.

“Hey, I'm heading out to hang with friends. We’re going to watch a movie. Message me if you want to come or if you need anything”

I know it sounds desperate, but I keep myself available for her. Hoping for her to want my company.