It was the first day of my junior year at the old Maycomb high school. There was a crisp autumn breeze in the air as I walked towards the wide entrance. It had been over two months since I'd seen him. His eyes glistened magnificently as I started toward him in the grubby cafeteria. Maybe this year would be the year he finally notices me. He'd just broken up with his fellow senior girlfriend, I think she might have died or something. Whatever, she was always too perky anyways. Whatever the reason, he seems to have gotten over the harsh breakup just fine as I can see him glance my way while hand in hand with no other than Bob Ewell. My heart drops.
"Atticus…", I start, voice cracking.
"I didn't realize you were dating someone already." I say sourly as I stomp away. I feel the blood rush to my face as I turn away. Tears threaten to fall from my eyes as I rush into the mens washroom. I look up at the mirror. I'm a mess. What a fool I was for thinking he would ever want me.
"Pull yourself together, Tom," I think to myself, "you don't want people to think you're a dweeb."
After splashing my face with cool water I quickly compose myself and walk to my first class. I'm already late so I take my time to look at the small heart I had carved into the plastic display case last year. I had put it there in hopes that someday Atticus would like me back. He'd probably think it was cute or something. Now it seems that life has killed that dream. In fact, I'm certain he would report me if he ever found out about my vandalism.
I shake my head. No. Just because he's dating that jerk Bob Ewell, it doesn't mean that I still don't hold a chance. Maybe if I could just give the couple a little push so their relationship would fall apart…
An idea pops into my head. Oh. Oh, yes. The details begin to fall into place as I open the wooden door to a dimly lit classroom. This is going to be a excellent year…