Alex
I was on my way to soccer tryouts, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it. For one thing, it was a high school team, and I was going to be a freshman. Second, none of my friends would be there, because, instead of staying at the public school for my high school years, I decided to go to a catholic one. It wasn't like I was forced to leave my friends behind, and go to a strange new school. I made the decision. I choose to go to this school. Why? I'm not sure, but it just felt right, like the school was pulling me in, like it would be better for me than my old one.
Before I elaborate, i should probably tell you a little about my background. I live at home, with my mom, stepdad(my real dad died before I was born), and three little step-sisters. I started off going to a catholic school, where I had a small class, but we were very close. When I was in 6th grade, my school closed, and i went to the public middle school in my town. It took awhile to find friends, but when I did, I knew that our friendship was the kind that would last. One of my best friends was Theresa, with whom i shared a mutual respect of fiction, and the imaginary worlds so much more interesting than our own.
I have never been one to fit in with the popular crowd. I'm too weird for them, and a little too hyper, and unlike them, I don't spend my time obsessing over boys and makeup. For one thing, i love to read, and fantasy is always top of my list. I can relate to the characters much better than the people actually around me. It doesn't bother me that I'm not popular, because I'm perfectly content with a few close friends who i can confide in, and who share some of my weirdness.
So, back to soccer. It wasn't swimming, but the swim season was over, so I had to play another sport. I am athletic, and a fast runner, but swimming is where I feel I belong. I love being in the water; it refreshes me, and gives me a rush of adrenaline perfect for winning races. I like playing other sports too, but only for the sport. The social aspect never really appealed to me. No matter what sport it was, everyone seemed to know each other extremely well, and I was the outsider. It wasn't too bad on the playing field, because I knew what i had to do, and executed it well. But if we ever had a team party, I was forced to sit there silently, absorbed in my own thoughts, rather than speak and receive the judgmental looks from everyone around. Oh, and I hate sitting still. Talking is something I do a lot, and I am naturally loud and hyper, which isn't always a good thing. It's perfect for sports, but try taking a test or reading a nonfictional book over 300 pages when you can't concentrate because your mind keeps wandering.
I knew I was different, but I thought being different was a good thing. It turns out I may have been mistaken.