Chapter 9

I woke up to the clanging of the pans being washed in the kitchen sink. But I also woke up to a 17 year old Tessa.

For my birthday, my aunt prepared a special breakfast. She made my favorites, blueberry waffles and a chocolate muffin to go with. My aunt gave me two presents. One was a cute shirt we saw at the mall. She must have snuck that in with her purchases. Another was just money, one hundred dollars to exact. I told her she shouldn't have and thanked her.

My legs walked me to school. My light brown hair was held up by a ponytail. I decided to wear my new shirt to school. But only for my aunt's sake.

I got to homeroom on time. I didn't bother to look around. I just kept to myself and waited for the teacher to take attendance.

When the teacher said his name, my eyes were impossible to stop from scanning around the room. There he was sitting with his caramel hair in a mess. He just raised his hand to signal his being there. My eyes then jolted back to focusing on the front of the room. I had to stop that.

When the teacher got to my name, I said here. Before going to the next name, she paused and looked down at the roll call sheet. "Happy birthday Tessa," she said plainly and then continued down the list.

I felt people were staring at me like I wasn't allowed to have a birthday.

History blew by as well did the other classes. I was hoping that Nathan had finally retrieved my message about leaving me be because I wanted my spot. I guess my birthday wish came true.

When I arrived, no one was there. I let out a sigh of relief.

But that wish soon dissolved.

"Happy birthday Tessa!" said a voice.

This made me jump. Then the person with the voice stepped out from behind the tree. It was Nathan, of course. I just stared at him with the anger that consumed me. My one piece of alone time for the school day, and Nathan always interrupted in.

"Can we really talk?" he said.

I just shook my head.

"Then just listen. You asked me before why I wanted to develop a friendship with you. Well, I have a real answer this time. I can't stop thinking about you. You seem so interesting to me," he finished.

"What am I, some science experiment to you," I said back.

"Of course not, what I mean is that you're not like the other people walking in those halls. You're smart, stubborn, and different. But in a good way," he replied.

"Nathan..." I started.

"Before you say anything, I want to know why you intend on being a loner. Why don't you try being friends with me," he questioned.

"I can't share that with you. Let's just say it's hard for me," I said. I was surprised about the little bit of honesty I had just given Nathan.

I could tell by his expression he was starting to assume things. I let out a sigh. "Nathan, I am who I am for a reason. Things have happened to me that I can't change, but they have changed me."

He looked at me with an expression that confused me. He raised his arm to allow his hand to reach my face. His hand touched my gentle and fragile cheek. My head turned away.

I was the first to speak. "It's better if we are not friends or anything Nathan."

"I'm not giving up" he stated and then just walked away.

Somewhere deep inside me, I had a feeling that the green eyed boy was going to win in the end.