28th August 2013 Wednesday
Day 240
The final instalment, which is great because I've done all my assessments for the week; but in four days it starts all over again.
Disclaimer: Maybe I should've wished on a different star…
It's been a few weeks now since that day on her front lawn; a memory I plan to cherish. Don't get me wrong, we've been together since that moment, but I like to reflect on the past and what influences it has on the future. There have been many more cherished moments since then, each one making me wonder why I couldn't find her in my life before.
We're moving together slowly, displayed to all the public at homecoming. Sure, there were a few broken hearts from some girls when they found out I really wasn't going to ask them, considering I already had a date, but I'm sure I can set them up with some people. After all, everyone deserves to be happy.
Speaking of which, I sneak a glance to the side of the function room, noticing the principal and by biology teacher dancing together. The cat is out of the bag with their relationship, it was actually a huge scandal at first, but they fought for each other and didn't care what the world had to say. I admire that, but no matter what, there's always going to be someone with a big mouth and a microphone to stand in your way.
"Attention," Tyrone announces from the stage. Everyone turns to the recently crowned homecoming king, and I cross my arms in annoyance. "I'd just like to say that the one thing we pride ourselves with at this school is camaraderie, and I would like to draw your attention to the traitor among us. Zap," I can suddenly feel the eyes of everyone in the room stare at me. "You have betrayed your football kind by dating a nerd."
The soft murmur of judging whispers travel around the room, and a horrible sensation of anger towards the moron with the crown takes over me. I exchange glances with Jenny, both of us looking worried and ashamed. Her head drops sadly, creating a feeling of guilt. Does she serious think I'm going to let Tyrone speak to her like this?
I push through the staring crowd forcefully, moving towards the stage with an angry expression. Tung hands me a microphone as I get up on the stage, and I reply a thank you to him through the speakers.
"Zap Monogan, you are dating a nerd," he declares, pointing a finger at me. The only thing I find weird is that he is not addressing me per se; instead, he's looking towards the audience. I hope this isn't a bid for popularity; he already won homecoming king. I lick my lips before replying in the microphone.
"So?" everyone turns to look at me, gasping in shock at my bluntness. Tyrone stares at me wide eyed, baffled by my response. I stare in to the crowd and spy Jenny, smiling shyly in my direction. I wink at her.
"Let me tell you something," I begin to address the crowd, unsure at where all this stage confidence has been. That could've been helpful for my English speech. "Someone once told me that you've got to stop believing all these stupid stereotypes," more murmurs of people talking are heard, but I'm watching Jenny move slowly through the crowd, smiling as I quote her. I chance a look at principal Hamilton and Jane, I mean, Ms Goodchild, both smiling approvingly at me.
"If something feels right, you've got to take that chance. Screw what society deems is acceptable. Tung here," I point to the side of the stage, everyone glancing at the small guy. "I've been best friends with him since middle school, but I had to hide that so I wouldn't be ridiculed and he wouldn't be bullied. Well, enough of that. He's my best friend," he smiles thankfully at me, to which I return. I can hear the whispers getting louder, and I notice a few of the 'popular people' turning up their noses in disgust and disapproval. By this point, Jenny has reached the front of the stage, and she's staring up at me with that amazing expression.
"As for your first statement; I'm dating someone who's smart, beautiful and makes me absolutely crazy whenever I'm not spending every second with her," with one arm, I pull her up on stage and pull her close, staring directly in her eyes. "And I think I'm falling in love with her more everyday."
We kiss then and there, a few squeals of both delight and shock occur in response. None of it matters to me, because I can feel her lips smiling against mine.
One clap. Then another. Then another.
A light, modest applause fills the room for us, yet I can still see the jocks and cheerleaders looking around awkwardly. I don't expect them to understand, I mean, I didn't at first, but it all makes sense to me now.
I got the beating of my life after that speech. The very next school day, Tyrone and a few of his buddies pulled me behind the sports centre after school and hit me for lying to them. I've got a black eye, but if you think I look bad, you should see the other guys. That was another secret that was accidentally let out. Now that everyone knows I trained on marine territory, hardly anyone messes with me.
Walking down the school's corridor, people stare at me in shock as the guy who turned the social pyramid up-side down. Now that I'm with the nerds and the IT guys, I'm still on top, proud that I can walk the halls with my true friends. People are very afraid of change, so I don't blame them if one rogue footballer shoves a band geek in to a locker; it's what we know.
All I know is, I'm through with that football scholarship. I never wanted to play professionally, so why bother trying to get one. I'm sitting on the grass with Jenny by my side, both of us reading her biology text book together. I'm going to try my luck at science now, and with her by my side, I can't fail.
A very "deep" ending, but I enjoy philosophy. R&R! and let's get back to the main story!
