I had been enduring half-days of school for almost two weeks, claiming that I was seeing a physical therapist to regain my strength after having mono. I could tell that lots of my peers were getting suspicious; I was bigger and stronger than ever, and I had the highest grade in the school in my weight training class.

"Wow, Jared, that physical therapy program must be doing you wonders," people would often say to me while passing by in the hallways. I learned to ignore those who tried to provoke me. It got easier every day; though I was no where near Sam's almost complete mastery of self-control, I no longer had to flee school to phase.

That day after school, I made the decision that would ultimately lead to an event – as some might call it – that would change my life forever. I was no longer going to be a wimp, a coward. I was ready to face the music.

"Sam," I said as I lounged in a folding chair next to him and Paul outside his house one day, "I'm ready to try school full time. I'm learning to get a hold of myself when I'm angry, and I have enough self-control to know when it's time to leave if anyone really pisses me off."

Sam nodded. "I trust you, Jared. I'm sure you'll be able to handle it," he said encouragingly. "However, I think Paul should keep doing half days for a while. No offense, Paul."

Despite Sam's light tone, Paul looked a little offended. "You know, If I wasn't aware that that's the complete truth, I would be angry," he muttered.

"Exactly my point," remarked Sam. "Maybe in another week or two."

I was back in school, for real this time. Lunch had just ended, and I was off to my English class for the first time in almost a month. So far the day had gone all right, to say the least. I slid into my seat, at ease.

"Jared, I'm sorry, but that's no longer your seat. Now you sit in the back, next to Kim," my teacher, Mrs. Aakant, told me. "And I'll expect to see all the make-up work from you by the end of next week. Even having mono doesn't get you out of homework."

I rolled my eyes as I turned around and headed up the aisle. I sat down in my new desk, not even glancing at the girl who now sat next to me. The seat was cracked down the middle and sank under my weight. The desktop was heavily graffitied. I frowned to myself. I didn't like the new seating arrangement. At least I wouldn't be in the center of the room, the center off attention, anymore.

The bell rang shrilly, interrupting my thoughts, and Mrs. Aakant handed out papers that we were to take notes on.

"Jared, may I borrow a pen? Mine ran out of ink," a soft, shy female voice asked. It must've been Kim, the one Mrs. Aakant had mentioned. I had never really noticed her before. We had never had a real conversation.

"Sure, I guess so," I answered, fishing a pen out of my backpack and slipping it to her. As she thanked my, my eyes snapped up and met hers.

Suddenly, I realized I was drooling. But that didn't matter. Not the way it would've before, in the dark ages, before I had looked up into those eyes. How long had I been staring, anyway? Why hadn't I ever looked before? Kim was so . . . indescribable. Her skin was like silk. Her dark eyes glimmered beautifully. Her hair was well-kept, and it was just the right shade. Her lips had a perfect double curve. Her perfect skin darkened with embarrassment as I stared, but I couldn't bring myself to look away. Kim was perfect. What other word could be used to describe her every feature? Perfect, perfect, perfect, perfect. Kim was not the ordinary, insignificant girl I had been moronic enough to think she was. No, Kim was everything. Without her, the whole universe would fall to pieces. My heart pounded. No, there could be no world without Kim. That world would be a cruel, disgusting place. Kim was everything.