Next day:

I checked my watch and noticed only ten minutes left. I smiled proudly, looking at my test which was already finished. Then, I looked around and saw everyone busy writing.

Raising my hand, I asked the teacher, "Mr. Sinha, I've finished my test. Can I leave?"

Mr. Sinha, our math teacher, lifted his  face from the notebook and looked at me with his mouth agape.

Well, having no friends or anyone with whom you can talk has its own perk. Anyone could challenge me for a pop quiz, and I'd always be ready for it.

"You finished it?" He asked, and I could sense that he was already impressed, which made me squeal mentally.

Don't get me wrong. He was in his twenties. Probably the youngest teacher of our school.

Of course handsome too.

He was one teacher the kids could never get the better of. Whatever witty retort they had, he had one better and that's why he was my favourite teacher.

A blush crept on my face as I replied, "Yeah, that was pretty easy."

He nodded as I collected my things and walked towards his desk, handing him my paper. He took the paper and scanned it curiously.

I was fully aware of the dialogue I used infront of my whole class but I couldn't help myself. I could sense their staring and whispering. I mean, it was the first time I've said something in the class so it was obviously a big deal.

I guess it wasn't my day!

"That's great! I guess we won't regret promoting you to this advanced class." He grinned widely, showing his perfect teeth.

Waves of happiness and relief washed over me, and I felt them soak right into my bones.

Happiness usually happens as we take action and we are on the move. We always open the door for happiness, even for a brief moment. When we are low, that brief moment of happiness can create a emotional mountain of relief.

I guess the day was not over yet.

Getting praised from your favourite teacher wasn't something you can easily forget, and it remained in my head till lunch.

As I walked into the lunchroom, looking desperately for an empty table, someone tapped my shoulder.

I turned around and found the same blonde girl with whom I met yesterday in the bathroom.

"You look lonely," she smiled at me, a bright and friendly smile. "Would you like to eat with me?"

"No, I prefer to eat alone." I politely declined her offer and walked towards the end of cafeteria where a empty seat was waiting for me. I took out my lunch box from the bag and opened it.

"Ah, here I thought we could become friends so you could help me with math." She pouted and stumbled beside me.

My head snapped towards her. "You are in advance Math?"

"Of course," she said proudly. "Don't judge a book by its cover," she added and flipped her hair.

I nodded and started eating. I knew what she was trying to say with her comment. She already saw me at my terrible state and now, she must be curious to know more about me.

"Anyways," she continued when I remained silent. "Will you help me? I know you did great in the test. I mean, did you look at the expression of Sinha? He was literally dumbfounded. Like, he wasn't expecting anyone to pass... actually no, he wasn't expecting anyone to finish the test. And, it was true actually. He is quite a devil when it comes to tests."

My gaze flickered towards her and found her looking at me with those hopeful eyes. My insides churned, mentally debating what to do. "You can ask someone else to tutor you. I'm sorry but I'm busy." I sent her an apologetic smile.

"It won't take that long. I promise but please help me?" She made a puppy dog face.

I sighed, "Listen..."

"Melissa Riverwood." She introduced herself, extending her hand with a bright smile and I stared at her for few seconds.

Don't. Just get up and leave

You're not here to make friends

Don't do anything stupid

Just get rid of her

But, the question is how? The more I push her, the more she wants to know about me.

"Hey?"

Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I looked at her confused face. I offered her a weak smile and replied, "Sorry. I just spaced out. Anyways, I'm Ashley." I took her hand and shook it, intentionally leaving out my last name.

She nodded slowly, getting it clearly but said nothing. "So, friends?"

"Um," I hesitated and paused for few seconds then continued, "I'm not exactly a friendly person."

"No worries." She waved her hand and grinned. "I'm perfect in breaking the walls."

I frowned, "I don't even like talking."

"Well, I don't have a problem with that." She smiled mischievously. "I'm quite a chatterbox. I hope you don't mind listening?" She asked and smirked.

"Yeah. I already realised that," I mumbled.

"Finish your lunch and I'll see you after school," she said and stood up.

"You're not going to eat? And what is after school?"

"Nah, I'm on a diet. Look at this," she said, pointing towards her belly which was ready to pop out from her tight t-shirt but was fortunately hidden by her jacket. "I can't wear my dresses." She pouted and added, "That's why I'm wearing jackets to cover my chubby stomach. And nothing, I was just planning to go for a coffee, if you don't mind?"

I bit my lip and sighed, "Sorry, I have to get home on time otherwise my aunt will get pissed. And, you can buy new dresses instead of torturing yourself," I pointed out.

I knew what was she feeling exactly. I had already gone through that phase. I had spent two fu**ing years  maintaining my perfect figure.

"But, I want to be perfect," she whined and slumped down in the chair.

I remained silent for few seconds, carefully choosing the words so that I could make her understand.

"Not being perfect isn't a curse, it isn't an issue, and it's certainly not anything to be ashamed of." I looked straight into her eyes and added,"It's simply a sign you're just as human as everyone else."

She blinked as my words hit her roughly. She knew that I was right and I could sense that as her expressions changed positively. "But... the people... I don't know Ash..." she trailed off, gazing downward, pressing her lips in a thin line.

"Either you've got the perfect figure or you're fat ass, they won't ever stop judging you. Trust me, Melissa... don't torture yourself for the sake of people. It's not worth of it."

There was something strong in my voice that made Melissa smile. But it wasn't a smile of joy or excitement. It was full of understanding and a promise that she would try.

I smiled back and offered her half of my sandwich which she took hesitantly. Her body was tense and she looked lost in thoughts, probably fighting with her inner subconscious.

I squeezed her other hand and she relaxed under my touch. I felt a sense of joy and pride after watching her taking a bite of sandwich. I knew she was still struggling but at least she had taken a small step which was more important.

When she finished her sandwich and I offered her my milkshake, she immediately went back to her dieting mode, quickly shaking her head. "I think, that's enough for today."

I chuckled, "I understand. We will try that tomorrow. Anyways, I was wondering, why didn't any of your friends try to stop you?"

"Because they are dumb." She rolled her eyes, switching back to her original personality and smirked, "That's why I wants to be your friend."

"Really? And here, I was thinking you're genuinely interested in my friendship. I'm so hurt right now," I said in a weak tone and wiped the fake tears but couldn't hide the smile forming on my lips.

She laughed and opened her mouth to reply when the bell rang. "Damn, I was having a good time. Anyways, I need to go otherwise my friends will kill me. I'll see you later, okay?" She quickly got up.

"Yeah, sure." I smiled, genuinely looking forward to meeting her again.

I guess it's not a big deal to have at least one friend?

*

A yawn escaped from my mouth as I took out my books out of my locker and headed outside to go home.

As I reached the parking lot, I noticed Melissa near a sports car with other students. She was laughing and talking with them. Looking at them, it was clear that they were pretty close and it made me wonder, why did she want to be my friend?

It's not like she was lacking in the friends department. She was gorgeous, talkative and friendly so why did she choose me?

Maybe she saw me crying in the bathroom and felt pity?

Or maybe there was something else!

I was so engrossed in my mental debate that I didn't notice the stare of a certain person. He was leaning towards the side of car, pretending to be busy on the phone but his eyes were fixed on me.

He was tall, just like Melissa. His hair was chocolate brown, falling slightly on his forehead.

I couldn't help but notice how well built his body was. I bet the view hidden in his blue denim shirt must be mouth-watering.

Damn!

My eyes widened when I realised what I was doing. I quickly took a few backward steps then turned around and walked away.

I was so wrong! This certainly wasn't my day.