Riiiinng. The bell rang loudly in my ear, waking me from my daydream of which I was popular in. Whenever I tell my Mom I want to be popular she tells me a quote that says, 'Popularity comes from allowing yourself to be bored by people while pretending to enjoy it'. That seems pretty true so I try not to let it get to me. I also always hear the quote 'Whatever is popular, is not always what's right'. Does anyone take these things to heart? I looked to my right to glance at Brittany, the prettiest girl in school, not to mention the dumbest. I figure to be so pretty you must have some other major flaw. The first year of high school, the dreaded freshman year, I became her subject of humiliation. Many times she has tripped me and laughed at me. Oh, and not to mention the time she spread a rumor around the entire school that I still sleep with a teddy bear named Boo, which is totally not true. Brittany had obviously seen me daydreaming because she was narrowing her eyes at me and smirking. We stood up to go to our next class when the clatter of my books to the floor caught everyone's attention. I stood like a dear in headlights unable to handle my sudden moment of fame. I swore I heard crickets chirping, but I decided not to mention it. I hadn't knocked my books to the floor, meaning someone else had done it and I knew who.
In realization that I was just standing there, I knelt down quickly trying to collect my books and mask my embarrassment. Someone bent to help me and I accidentally touched his or her hand. I looked up into the face of the brown-eyed, dark-skinned wonder called Luke.
"I thought you might need some help," the popular running back said coolly. My heart jumped out of my chest. He continued to look at me, smiling his gorgeous smile when I looked away. I had become certain that I had gone crazy. I got up, way to quickly judging by my light-headedness, and stumbled out the door to lunch.
As I walked into the lunch room I noticed how unstylish I was. Everywhere I looked I saw the same thing, skinny jeans and an Abercrombie or other similar brand shirt. Thinking I might go to the mall and pick out a few of those things, I proceeded to my regular table. I sat there, nibbling on my lunch for a long time when I saw Luke walking towards me.
"Oh no." I groaned inwardly, trying to hide my face.
"Hey Saria," he said kindly. He knew my name? My mouth gaped open in surprise, but I quickly closed it when I saw Brittany rapidly approaching, followed by Lilly and Megan.
"Hi Saria," she said sarcastically, not even pronouncing my name right. I simply nodded, not wanting to speak. Megan stepped forward to look at Luke.
"Hey, come it lunch with us." Megan flipped her hair dramatically and I almost gagged. Pulling myself together, I glanced at Luke. He in turn looked at me, smiled, and then followed after the threesome. Brittany's high heels clacked loudly on the cafeteria tile, making me glance down at my shoes. I stared at my worn tennis shoes for nearly a full minute. I definitely have a lot of work to do.
As the days passed, Luke began hanging around me more and more. I had grown a little more accustomed to him and now talked a little easier when he was around. It was a Friday afternoon and Luke and I were sitting outside.
"Tonight's our first football game. You're coming, right?" I wasn't much of a football fan myself and didn't participate in much, but I would do anything Luke asked me to. I managed a weak smile in his direction.
"I'll be there." That made him smile and of course made me smile wider in turn. I would be there.
Later that night, I arrived early to the football game. I had dressed in new skinny jeans and an Abercrombie shirt. I wasn't comfortable in this clothing, but I was tired of looking different from everybody else. Brittany came up to me in her cheer-leading costume.
"Nice get up," she sneered. What did I do wrong? In my frustration, I hadn't noticed Luke approach.
"Hey Brittany. Hi Saria." I couldn't help but notice he didn't smile at Brittany the same way he smiled at me.
"What's going on?" he asked. Brittany snorted.
"This loser tried to dress like everyone else, but she still looks ugly. She shouldn't be here. Should she Luke?" I was taken aback and my eyes quickly welled with tears. Trying not to risk embarrassment, I looked away.
"Actually Brittany," Luke said with a little more force than I thought necessary, "I invited her and I want her to be here." Brittany made a high pitched squeal and stormed off. I started to walk away too, but Luke stopped me.
"Why did you change the way you look?" he asked softly, concern creasing his forehead. I was surprised by his question and it took me a minute to come up with an answer.
"Because I want to be like everyone else," I said so quietly I was unsure if he could hear me.
"Saria, look at me," he said. I did what he told me relucatantly.
"I like you just the way you are."
