The classroom was noisy as usual.
"Look, he's here."
I heard whispers the moment I entered. Some students laughed. Others pretended not to see me. I walked to my seat near the window and sat down quietly.
I was used to this.
"Why do you let them treat you like that?" John asked from the seat behind me.
I smiled a little.
"It's my daily routine."
The teacher came in, and the class slowly became quiet. I stared at the blackboard, but my mind was empty. Time passed slowly.
When the lunch bell rang, everyone stood up quickly. Groups formed, and voices filled the room again. I stayed seated for a moment before standing up.
I always ate alone.
I took my lunch and sat at my usual place. No one came near me. I didn't expect anyone to.
Then someone sat in front of me.
I looked up.
It was her.
The most popular girl in class.
The noise around us suddenly stopped. I could feel everyone staring. My heart started beating fast. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming.
She smiled.
"Can I sit here?"she asked.
I nodded without thinking.
We ate in silence. My hands were shaking. I didn't know what to say. I felt warm inside, like something I had never felt before.
Then I heard laughter.
Not soft laughter. Loud laughter.
"Do you really think she would sit with you?"
Someone said it out loud. Others laughed again.
She stood up.
"I lost a bet," she said calmly.
"That's all."
She walked away.
Everyone laughed.
I smiled too.
But the warm feeling inside me slowly disappeared.
Then I understood.
Why would anyone like me?
I am short.
I look average.
There is nothing special about me.
That was my reality.
And it repeated every day.