Elementary School, Fourth Grade, Year 2002:
The recess bell rang loudly in my ears. I hated that stupid bell. It was way too close to my seat and always scared me and hurt my ears. But I also loved it because it meant that Ms. Johnson would stop droning on about the stupid multiplication tables. They were giving me a headache. And because it meant it was my Taine time. We would always have jumping contests off the swings. It was the best time of the day.
Everyone was already on their feet rushing outside. We had to be quick to get to the swings on time. There were only five of them and they filled up quickly.
In my rush, I tripped over the rug that our teacher told us stories on. I fell right on my knees, scraping them against the cold hard wooden floor. Everyone giggled, but Erin Streets laughed the loudest. She walked right by me on her way outside so she could make fun of me.
"That was gross. You're so fat!" she exclaimed, before covering her mouth with her thin hand and giggling.
Tears ran down my face in a constant stream. I was so embarrassed. I hoped Taine hadn't seen that.
But of course he had, because he wouldn't leave me behind. He was my best friend ever. He held out a hand to me without saying anything about what Erin had said.
"We don't have to play on the swings today..." he said as we continued outside. I wiped my eyes roughly and sniffled to get rid of the boogers that might have dripped out of my nose otherwise.
Taine walked over to the four square court, and I followed faithfully. Except I didn't like four square. I always got hit in the face. That's why I was so round... I didn't do exercise much because I wasn't very coordinated. I would play anyway, though.
So we got in line together, him in front of me. He looked forward, pretending to watch the game, but I noticed his eyes didn't follow the ball much. I wondered what he was thinking about as he turned around swiftly.
"Hey, Jemma. I just wanted to say I kind of like you. You know... like like," he blurted with red cheeks. I smiled huge.
"I like like you too, Tainster." I used my nick name for him because I was embarrassed. He smiled and then turned back around to watch the game again, this time with a smile and eyes following the ball.
I couldn't help but feel disappointed, though. I mean, maybe I'd expected something to happen after he said that, but no. He just watched the game, happy as a clam.
I pouted and crossed my arms.
I finally got up enough courage, and I poked his shoulder hard. He turned around a smug smile on his face.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Well, what now?" I demanded.
"What do you mean?" he asked, pushing his glasses up his nose.
"I dunno... shouldn't something happen now?" I asked. He shrugged and looked like he was about to say something but then Tyler Walsh got out, and it was Taine's turn to play.
...