Making fun of others, picking on them because they are different, is something that has plagued us for generations.

 

Not being part of the in-crowd can be heartbreaking. Having a crush on that special someone may lead to unforeseen consequences, as you will see in . . .

                                                                  

 

The Unexpected

 

“I like you,”

she said,

with a whimsical smile

on her face.

I had hoped

for this moment,

so long in coming.

 

She

had been the girl

of my dreams

the past three years—

since the fourth grade,

but I didn’t think

she knew

I was alive.

 

Was she

being sincere?

I didn’t know.

However,

she opened

the door

and I needed

to enter.

 

Her pretty nose,

perked up

high

in the air,

ignited

my soul.

 

She nodded,

and motioned

to me

to come

with her.

 

Was this

my chance

at love?

I had

to find out.

 

Moving

with trepidation,

I followed her,

as she

danced off.

 

She disappeared

around the corner

onto Garden Way.

My heart raced,

as I tried

to keep up

with her.

 

Out of breath,

I rounded

the corner

and . . .

my young world

turned

upside down.

 

I found myself

amid

a crowd of kids—

gawking, pointing,

and laughing

at me.

 

“Hey nerd,”

one bellowed.

“Smile—

you’re on

YouTube.”

 

Sweat poured

from every pore

in my body.

My face

reddened.

 

I buried

my head

in my hands.

Tears blurred

my vision.

 

My worst

nightmare

realized,

I spun around

and ran.

 

 

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