Staying away

Since LLil has been writing on the themes of life, how they should be lived according to the way you want and not others, I shall post a short piece on peer pressure.

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I am a solitary figure.

Walking along the sheltered path on the way to the school bus stop after school.

While reading a humongous book through thick, heavy lenses.

I am probably what one would call a typical nerd.

But then, maybe I am.

Splish-splash.

Before I know it, my uniform and shoes are soaking wet and I realise I have been doused from head to toe with drainwater.

Not again.

I know it is no accident. I look up, dreading the faces of those whom I have had numerous nightmares of. There they were, they ghostly faces hovering over me, each one holding a pail just emptied of drainwater. Their mocking smirks almost reveal the terrible extent to which the prank they were about to play on me would lie.

"Stop that."

Sneers and sniggers from the 'it-girls', some squealing in high-pitched voices in mocking imitation of me, "Stop that!" Other students slowly crowd around the join in the fun.

Anger bubbles up inside of me. It is all I can do not to slap their faces to shut them up, but I don't. It would make everything else worse. Or I could possibly get into trouble. Besides, I'd better run away to the washroom before they notice the tears welling up in my eyes.

So I walk away, hastily drying the now flimsy, wet pages of the paperback book in my hands.

As I walk to the toilet, bowing my head in humility, I can hear the whispers of several students who pass me by.

"What a nerd."

"Yeah, she's always carrying that book around! Who does she think she is, a top student?"

"Showoff."

"Nerd."

"Irritating."

"Teacher's pet."

Their cutting words slice through my heart like a knife, but I remain emotionless, because that's how I am supposed to remain – a nobody.

The world is full of untrustworthy people. There is no one to trust. Staying emotionless and distant from others protects me.

At least I won't get hurt that way.
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Love, TFioS