Unrequited Love

“I’m sorry but I can’t do this anymore. You’re just too weird for me and my friends would tease me a lot. Wish you all the best though.” Was a text I got with lines I’ve memorized by heart. It was either this or “It’s not you, it’s me” or “you’re just too emotional unavailable”. Well, there goes another potential relationship. I turn my phone off as I sit in front of my mirror. It’s my last year in college. I’m definitely ready for it to come to a complete end. I’ve made it this far without any attention coming to me, the mean girls have other things to focus on and I try my absolute best to stay in my lane. They’re all just a bunch of jerks who think they’re better than everyone because of their social status, let me rephrase that, their “parents” social status. I have no hopes or dreams for this year. The only thing I wish for, is to graduate without being noticed and continue living in my shell. I hardly say anything so that’s good for me. I pack my hair in my usual ponytail, throw on some pair of blue jeans and a hoodie with converse, have a last look in the mirror before heading downstairs. “Morning dad,” I said as I headed straight for the kitchen to get a glass of water. “Morning Layla, excited for your last year?” “It’s just my last year, almost an end of an era. No big deal,” I shrugged as I sat beside him on the kitchen table and took the pancake from his plate. He rolled his eyes, “Your mom would’ve made it a big deal,” “but she isn’t here and I don’t need you being so emotional about it. It’s just school, I didn’t win a lottery. You have a more important meeting today, sealing the biggest contract for your company that would give you more money,” “The money you don’t spend? You keep repeating clothes like I don’t give you enough allowance,” “I’m comfortable in these” I said spreading my arms out and looking down at myself. “Your mom would go nuts,” “but she isn’t here to, allow her rest in peace please.” “Come on, I’ll drop you off today,” “You don’t have to, the bus will be here in ten minutes,” “Who on earth does what you do? Rejects to be driven to school? Get your butt in the car Layla, I don’t have time to waste.” There was no winning this one with him and I wouldn’t want to start a tantrum when he’s got a big day today. I ran behind him while the cleaners began their daily chores. “So, still no boyfriends?” He said as we waited in early morning traffic. “You told me no boys allowed,” “That was before your mom passed. I was certain she could help you deal with the boy problems, but she passed away so soon and I have to fill those shoes,” he shrugged. “You have never mentioned anything about friends coming over, a party you’re invited to, no one ever shows up for your birthday, except my family, it’s as if you have no life outside the house.” “I don’t talk about parties because I don’t get invited to any,” “I wouldn’t blame the party organizers, you don’t look like you give anyone the chance to talk to you at all and that is a huge problem. I offered to send you to a therapist, your mom’s death really affected you,” “I don’t want to speak on this. I told you I could use the bus,” “I’m worried about you. I’m worried sick. You used to be such a social butterfly, but when she died…” “The line’s moving.” “you can’t keep running forever baby girl, I know how hard it is, but you need to face it. You need to face the emotions you’ve locked away for years, and I’m here for you whenever you’re ready to.”