A Different Kind Of Forever

Chapter Five

**Chapter 5: Miles’ POV**

The hallways are buzzing with the usual chaos—clothes rustling, lockers slamming shut, students shouting and laughing. Taleigha and I walk side by side, our backpacks heavy on our shoulders. The morning’s classes are over, and I can feel her close, her warmth comforting even in the midst of all this noise.

We reach our lockers, and I lean against mine as she fumbles with her combination. She’s quiet today, a little more reserved than usual. I want to ask her what’s wrong, but I know better than to push. Sometimes, she needs her space.

“See you at the fountain at lunch?” I ask softly, offering her my best smile.

She nods, glances up at me with those big, kind eyes, and then she’s off to her class. I watch her go, feeling that familiar ache in my chest. I wish I could protect her from everything—the hurt, the pain, the people who judge her.

As she walks away, I turn and head in the opposite direction toward my own class. But I don’t get far before I overhear a group of girls nearby, whispering and giggling. My instincts tell me to listen more closely.

“What a loser,” one girl whispers. “Did you see how she’s always trying so hard? Like she’s better than everyone else. Honestly, she’s so fake.”

Another voice, lighter but just as cruel, chimes in. “she has always tries to hard, like she's better than us always has the best answer has high grades and everything she walks around like we owe her something".

My blood starts to boil. I don’t know the girl they’re talking about, but I know her name. Taleigha. I’ve known her forever. And hearing them talk like that judging her daily and always talking badly of others infuriates me three of those girls have tried it on tried to hook up with me, tried to turn me against my best friend they will never know the depths of our relationship.

Without thinking, I step closer, my voice low but firm. “Hey, what the hell are you guys talking about?”

They jump, startled. I stand tall, glaring at them. “Keep her name out of your mouths. She works so hard to be where she is, she’s a human being, not some object to rip apart. Show some respect if you shared as much passion into your grades then talking badly of others then maybe you be where Taleigha is right now.”

The girls exchange nervous glances, but I don’t back down. I know how they talk about girls like Taleigha behind their backs—like they’re nothing but trophies or pieces of meat. It makes me sick.

“Whatever, man,” one of them mutters, rolling her eyes.

But I stay in their face. “No. Not whatever. You want to be assholes? Do it somewhere else. Taleigha’s not your punching bag. She’s better than that, and so am I.”

They scoff and turn away, but I stay put, glaring after them until they finally walk off. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the anger. I can’t stand to see her hurt—especially not by people who don’t see her for who she really is.

A little while later, I catch up with my mates, Kyle, Levi, and Ash, who are leaning against the lockers, joking around.

“Did you see Taleigha today?” Kyle asks, smirking.

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, I saw her. Why? You got a problem with her?”

“Whoa, relax,” Levi says, raising his hands. “Just sayin’. She’s kind of cute, man. I’d tap her any day.”

Ash chuckles, nodding. “Yeah, I mean, she’s hot. Who wouldn’t want to hit that?”

I glare at them, my jaw clenched. “You guys need to learn some respect. She’s not some piece of meat. She’s a person—a girl with feelings. You’re better than that, or at least you should be.”

They fall silent for a moment, surprised by my sudden seriousness. I don’t usually get like this, but I can’t stand the thought of them disrespecting her or anyone else like that.

“Look,” I continue, voice steady but intense, “if you’ve got nothing nice to say, just shut up. Respect women. They’re not objects to be admired or judged. They’re human beings. Got it?”

They nod reluctantly, maybe a little taken aback by how serious I am. I don’t care. I want them to understand that I won’t tolerate disrespect toward her—or anyone else.

Just then, my phone buzzes with a message from Taleigha. I read it quickly: *“Cultural dance at break. Will I see you there?”*

My heart skips a beat. I love watching her perform. She’s so full of joy and pride when she dances or sings. It’s like she’s shining brighter than anyone else in that moment. I reply instantly: *“Always. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”*

As I head toward my next class, I can’t shake the image of her standing on that stage, her face glowing with happiness. That’s what I love most about her—her passion, her spirit. She’s so brave to share that part of herself with everyone.

But then, my mind drifts back to what I overheard earlier. I can’t help but picture her—standing there, proud and strong—and then I think about her home life. Seeing her at school, so full of life, and then knowing what she’s dealing with behind closed doors—it rips me apart. I saw her break once, her eyes shimmering with tears, and I wanted to run to her, hold her tight, and tell her everything’s going to be okay. But I couldn’t. I didn’t want to make things worse.

Her own flesh and blood—her mother—has hurt her so deeply. Disowned her, called her names, made her feel like she’s nothing. And I just want to protect her from that, to be her shield. I want her to know she’s loved, valued, and beautiful just the way she is.

I keep walking, my fists clenched in frustration. I hate feeling powerless, knowing I can’t fix everything. But I promise myself, in that moment, I’ll always be there for her. I’ll always defend her, even if it means standing up to my own friends or the world.

Because she’s worth every fight, every sacrifice.

And I’ll never stop loving her!