Chapter Two
958 Words
Maya’s Pov:
Leo Brenett, my best friend. Leo is the kind of handsome that turns heads without him trying. Dark hair that always falls a little over his eyes, and a quiet presence that makes people pause when he walks into a room. His jawline is sharp, but there’s a softness in the way he looks at people like he’s listening, even when he’s not saying a word.
He’s shy, but not in an awkward, fumbling way. It’s more like he’s comfortable in silence, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, observing everything. He’s not a nerd; he doesn’t hide behind books or stumble over words. When he speaks, it’s usually a few low, careful sentences, but his eyes say more than he ever lets slip.
There’s a steadiness about him. The way he runs a hand through his hair when he’s thinking, the quiet laugh that escapes when someone pulls him into conversation, the way he looks away when he feels seen. It’s easy to miss him in a loud room, but once you notice him, it’s hard to look away.
The girls in school would always give me letters and gifts to give him, yet he wouldn’t give them a chance..
I got a lot of hate from girls who’d always think we were dating. He’s my best friend, for goodness’ sake!
He’s that one boy that has always been there. Like the brother I didn’t have. Our parents knew each other after we became friends so we had sleepovers.
He was there when I had my first period in 8th grade, he knows my bra size and my favorite underwear. Leo knows every single thing about me.!
One time in high school, he got into a huge fight because of me. Some boys from the neighborhood had tried to bully me.
It was on a Saturday morning. I was just coming back from morning Choir practice, happily humming
I was walking down Maple Lane, clutching my sheet music against my chest, the morning air cool against my skin. The street was quiet, just my voice and the crunch of gravel under my shoes as I walked home. Leo couldn’t come with me because he wasn’t feeling too well.
“Where’s your boyfriend princess?” Followed by mock laughter.
I turned back and there were 5 of them. I ignored them and proceeded on my way.
“Where are you going without your bodyguard huh ?” “Come play with us,” they said again.
I looked down and tried to step around them, but they moved, blocking my path.
“Aw, what’s wrong, Princess? Too good to talk to us?” another sneered, nudging my backpack with his foot.
I didn’t answer. I just gripped my music tighter and tried to move faster, hoping they’d let me go.
They didn’t.
They followed.
I tried to run.
My shoes slapped against the pavement, breath catching, but they were right behind me, laughing, calling me “Princess” like it was the funniest thing in the world. One of them tugged at my backpack, making me stumble, nearly fall.
I thought I was going to throw up.
Then a car pulled up beside us, and a voice popped in cutting through the laughter.
“Hey! What’s going on here?”
A police officer.
The boys froze for half a second, then took off down the street, yelling and pushing each other as they ran.
I stood there, shaking, clutching my music to my chest.
The officer got out, looked at me carefully, and asked if I was okay. I nodded, but my eyes burned.
“Come on,” he said gently. “Let’s get you home.”
And I let him.
My mum wouldn’t be home anyway so he dropped me off at Leo’s.
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“Good Morning Mrs. Brenett”, I greeted.
“Oh, Maya, thank goodness you are okay,” she said.
“Hi Dennis” I waved.
His mouth was stuffed with food so he just did a heart-shaped sign with his hands.
I laughed.
Leo’s in his room.
When I opened the door, he was sitting on his bed.
“Hey Maya”
“Hey big head”
“Why’s your face all moody?” He asked
“ The boys around the street are jerks”
“ What happened Maya? He asked, all serious.
“ It’s nothing, the cop came right on time so I’m fine. So rest up” .
“And don’t do anything stupid “ I warned jokingly.
We talked and laughed, and when we cuddled, he didn’t wanna let go.
I wanted to break free but he held me and said
“ Maya, your body’s warm, let’s stay this way a little longer “.
He wasn’t feeling too well so that was the best I could do.
We lay on the bed and I fell asleep.
I woke up to the sound of Mrs. Brenett. I looked around and Leo wasn’t here.
“Maya, the police just called, Leo’s been rushed to the hospital, he collapsed on the streets, they said he went off to fight the bullies”
“ Dennis, call your dad”.
My feet got heavy. I was too stunned to speak. He had gone to fight the bullies because he wanted me to be safe even if it meant he couldn’t stand up afterwards.
We entered the car and headed to the hospital.
And as I waited for them to let me see him, all I could think about was how he always showed up for me, even when I never asked him to, even when I pretended I didn’t need him.
”Oh! Poor Leo”.
- Writer
