The Crush: The Bully

Unlikely Pairing

Sunday morning arrived, bringing with it a sense of purpose and community service for Jennifer. As the sun cast its gentle rays over the town, Jennifer reveled in her usual routine, which she had perfected. Her routine involved a series of affirmations and mindfulness exercises. She took a moment to close her eyes, taking deep breaths and allowing herself to feel gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Jennifer carefully chose an outfit that was both comfortable and reflective of her vibrant personality, a mix of colors and patterns that mirrored her ever-changing hair. With a skip in her step, she made her way to the community center, eager to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

On the other hand, Noah's Sunday morning routine was much more subdued.

"Noah, you're going to be late?" Noah's mother knocked on his bedroom door.

Noah groaned, placing the pillow over his head. The weekends were supposed to be for sleeping in. Noah wondered why he had to wake up.

"Noah, don't make me send Melanie in there to wake up," his mother knocked again in a playful threatening tone.

Noah screamed into his pillow before throwing the pillow across his room. He dragged himself out of bed, his steps heavy as he reluctantly prepared for the day ahead.

Noah's entrance into the community center lacked the same vibrant energy as Jennifer's. His face bore a perpetual scowl, a shield he wore to protect himself from the world around him.

The group of students gathered in the community center, their eyes drawn to a husky-fit man in his late forties who commanded their attention. Coach William stood tall, radiating a presence that demanded respect. He addressed the students, his voice firm yet warm.

"Good morning," Coach William smiled. "Everyone. I want to start by thanking each and every one of you for dedicating your time to this noble cause. Giving back to the community is an essential part of being a responsible citizen, which is why I make it mandatory for my athletes to donate 40 hours every year. It's a way to instill values of empathy and selflessness."

As he spoke, Coach William gestured to Lathan Michael, one of his star athletes, who stood tall with a smile, embodying the coach's words. The students listened attentively, knowing that this opportunity to serve was not only about feeding the hungry but also about personal growth and fostering connections.

Jennifer couldn't help but notice Noah's brooding demeanor, which clashed with the atmosphere of camaraderie and positivity in the room. Even though his attitude seemed to repel her, she still felt a strong pull towards him.

"He's cuter up close, right?" This girl name Pamala said, walking up behind Jennifer. Pamala, a junior who was trying to pad her extracurriculars resume.

Jennifer just nodded in response before walking away to the list of tasks.

Jennifer couldn't help but steal a glance at Noah as she examined the tasks in front of her. He was slowly moving to the back of the room, seemingly looking uncomfortable.

"He's handsome, but why does he always look so angry?" Jennifer thought to herself.

As if sensing her gaze, Noah suddenly looked up and made eye contact with Jennifer from across the room. He couldn't help but be taken aback by her vibrant spirit. Jennifer appeared to be known by many of the students.

“Hi,” Jennifer said, a few feet away from Noah.

He spun around, wondering if she was addressing him or someone nearby.

"I'm speaking to you, Noah," Jennifer said flatly.

"How do...how do you know my name?" he asked, taken aback.

"Everybody knows your name here. It's a small town with a tiny school," she answered without blinking an eye.

The realization that she was the first person in the school to approach him stirred a mixture of surprise and curiosity within him. He had grown accustomed to being avoided, labeled as an outsider due to his past. Yet here she was, taking the initiative to bridge the gap between them.

Noah's gaze met Jennifer, searching for any signs of judgment or pity. But what he found instead was a genuine curiosity, a spark of interest that mirrored his own. In that moment, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement, a faint ray of possibility that perhaps this encounter could be the beginning of something different, something meaningful.

"I know you too, Jennifer Garcia," Noah said, trying to appear confident.

"Everyone knows me. My face is on posters all over the school." Jennifer uttered in a bland response.

Noah raised his eyebrows, "Wasn't your hair just purple?"

Caught off guard, Jennifer felt her cheeks flush with anger at the impertinence of his remark. She answered defensively, "Yes, it was purple, and now it's orange. I like to change things up. Is that a problem?"

Noah narrowed his eyes, and before he could respond, he was interrupted by the clapping of Coach William.

"Everyone, I have made a list of partners. This list is based on the names that were given to me early. So, if you do not have a partner, let me know." Coach William, with the desire to foster unity, taped a piece of paper on the wall behind him.

Jennifer rushed to the paper, eager to be the first person to read the list. Everyone else followed, pushing and shoving each other in their haste. Noah stayed back, not wanting to get caught up in the commotion. He knew whoever he was going to be paired up with would be disappointed. Anxiety bubbled up inside him as he prepared for his partner's potentially humiliating reaction when they found out who they were stuck with.

Remember, this experience is about supporting one another and embracing the opportunity for personal growth." Coach William said, standing next to Noah, smiling.

Jennifer scanned the roster for her name and found Noah Thompson listed as her partner. Her heart sank at the thought of being paired with someone with a bad reputation, even though he was undeniably attractive to her. Those around her were waiting for her reaction to seeing his name, and Jennifer had enough self-awareness to recognize that if she gave any reaction other than a smile, it would likely hurt Noah's feelings. She smiled widely at him instead.

Noah attempted to force down the lump in his throat as he turned to look at Coach William.

"She is a firecracker. Have fun," Coach William said, strolling away.

Noah caught sight of the back of Coach William walking away, then shifted his gaze to Jennifer, who was skipping towards him. Had Coach William partnered with them on purpose?

"We have food prep duty," Jennifer said without expression.

Noah wiped the sweat from his palms, then gestured towards the kitchen. "You first," he said.

Jennifer heaved a deep sigh of annoyance, and Noah followed her, rolling his eyes in response.