The Crush: The Bully

New Friends

Sitting on the grass, Jennifer and Noah enjoyed a box of delicious donuts, savoring each bite. Noah couldn't help but express his delight.

"These donuts are seriously the best I've ever eaten!" Noah said, taking another bite.

"Well, I'm glad our friendship is saved for another day then!" Jennifer replied lightheartedly, jokingly rolling her eyes.

Noah laughed, feeling a warmth in his chest at Jennifer's lighthearted banter. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.

As they continued indulging in the sweet treats, Noah suddenly remembered something.

"Hey, Jennifer, aren't you a vegetarian?" Noah smirked playfully.

Jennifer nodded, "Yep, I don't eat meat, but I'm not vegan. I do enjoy my occasional chocolate splurges!"

Noah's curiosity piqued, and he couldn't help but ask another question. "Vegetarian, funny, and based on posters all over school, you're an artist too."

Jennifer smiled while taking her next bite. "You noticed the postings?" She said with a hint of humorous sarcasm.

"Well, only about thirty of them. Just enough to catch my attention," Noah jokingly replied.

"What do you do on the weekends?" Jennifer asked.

Noah wiped his hands on a napkin, "On the weekends, I mostly relax, spend time with my family, and enjoy drawing. It helps me clear my mind and express myself," Noah said.

"Wow, so you're an artist too. You should consider taking the afterschool art class. It has really helped me refine my skills and learn more about color theory. Plus, it'll give you some time to explore your creativity," Jennifer suggested. "Once you're done with community service, you will have your full weekends back."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Noah's face, feeling a tinge of judgment. He wanted to make it clear that he wasn't in community service due to getting in trouble.

"I didn't get sent to community service because I did something wrong. I didn't do anything wrong," Noah said, looking Jennifer in the eyes.

Jennifer cleared her throat, understanding, washing over her features. "I know," Jennifer nodded in understanding. Taking another bite, "Unlike me, who vandalized posters, I was sent there as a consequence."

Noah's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

A mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yup," Jennifer smirked. "I was caught painting over a poster." Before Noah could question her, Jennifer quickly added, "The poster was really offensive. All I did was paint a rainbow and some butterflies."

"I saw the poster, and then I saw your 'criminal artwork,'" Noah teased as he playfully bit on his bottom lip.

"I didn't do it all by myself; I had help. But I won't give up my friends, no matter what," Jennifer said.

Noah nodded, appreciating Jennifer's loyalty to her causes and friends.

When the following Sunday arrived, Jennifer and Noah were again off to their community service activities, working seamlessly as their newfound friendship had blossomed. Jennifer didn't seem to notice the others' curious stares, but Noah was all too aware of them. Noah felt their judgmental glares. The gossipy whispers around them were deafening, yet Jennifer's smile pulled him back in before he could get taken away by it all.

Noah's morning routine was filled with newfound energy and happiness on Monday.

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

Noah was already awake and getting ready, a smile playing on his lips. Melanie burst into the room, ready to play their usual morning scare game, but her eyes widened when she saw Noah already dressed and ready at the doorstep.

"Mom said you're going to be late?" Melanie said, perplexed.

"Give me five minutes," Noah said, putting on his sneakers.

During breakfast, Noah devoured his food, his appetite reflecting the change in his demeanor. His mother noticed the transformation and couldn't help but ask.

"Is everything okay in school?" Noah's mother is confused by her son's attitude change.

Noah nodded, a genuine smile gracing his face. "Yeah, everything's great."

His mother gave him a knowing smile, realizing that her son had found something special.

Curious, his mother asked, "Do you have something special to do in school today?

"Nope, just a regular day," he smirked. "I was thinking about joining an afterschool art class, though."

Noah's mother beamed in delight. "That's fantastic! You have such talent. I'm sure you'll do great!"

Noah took Melanie in a hug and kissed her on the cheek. Melanie teasingly wipes off the kiss. Noah laughed, unfazed by his sister's antics. He turned to his mother and gave her a tender kiss on the cheek.

"Have a good day, Mom," Noah said, heading out the door.

"Have a wonderful day," Noah's mother shouted outside the door. Then turned towards Melanie, making a wondering face.

As Noah stepped into school on Monday, a feeling of joy surrounded him. The idea of having Jennifer as a friend filled him with a sense of warmth and contentment. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time, but it stirred a renewed sense of optimism and connection within him. His typically serious expression had been replaced with a slight grin.

As he passed by the art class sign-up sheet, a spark of excitement ignited within him. With newfound confidence, he eagerly scribbled his name down, anticipating the opportunity to explore his creative side and embark on a journey of self-expression.

"Hey, Noah," a male voice called from behind him.

Noah turned and saw Alex waving.

Noah waved back, "Hey, man." Noah said, not knowing what else to say. He had only met with Alex a couple of times in the library.

His gaze followed Alex as he walked up to greet Winter, his girlfriend. The sound of Jennifer's voice snapped him out of his trance, and he looked up to see her standing in front of him.

"Did you just sign up for art class?" Jennifer smiled.

"Maybe," Noah stood in front of the list, trying to block her view with his tall frame.

Jennifer jumped up and down, playfully trying to get a view of the list. Noah laughed at Jennifer's enthusiasm. Then Abril, who was silently watching, approached, pausing when she caught sight of Noah.

"Hey, Chica. Noah, this is my best friend, Abril." Jennifer beamed at her friend.

Abril scanned Noah in a questioning manner. Making Noah suddenly feel uncomfortable.

"Hi, Abril," Noah said as he waved nervously.

Abril adjusted her glasses before saying hello without a hint of emotion on her face.

"Abril, I think I converted another person to the art world," Jennifer said, breaking the tension.

Abril seemed unmoved. Jennifer gave Abril an annoyed glance, but Abril didn't change. Jennifer was about to say something, but the school's bell rang, signaling homeroom.

Not knowing what to say, Noah said it was nice to meet Abril, but he had to get going. Abril didn't say anything, just walked away. Noah looked towards Jennifer.

"Don't worry. Abril can be intense some mornings," Jennifer dismissed.

Noah smiled but felt a slight unease. Jennifer poked him before he could sink into himself, causing him to look at Jennifer.

"I'll see you at lunch," Jennifer smiled, then walked away.