The Crush: The Bully

I Want to Change Partners

Jennifer sat determined in Coach Williams' office, struggling not to fidget with her fingers. She couldn't shake off the apprehension she felt about being paired with Noah for their community service assignment.

Coach Williams leaned back in his chair, looking at Jennifer with a knowing smile.

"I want to change my partner," Jennifer demanded.

"No," Coach William replied simply.

In a dramatic gesture, Jennifer banged her head against Coach William's desk.

"Noah isn't here doing community service as a punishment, unlike the artist sitting across from me," Coach William said, shifting a piece of paper from under Jennifer's head.

"Didn't he get in trouble for fighting?" Jennifer asked, lifting her head to meet Coach Williams' gaze.

"I'm not going to get into why he's doing community service, but it wasn't for a fight. I know how the rumors can circulate about Noah."

Jennifer sighed, still uncertain. "But-"

Coach Williams interrupts gently, "Reputations can be misleading, Jennifer. That's why I paired you two together - I thought you'd make a great influence on his life, and he might surprise you in more ways than one."

Jennifer's eyes widened at the suggestion. She knew that Coach William was usually right in his assessments of people. Perhaps there was more to Noah than what met the eye.

"But-" she started again before being cut off by the coach.

Coach Williams leaned forward and spoke with sincerity. "Jennifer, I'm challenging you to give Noah a chance. See for yourself who he is behind all of his tough facade. There are dreams, struggles, and an inner longing for connection beneath it all. It won't be easy, but I believe in you."

Jennifer took a deep breath, pondering Coach's words. She was always up for a challenge and knew Coach Williams was right in what he said. If she wanted to impact lives, she had to take risks and do things outside her comfort zone. It was time to give Noah a chance.

The following days at school, Jennifer kept a watchful eye on Noah. She observed him from afar, trying to decipher the enigma that he seemed to be. She noticed his guarded expression, the way he walked with a hint of weariness as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

During lunchtime, Jennifer's heart sank as she saw others quickly gather their belongings and vacate the cafeteria table when Noah approached. It pained her to witness the isolation he faced, the loneliness that seemed to follow him wherever he went.

"Why does everyone treat him like he's a ticking time bomb? There has to be more to him than just a grump," Jennifer whispered to her best friend, Abril.

Abril looked up to see Noah sitting at the table by himself. She shrugged, clearly uncomfortable discussing the subject.

"I don't know, Jen. People hear things, and they make assumptions. It's easier that way," Abril said dismissively.

Friday, after school, Jennifer was driving home with her mind still preoccupied. Watching Noah this week caused Jennifer to feel guilty for even proposing the idea of switching partners with Noah. Even if there were rumors about him, it didn't mean they were true. If it was true, it is not true now. Right now, he's sitting by himself during lunch. During the third period, he's hiding out on the side of the school alone. For most of the day, he dodges looks and whispers. Noah doesn't have anyone to talk to all day. Of course, he is walking around grumpy all day.

Jennifer's thoughts were interrupted by happy sounds. She thought to herself how great it was to be distracted from her sad thoughts. Turning her head towards the laughter, Jennifer caught a glimpse of Noah in the park. He was there with his little sister, Melanie, their laughter filling the air. Jennifer's heart swelled at the sight of a happy Noah, his guarded facade momentarily slipping away. She couldn't help but find his smile beautiful and genuine.

At that moment, Jennifer made a decision. She would accept Coach Williams' challenge. She would look past the rumors and the labels, determined to discover the person hidden beneath. Jennifer would be the one who saw Noah for who he truly was.

As Jennifer continued driving, a sense of determination filled her. She knew it wouldn't be an easy journey, but she was willing to try. With newfound purpose, she vowed to be the friend Noah needed, the one who would show him that there was still kindness and acceptance in the world.