The Crush: The Bully

The Power of Persistence

The following day of community service, Jennifer tried her best to be outgoing and pleasant to Noah, intent on being able to break down the walls he had built around him. Yet, no matter how friendly and persistent Jennifer was, Noah remained distant and unresponsive, his stoic demeanor unchanged.

Jennifer couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and determination simultaneously. She refused to accept that Noah didn't long for relationships with others. She was sure there must be more than what he projected on the outside. Thus, she set out to break down the walls he had constructed around himself, slowly but surely, until she could get to his core.

During school, Jennifer took every opportunity to interact with Noah, even if it meant going out of her way. She would pop up in the hallways, at his locker, and even in the library, much to Noah's disdain. From his perspective, he couldn't comprehend why Jennifer seemed to be everywhere he went, waiting for a chance to talk to him. It forced Noah to alter his hiding routines, constantly on edge and wary of her presence.

One day, while hiding in the back corner of the library, Noah thought he had finally found some peace and quiet. Only two people occupied the secluded spot, and he felt a sense of relief. But as he settled into his hiding spot, he heard a recognizable voice that filled him with dread.

Jennifer emerged from the corner, "Creative. No one thought of hiding in the back of the library where the old books are."

Noah looked at Jennifer's wide eyes in disbelief. How did she find him?

"Thank you, Alex and Winter, for telling me where my new friend is hiding. He is getting clever, and it is becoming harder to find him," Jennifer smirked.

Alex, a slender built guy with a tee stating he is a member of the French club, smirked back.

The ground beneath Noah seemed to disappear as he realized there was no escape from Jennifer's persistence. Noah didn't know what to do, so he bolted out of the library.

Noah was frustrated, and anger covered him. He couldn't understand why Jennifer was so insistent on befriending him, especially when he believed she didn't genuinely like him. Noah assumed it was all some cruel joke, a ploy to humiliate him. He has seen movies where the popular person lures the unexpected loser into a humiliating trap. All Noah wanted to do was blend in and not draw any attention, but Jennifer wouldn't let him. To him, Jennifer was on an evil mission and would not stop until she got what she wanted. A bully.

Later, as Jennifer headed towards her car after school, Noah was waiting for her. His eyes burned with anger; his voice laced with frustration.

"Why won't you leave me alone? I know you don't really like me. So if this is all some kind of sick joke, count me out." Noah said, cornering Jennifer.

Jennifer's heart sank at Noah's accusation, but she refused to back down. She stepped closer to him, determination flickering in her eyes.

"Noah, I admit my approach might seem weird, and if the roles were reversed, I understand it might not be received well. But my intentions are genuine. I want to be your friend."

"Stop," Noah shouted, causing Jennifer to jump back into her car. "This- this is bullying. Everyone thinks I'm the bully, but it's you all. Everyone in this weird school is full of bullies. I have never done anything to you for you to do this to me."

Jennifer was taken aback to hear Noah use the word "bully" when referring to her. Coach William said the rumor about Noah fighting wasn't true. If Noah wasn't the one bullying, then someone else must be. Jennifer felt a wave of sympathy for him, and she wanted to comfort him.

"I'm sorry, Noah. I need to accept your boundaries." Jennifer spoke as her gaze drifted away from Noah as she saw the pain in his eyes.

Noah's anger faltered, replaced by a mixture of confusion and vulnerability. "Why? Why would you want to be friends with someone like me?"

Jennifer looked up at Noah in his eyes so he could see the sincerity in them. "Because I see beyond the tough exterior you present to the world. I believe there's more to you than meets the eye. You might not need friends, but everyone deserves someone who believes in them and understands them."

The two stood in a standoff, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Jennifer refused to let Noah's grumpiness deter her from her mission of friendship, while Noah struggled with conflicting emotions, torn between the comfort of isolation and the curiosity sparked by Jennifer's persistence.

After a tense silence, Noah sighed, his shoulders sagging as he relented. "Fine. Maybe I can try to be... nicer."

Jennifer's face brightened with a smile of victory, her eyes shining with a mix of relief and determination.

"That's all I'm asking for, Noah. Let's give it a shot. At least if, in the end, you find me to be a bad friend, then you are justified in ignoring me." Jennifer said sarcastically, smiling.

Noah smiled back. Not knowing what he had gotten himself into.

"As the first day of our friendship, I propose we hang out in the park and eat donuts. I usually eat really healthy every day except for one day out of the week. And I think this is the perfect time to introduce my new friend to my favorite donut shop." Jennifer said, opening her car door.

Noah looked back at the parking lot that was emptying out. He usually walks home due to his living within walking distance. On rainy days, his mother gives him mercy and drives him.

"What are their chocolate options?" Noah asked.

"They have so much chocolate." Jennifer extends her arms to show a large amount.

Noah gets on the other side of the car to get in, "Can I end our new friendship if the donuts aren't good, "Noah joked.

Jennifer laughed in response. "I'm afraid so!"