{ O N E }

I'm standing in front of my locker. Hoping no one sees me.

Unfortunately...

'Hey, cheater!' - Screams someone behind me.

I turn around and cross my fingers. Please, leave me alone, Vince. Please, just walk by and say or do nothing! Please!!

'What's up? Already have all the answers from the test in your mind? Wouldn't it be nice to share them sometimes?' - Vince says arrogantly. His two friends, Bradley and Milo, are laughing.

'Why can't you just leave me alone?' - I react angrily.

There is an ooh-sound through the hall.

My anger bubbles up.

'Aww what's wrong, cheater? Is your period coming?' - Vince again, trying to bring me down.

Not gonna work. I don't care what they say about me. This school sucks, just like the students.

I'm smart, but everyone things that I cheat during tests.

They just can't believe that my average grade is an A.

The only subject I'm less good at is PE.

Yea, I really hate to change clothes and pretend I like sports.

But my grade is a B-, so I'm not going to nag.

When the bell rings, I quickly run away from the three guys.

This wasn't the worst conversation ever. How far it was a conversation...

This hour we have the test. It's maths. No problem.

My average for maths is A+.

I really like maths. Probably because I need it for my drawings.

The test was so easy. Like, really really easy.

But that is usually not good news. I think I'll be hit next week...

The last lessons weren't so special, except that I've been cursed a few times, but that's normal.

I'm on the bus right know. I sit on one of the first seats, the bottom of which is full with chewing gum... gross...

I try to put my bag in a safe place. Now hope that everyone stays off.

I'm lucky, because Vince and his friends only have to take the bus for fifteen minutes before they get home. I, on the other hand, have to ride for forty five minutes.

I usually sit alone for the last few minutes.

'Where do you have the answers, cheater?' - Vince says behind me.

'I don't have any answers!' - I scream back. Why can't they just believe me?

'Yea right! Then how can you have such good grades?' - Vince says, liking himself to much.

Everyone on the bus is laughing. No one believes me. I hate it.

I keep quiet.

'What's wrong? Lost your tongue?' - Vince laughs.

'No.' - I react angrily.

Vince sits down next to me. What is he doing? Is he going to hurt me?

He comes so close that I sit tightly against the window with my back.

'W-what are you doing?' - I say shortly, when he just stares into my eyes.

This is weird. I can see his fears...

Autopfobia, fear of being alone... philophobia, fear of love...

Fear of love? Why?

'Next stop!' - is announced.

Most of the students are leaving the bus, including Vince, Bradley and Milo.

I look out the window and see the three bullies walk away.

I got rid of that... for today...

luckily my bag wasn't thrown around trough the bus. So my drawing pad is still intact.

I don't do much in the last half hour. Staring a bit out of the window.

When I get home, I grab a drink and make my way to my room.

It is big, but that make sense, I live in a villa...

No one knows that. Luckily. Everyone would think that I bribe the teachers for a good grade.

But that's not true. I'm just smart... I guess.

I start doing homework for tomorrow. Finished it in an hour.

I take my drawing pad and start drawing.

I make the most beautiful flowers that exist. White roses.

After two hours the drawing is done.

It's beautiful. I wish I had them on my desk right now.

I think back to the fears I saw in Vince, why is he afraid of love?

I can't think of anything... well, one thing...

but that can't, right? That is... no...

Would he have been assaulted..?

Why does it interests me? He teases me! I shouldn't worry about that.

'Dinner, honey!' - my mom calls from below.

I run down the stairs to the kitchen.

My parents are already at the table.

'Hi! Where's Chase?' - I ask my parents.

'Behind you!' - I hear my brother say. 'I want to introduce you to Vince. I met him at the supermarket today, asked him if he would like to join us for diner.'

Vince?! No please. No...

I turn around and look straight into Vince's eyes.

He was as shocked when he saw me as when I saw him.

This is the worst day ever. I think I can no longer show myself at school if he tells everyone where I live. If he tells... he is friends with my brother now, so maybe I'm lucky...

Dinner was very cozy. Everyone, including Vince, was friendly.

I've never seen him like that before. He seems nice...

Vince left after the dessert.

"You are always welcome, my boy!" - my mom said when she waved him goodbye.

I went directly to my room and plopped on my bed.

That was so weird. And creepy. I don't know what to think.

I get up to close the curtains.

Something has changed... but I don't know what...

I look around my room. My eyes catch on my desk. Did mom just put a plant on it?

Wait... not just any plant, it's a rose! A white one!! It's beautiful!

I make a picture of it and send it to my "pen friend" Elisabeth, or how I call her: Lisa.

Lisa!

Wow! A white rose! Reminds me of holiday in Iceland!

Me

Yes! Me to! I think my mom bought them.

Lisa!

They are beautiful! I miss you so much...

Me

I miss you too...

Last year I went on holiday to Iceland and met there Elisabeth.

We both went horse riding on beautiful grey and brown Icelanders.

We had a great time there, but unfortunately she lives in England and I in America.

I observe the rose the whole night. Until my eyelids get heavy and I get ready to go to bed.

Thinking about today I fall asleep.