Page 15 of Hate That Blooms
I sprint through the crowded hallway, hoping to avoid Joaquín, Nathan, or Thiago. Just let me get there without them noticing me. Just let me get there without them noticing me. Just let me get there without them noticing me. I weave through the students, my heart pounding with each step. I try to blend in, to disappear into the sea of faces, hoping to avoid any confrontation. But as luck would have it, I catch a glimpse of Joaquín’s sneering grin out of the corner of my eye. Panic sets in, and I quicken my pace, desperate to escape his reach.
Please, please, leave me alone.
Finally, I reach the door and slip inside, relieved to find an empty seat. As the bell rings, I take a deep breath and try to shake off the anxiety that clings to me like a second skin. I open my textbook, determined to immerse myself in the world of atoms and molecules and to find solace in the structure of the universe.
But even as I try to lose myself in the subject, the echoes of their hurtful words reverberate in my mind. The weight of their insults and degradation weighs heavily on my self-esteem, threatening to crush me under their relentless onslaught.
I glance around the classroom, searching for a friendly face and a sympathetic gaze. But the sea of indifferent expressions only serves to deepen my isolation. No one seems to notice the pain etched on my face or the silent plea for help hidden behind my eyes. Isaac isn’t even here. Then I remember the lacrosse game today, so he gets out of his last period early to help set up the field and warm up.
When Mr. Howard begins the lesson, I force myself to focus on the material at hand. I try hard to stay focused, determined to excel despite the obstacles in my path. I may be falling apart inside, but I refuse to let my obstacles ruin my future.
Chapter8
Gabriela
After school, I rush home. It’s going to take some time to get Mireya ready for the lacrosse game tonight. I asked mom yesterday if it would be okay for me to take her with me, and she said she didn’t care as long as I was home at a decent hour. I’m so excited to actually get out of the house on a school night and go to a sporting event.
Mireya’s on the couch with her tablet in hand, while I kneel in front of her, lacing her shoes. “Reya, do you remember where we are going?” I ask after lacing the second shoe. She’s too engrossed in her slime video to answer me. I just smile at her before rising to my feet to make sure I have everything we’ll need in my backpack.
My phone pings in my pocket, and when I pull it out, I swipe up and see the text from Isaac.
You still coming tonight?
Of course! I’m grabbing my bag and then heading there with my sister.
Sweet! I’ll see you soon.
“Okay, Reya.” I spin around, and her little eyes lock with mine. “Let’s go! Time for some high school lacrosse.” I grab my backpack and sling it over my shoulder, making sure to double-check that I have everything we’ll need for the game.
With excitement bubbling inside me, I turn to Mireya, who is still absorbed in her slime video on the couch. I call out to her again, “Reya, it’s time to go! We don’t want to miss the game.” This time, she looks up at me, her eyes shining with anticipation.
We walk out of the house together into the cool afternoon air. During the drive to the school, I fill it with all of Mireya’s favorite songs and explain to her that it might get loud at the game. As we walk towards the lacrosse field, I can’t help but feel a sense of freedom and adventure. This is a rare opportunity for us, and I want to make the most of it. The thought of cheering on the school team, surrounded by friends and classmates, fills me with a sense of belonging.
I’m here for Isaac. Though part of me wonders what my little stalker would say if he knew I was here for another boy.
Would he be mad?
Arriving at the field, I spot Isaac among the players on the field. He waves excitedly as he sees us approaching. I wave back, a wide grin spreading across my face. He runs toward where we are. “Hey,” he says. I can tell he has been warming up, his light brown hair clings to his forehead with sweat.
“Hey! So this is my little sister, Mireya.” I squeezed her into my side. She looks up at Isaac with curious eyes.
Isaac crouches down in front of her and extends his hand. “Hi Mireya, I’m Isaac. It’s nice to meet you.”
She doesn’t respond to him; she just hums to herself.
“Maybe she’s just shy today?” He shrugs, chuckling, his eyes meeting mine.
“Actually, she has autism. So this is totally normal.” She pulls on my arm, and I bend down and pick her up. Cradling her to my chest, she hums her little song in my ear.
“Oh, I didn't know that. Will she be okay with all the noise and people? I don't know much about autism, so you’ll have to forgive me if I get something wrong.” He rises from his crouched position and just smiles at us.
“Dresden!” Isaac spins around, and his coach motions for him to come back to the field.
“I gotta go! Uh, I was wondering if you’d maybe wear my jersey for the game. You know, for luck.” In his hand is a white away jersey, and I try to hide my smile, but I fail.
“Sure. I’d love to.”
I take it from him, and he leans in and kisses my cheek in front of the entire stadium. The atmosphere is electric, with the sound of cheers and the smell of freshly cut grass filling the air. As we find our seats, I can feel the energy building up inside me.
