Page 7 of Perfect Tragedy
Sometimes, when I’m alone and it’s quiet and I reflect on these moments, I wonder if being in the spotlight because I’m friends with Blake and related to Jack is worth it. Not that I can change who I’m related to, but at times I would much rather be left alone and have no one even know who I am.
My thoughts are interrupted when suddenly someone loudly says, “Leave her alone!”
Shocked, I turn around to find the source and I’m surprised to see Vanessa, a girl that I’ve only spoken to a couple times, has come to my defense.
“Shut up and stay out of it,” Justin, the charmer of the ladies that he is, snaps at her.
“You guys need to get a life. You’ve been bothering her all day and everyone knows you’re only doing it because Blake and Jack aren’t here. Once they find out, well, let’s just say I don’t plan on going to your funerals.”
I can’t help it, I laugh. Not only at her words but at the pure joy of her unexpected defense of me.
“Whatever, Vanessa. Get lost,” Hailey replies and she sounds so ridiculously whiny that I can’t help it - I laugh harder.
“What are you laughing at?” Hailey seethes. “You’re just a pathetic loser that has no friends and spends the whole day alone and lost when her brother and boyfriend aren’t here.”
“Blake isn’t my boyfriend,” I reply automatically.
“You just wish he were,” Justin sneers. “Thing is, he probably doesn’t even know you’re a girl, look at you,” he says gesturing to me and I do everything I can not to look down at my jeans and plain blue t-shirt. “Even I can’t even tell. No one can.”
Oh joy, another round of making fun of my appearance. Like they haven’t said this before. It doesn’t matter though, his words make a wave of heat run over me like a wave, embarrassment instantly burning my cheeks.
“Look how red her face is,” Connor, one of Justin’s minions, has joined the party.
“That’s because it’s true,” someone else calls; likely one of Hailey’s friends.
“Sienna loves Blake,” Hailey sing-songs, “Too bad you’ll only ever be his best friend’s annoying little sister.”
Don’t react, I instruct myself. It’s exactly what she wants.
“God, Hailey, just when I think you can’t get more pathetic, you take the cake again. You’re just a sad girl that’s so insecure she has to make herself feel better by being mean to others. Mommy and daddy still only paying attention to your stellar big sister, Rose? Picking on others to make yourself feel better is so predictable,” Vanessa says.
My eyes widen at her words. Everyone knows that Hailey’s older sister is the apple of her parents’ eye. Straight A’s in high school and everyone in town is talking about the college scholarship offers she already has rolling in. Her parents use each and every opportunity to brag about it.
“I think we all know who the real loser is here,” Vanessa adds, and before Hailey can respond she turns to Justin, “And you. Talking about Sienna’s appearance? Seriously? That’s funny coming from you considering your hair is so long and wavy you look like a pretty, pretty, princess from the back.”
Before he can retaliate with something scathing our teacher finally walks up to the locked door we’ve been waiting outside of while having our battle of wits. Mrs. Ripley apologizes as she tries to unlock the door with her hands full and I’m just thankful her appearance stops my torment - at least for now.
Hailey and Justin shove past me into the room, which is fine. Turning, I face Vanessa, still surprised that she came to my defense. I try to smile, but given my mixed emotions, I’m afraid it’s more of a grimace. She doesn’t seem to mind because she smiles at me reassuringly and something within me relaxes a little. It feels good to have someone in my corner. Not knowing how to say thank you and feeling more than a little embarrassed at the whole thing, I dart into class and take a seat.
Once class is over and we’re dismissed, I leave as fast as I can and make a beeline for the restroom and shut myself into a stall. Taking deep breaths, I do my best to calm myself and push the cruel words spoken earlier from my mind. All during English class they kept replaying in my mind over and over, my insides feeling like the words were actually chewing me up. This time, I can’t resist and I do look down at myself. I’ve got my favorite pair of faded blue jeans on and my blue t-shirt has a character from one of my favorite TV shows on it. I loved it and begged my mom to get it for me when it was at one of my favorite stores in the mall. I guess maybe I do wear it a little too much.
My Vans are also well worn and my hair is in its ever-present ponytail since I prefer it out of my face. I may not be wearing a dress or skirt like some girls, but that doesn’t mean I look like a boy.
Hailey and Justin’s words cut to the quick because I do have a secret crush on Blake. I have since the day we met, and they’re right, I’m only Jack’s little sister. Sometimes, I can convince myself that maybe he likes me too. Each time he smiles at me, flicks my ponytail, teases me or winks at me, I feel hope inflate like a balloon in my belly. I want to think it’s more than just some young girl’s imagination and fantasy.
The bathroom door opens and I realize a few tears fell down my cheeks. Grabbing toilet paper I wipe them away as my stomach drops, fearful Hailey has found me. Taking a deep breath, I prepare to open the door.
“Sienna?” A soft voice calls.
Relief rushes over me like a cool breeze and I open the door to find Vanessa standing there with a concerned look on her face. “I waited outside the door for you,” she gestures toward it, “but got worried,” she shrugs.
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you worried? About me?”
I look closely at Vanessa. I don’t see humor twinkling in her eyes or find a hint of a mocking smile on her face. Her light blonde hair is pulled up into a ponytail like mine, but she’s got a ribbon tied around it that matches the red dress she’s wearing today. She’s one of the most mature girls in my class, body wise. It’s true, I’ve found myself wondering a time or two if my boobs will ever get as big as hers already seem to be. Certainly no one would ever mistakeherfor a boy, that’s for sure.
