Page 12 of My Rules for Revenge
Despite my many past failures throughout the years, I kept trying. I hadn’t realized it back then, but I was at my breaking point. I was sick and tired of the countless rejections I experienced. It took a mental toll on me, and it poisoned the thoughts I had towards girls. Perhaps I never realized it becauseI had no one to talk to about it. Carlos was my best friend, but never like that. Neither was Manny. If I tried to talk to my mother about this sort of thing, she would have insulted me like the crazy old bat that she was.
I peeked through the window in the door. I saw a neatly organized classroom with many colorful portraits of eccentric art. One had a six-legged cat falling through a swirl of red and white. Another was a totem pole with the faces of a robot, an alien, a monster, a dinosaur, and the head of a dog. A few bookshelves were placed along the walls and stacked to the brim with books.
She was seated in the middle of the room on a beanbag chair. She was reading, deeply involved in the world of her book. She looked beautiful, and it was love at first sight. I stayed quiet and admired her for several minutes.
I took a deep breath and slowly entered the room. She glanced up.
“Hey,” I greeted.
“Hello,” Heather replied.
“I’m Jacob. We had a class together last year with Miss Leslie. You were surrounded by juniors.”
“Yeah, I remember. I’m ahead by a year.”
“I’m sorry, I know I’m intruding on your reading, but I hoped you would have a minute to talk.”
“Yeah, okay. Sure. What’s this about? Book club?”
I casually walked in closer and leaned on a desk. I placed the sunflower and the box of chocolates behind me. Heather closed her book and placed it aside. She calmly peeked around me and saw what I had behind me. She gave me a slightly surprised look.
“Late Valentine’s Day gift?”
“Yeah, sort of,” I said.
“So, what’s up?”
“Listen, Heather, I’m just gonna come right out and say it—I don’t think there’s any use in beating around the bush—I think you’re absolutely gorgeous.”
Mentally, I scolded myself because my voice shook as I complimented her. My nerves always settled as I continued to talk and got comfortable.
“Oh…umm… Wow! Thanks!”
My heart pounded in my chest, and my palms grew sweaty as I continued.
“I got this sunflower and this box of chocolates for you.”
I grabbed them from behind and handed them to her. She hesitantly touched them but didn’t grab them.
She pulled back and lightly chuckled. She remained shocked in silence for a few seconds.
“I’m sorry. This is very unexpected. I… I don’t get it.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’ve never talked before. Not like this. Look, I appreciate the gesture. This is really sweet, and I thank you for this,” Heather said rather appreciatively.
“But?”
“I’m really sorry, but I don’t see you in that way. I barely know you, dude!” Heather exclaimed.
“Wait, but I bought you this stuff—this flower and these chocolates are for you, Heather. Can you at least give me a chance?”
“Jacob, I’m sorry, but no. I don’t want to lie to you. I can’t accept those gifts. I’m telling you point-blank that I’m not interested. It’s nothing personal.” Heather’s voice was rising in tone.
At this point, my blood began to boil, and there wasn’t much I was able to do to control myself.
“Here’s the thing, Heather. I know I’m a good guy, but I haven’t had the chance to show it to anyone. No one wants to give me a chance.”
