I never liked visiting the doctors since my last stay in a hospital, and I try not to go as often as I can. I grabbed a new book just reading the basic introduction and skim through the chapters finding a few things interesting before turning to Elliot.

“So you were serious when you said that you wanted to study psychology?” I asked him. “Like being some sort of therapist or doctor?”

“Yeah, I'm not set on that, but I'm trying to learn anything that I can read and learn from experience that comes in my life,” he said looking up from his book. “You don't think I can do it?”

“I'm not saying that. You actually know some things and educating yourself is good.” I answered him. “Does hanging out with me make it difficult?”

“You always think so bad of yourself like no one would want your company. It's all fine. I've been having fun hanging out with you and I'm trying to be what you want me to be: a friend.” he said. “Just because you're sick doesn't mean that you are difficult to be around. It's just how you are and we're both still learning to be with each other.”

“I don't want people to just deal with me because of my condition. It doesn't seem fair because I can burst out and lose myself or when I become upset. What can I do about it when it happens? I don't want to be a burden and be frustrated when around me.” I said.

“You shouldn't view yourself like you're a burden. Never once have I thought you were,” he said. “Honestly, you're a generous person and it just seems like you're only scared to step out of those boundaries that you created. You are a really good friend and honest.”

I took a deep breath as I reached for another book, too shy to look at him. “ I sometimes don't always get that through my head. I'm not used to comments like that.” I tell him.

Elliot nodded as he finally started looking over the books he picked out from the ones he wanted. “It's okay to not be used to it. I'm not used to compliments either, but it's all true and it's always nice hearing them,” he said as he kept two of the books he picked out.

“Why aren't you taking the other books?” I asked.

“They can be a bit expensive. I can't buy all of them so hopefully, I'll get them next time,” he said.

I nod as we make our way to go pay and after a couple of minutes we were finally leaving the store. We started walking around the mall now, going into a few stores, and I tried to follow right beside him so I wouldn't get lost or lose him from my sight. I got myself a shirt while we were going through the stores and Elliot bought himself a jacket. Once we were done we headed back to the food court and we tried to decide what to eat. At this point, I was finally feeling hungry to eat and we decided to buy burgers that filled me up after eating. We continued to talk until we were done eating and we began to head back to the car making our way back to my house. Maybe there could have been more for us that we could do, but Elliot had to head back home after dropping me off and I'm sure my mom wants to talk as well after our conversation this morning.

Elliot left soon after he dropped me off and my mother didn't come for another hour after. It wasn't a long conversation that we had and we both apologized to each other. The day ended and by morning things were back to normal and finally, I am back in school again. During my time in school, I made sure that I tried going to the tutor sessions to help with some assignments and it’s gotten easier to hang out with Jennifer. A few weeks went by and I decided to hang with Jennifer in the library after school to help me with my science homework, but it seemed like everyone didn't want to spend their time studying.

“So you know what's coming up?” she asked me with a wide smile.

“What?”

“Spring Formal. I honestly want to ask Elliot to the dance, but I doubt that he would say yes,” she said, blushing. “You're close to him. Do you know if he's interested in anyone?”

I turned to her a bit surprised before clearing my throat. "No, not that he's ever told me,” I answered. “I never heard him mention any girls when we hang out.”

"What if he doesn't say yes?”

I smiled, “I think Elliot is too nice to say no.” I tell her.

“That's the problem too. He's too nice. He probably would say yes to any girl who would ask him first.” She said as her smile faded.

I shrugged my shoulders and ran my hand over the top of my hair, “Honestly, I believe that.” I said turning to her.

“Do you have someone in mind?” she asked me.

I looked at her confused for a second before shaking my head, “No,” I answered. “I'm not interested in something like that right now. I can't imagine myself going to a place like that. Maybe next year.”

She nods, “That's true. I'm sure you'll hate the crowd and loud music. That could be uncomfortable.” she said thoughtfully.

I rubbed the back of my neck, “Yeah...” I said quietly.

Jennifer was quiet for a second before turning to me, “You know, I can always introduce you to some of my friends if you like.” She said, giving me a small smile. “I promise they are nice and fun to hang out with. If you ever change your mind on going.”

I opened my mouth but decided to not say anything and shook my head.

“Sorry, was that a little too much? I didn’t mean to.” She said.

“No, it’s not that. It’s a nice thought. It is, but I’m just not interested in being in a relationship right now or even going out with someone.” I said. “It’s barely a month since I’ve started here and I’m still not adjusted.”

“Well, if you ever ready you let me know. My friends wouldn’t say no if anyone asked them out,” she said.

“You should tell them they can’t always say yes to just anyone,” I said, smiling lightly.

I looked up to see Elliot walking over to our table and Jennifer tried to hide her blush when she saw him. “Hey, Elliot.”

“Hey, I just finished volleyball practice and I came by to see if you were still here,” he said, smiling at us. “So what are you guys talking about?”

“Nothing.” Jennifer quickly and it was quiet for a long minute.

“How was practice?” I asked him.

“It was fun. I was about to head home, but I thought to pass by to see if you want a ride home? Or you guys not done yet?” He asked.

“No, we're done,” Jennifer said as she closed her book and started putting her things away in her backpack.

I stared at her for a second then glanced over at Elliot as I thought of something and took a deep breath, “My mom is coming to pick me up.” I said as I closed my book and turned to him. “But I'm sure Jennifer needs a ride home... You don't mind?”

Elliot glanced over at Jennifer and nodded, “Of course. That’s if you would want to join me.”

Jennifer turned to me before turning back to Elliot blushing lightly, “I… I would love a ride.”

“Alright. Let's go,” he said, getting up and starting walking. “I'll see you tomorrow, Michael.”

Jennifer started walking behind him and I see her smiling as she mouths ‘thank you’ at me.

I waved at her as I watched them leave the library and I sat back in my seat alone at my table now. I felt the small ping in my stomach knowing that it was a good idea for them to leave together, maybe Elliot would like Jennifer as well, but I also didn't want him to leave with her. I sighed as I grabbed my backpack and started making my way outside to walk home. It sounded silly for me to be upset that I lied for them to have a chance to be alone because there's no chance for Elliot to have any sort of feelings towards me. I also had said many times that I wasn't interested in being in a relationship and I shouldn’t even bother thinking of anyone in any romantic way. Maybe I shouldn't spend so much time with him and try to talk to other people in my classes. Aside from Elliot and Jennifer, I don't have any other friends.

“Look who it is…”

I was exiting the school when I saw David in the parking lot and I kept on walking making sure I wasn’t making eye contact with him.

David grabbed his friend's attention and pointed at me, “That's the freak I told you about.” he said as they started making their way over to me. “Said that he hates getting touched. So you all better watch out.”

I tried to avoid them until David was in front of me and I paused a bit before trying to go around him. “Just leave me alone,” I said.

“Nope. I want a word with you," he said as he made sure that I couldn't walk away from him. “Someone approached me saying that I've been harassing you. Have I been harassing you?”

I turned to him, surprised, and wondered when Elliot talked to him. “I... I didn't say anything.” I stuttered.

He put his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer as if we were buddies, “It's okay. I'm not offended. We can be friends right?” he said in a kind tone that I couldn't trust.

I couldn't bring myself to answer as I felt his arms heavy in his hold and I slowly started to feel like I’m going to panic.

“Right?” he said with a straight face.

I nod my head since I couldn't bring myself to talk.

“Why do you look so scared then? Or am I making it difficult for you? And here I thought we were friends.” he said and I can hear his friends laughing.

I don't know what to say as I was looking down, “I just want to go home.” I mumbled.

“Now, hold on. How about hanging out with us for a bit?” he said as he started pulling with me to the parking lot where the other guys are at.

I almost followed along until I tried to take a deep breath, “No, I'm leaving.” I said more firmly.

David held me a little tighter while I actually tried to get out of his hold. “Don't be a fucking pussy. Scared cause your boyfriend isn't here?” he said as he pushed me causing me to lose balance and fall to the ground. “Since you got here, everyone had to be careful but I really don’t see why we have to be all sensitive about it.”

I stayed on the ground as I felt my hand burning after landing on it and I didn't dare move as they walked around me. I can hear them getting in their car and I waited until they drove off before I picked myself up. I saw that I scrapped my hand and tried not to touch it as I slowly started walking. I couldn’t tell which part was more annoying: that Elliot might have confronted David when I told him not to or David possibly putting me as his next victim to psychically hurt. I took my time walking home as I tried to ignore the bruise on my hand and when I finally got home I walked over to the restroom to clean it. It stung as I put disinfectant ointment and put a bandaid over it when I heard my mom opening the front door as she’s coming home from work. I paused for a second before walking to the living room seeing her putting her things in her room before coming back.

“Hey, honey," she said, smiling at me only for a second. “What happened with your hand?”

“I fell while walking up the stairs in school. It's fine. Nothing broken.” I told her and walked over to sit on the couch.

“Alright. As long as you're okay, but if you need to get that check we can go to the doctor's tomorrow.” She asked as she walked over to the kitchen. “I'm going to cook something. Are you hungry?”

“No, I'm not. Maybe I’ll eat before I go to bed.” I said as I turned on the television and tried to focus on a show hoping to change the subject. “Mom, does dad still want me to come over next weekend?”

“I believe so. I haven't messaged him in a while and it seems like he hasn't changed his mind either,” she said.

I took a deep breath before turning to her, “Mom before you were with dad... Have you ever seen him date someone else before you?” I asked.

“Yes... I think he was with three other girls before we got together,” she said before turning to me. “Why do you ask?”

“Did you ever feel jealous?” I asked.

“Yes and no. I didn’t think much of it until I knew that I liked him,” she answered. “I also had a boyfriend as well before I started seeing your dad.”

I thought about this before turning to her again. “But you still liked dad?”

She sighed as she walked over to the table and placed her plate down and shrugged her shoulder as she sat down. “Yes. I tried to avoid not feeling anything towards him, but what can you do when you fall in love with someone you think you could never be with,” she said.

I stared at her for a second and turned away. I'm not in love. I mean, I know how it is to feel loved and loving someone, but I also never felt like this before.

“So, are you ever going to answer me? What's with the questions?” she asked as she started eating.

I smiled, "I'm just curious." I said.

She smiled back. "Okay," she said.