Chapter 9

"That is so not fair." He said embittered.

"I mean, this is total bullshit how she treated her." He continued.

"That girl looked so innocent. I actually assumed for a moment she was the goody two shoes and not the other way round."

"That is because you judged her on her appearance." I pointed out.

"Of course I did. That's what everyone does." He defended himself.

"Yes, it is. But you don't have to be everyone."

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"What I mean is, what everyone does when they see someone for the first time. They judge them. On what basis? On the basis of their appearance, their clothes or on what brand do they wear. But you know what? Appearances are deceptive."

"Oh really?" Raymond chuckled.

"Of course. Otherwise, there would be no robberies or crimes in this world." I explained.

Raymond was about to question me again but the epiphany dawned on him and he stilled.

He sat there, thinking about something and then sighed before saying "I guess you have a point here."

I always hated the fact that this society judges us on our appearance. This isn't fair.

I mean, do you know what the other person is going through. Do you know them at all? How can you know that the person is dressed up in pajamas because he wants to wear it and not because he is a Hobo?

"You're behaving as if you know what it feels like-"

"I do know what it feels like to be judged. Okay? Everybody at school does that to me. They just see books in my hands or they see me at the library studying or asking teachers for doubts and think that I'm a loser. So, all I get at the end of the day is people making fun of me, passing comments, just because..because.."

Epiphany of who I really am dawned on me.

"Because?" He pushed me to complete my words.

I looked down at the table again.

"Hey-hey princess look at me." I slowly brought up my gaze to meet his.

"Good. Now tell me the reason" He whispered. His eyes penetrating into my soul. Those gorgeous blue orbs urging me to reveal my true self.

"Because I'm a nerd." I finally said looking into his mesmerizing blue eyes.

"You should be proud of that, Princess." He said whilst both his hands now placed on my shoulders, encouraging me.

"More than half of the assholes out there don't have half the knowledge you do. You like studying, right?" I nodded in an agreement. "Then why are you ashamed of it, Princess? Why? You should be proud of this. You should be proud to be a nerd." He finished.

I looked at him. Speechless.

Not because of what he said but because I judged him too. This Raymond is not the one I talked to at school. No. He is different. But then I realized that maybe this is the real Raymond, I just never thought of knowing him. Like really knowing who he is underneath that facade Mr. Popular mask. Like everyone else I too assumed that he is school's bad boy.

"What?" He asked giving me a questioning look.

"You're different than I thought," I Said. Looking at the blue orbs which are attracting me like magnets.

"So are you. Beautiful too." Raymond said, still holding my gaze. I didn't realize how close we were. I could feel his breath on my face. His lips were tempting me. My heart was beating fast inside the rib cage. If he'd lean any closer we would be kissing.

No! Sophie. Don't. Snap out of it.

And I did too. I came back to my senses and so did Ray.

We discussed some of our topics and decided to meet at Raymond's house after school tomorrow. he said it'll ease his work if I'll be there to clear his doubts and I agreed.

****

Finally, I reached home. Ray dropped me. I waved at him gesturing goodbye. As I turned around to open the front door of my house suddenly someone opened it and almost shouted at me.

"How was your date sweetie?" She almost yelled. And I literally jumped six feet over.

"Oh mom, you scared me," I replied catching my breath.

"I am asking how was your date, Soaf?" She examined, her eyes traveling up and down, suspecting me.

I glared at her.

"It wasn't a date, mom. It was regarding a project." I explained.

"Ohh, young lady don't be shy. After all, I'm your mother you can share things with me." She said in an extra sweet tone.

"Ughh....MOM!" I almost yelled. Soon I realized that I was blushing.

Like literally.

Why are you blushing?

Stop it.

"Aww, my little doll is blushing." mom cooed in a high pitched voice.

"Why don't you call him on dinner, Soaf?" She asked.

I looked at her, giving her a disappointed look and shook my head.

"What? I'm just giving your love story a little push." She defended herself.

"Well, no need mom. Raymond and I are just friends. Okay? And I-I don't know, maybe he doesn't even consider me as a friend. Maybe an acquaintance or maybe just a project partner" I said in an irritated tone.

I turned around and strolled all the way to my bedroom.

Mom and I were very close. I used to share everything with her. Everything and every problem. She was always there with me. But when I started going to high school and kids start bullying me, I never told mom about it. I didn't want her to worry about these things. I thought it will be over but it never happened

Now hardly anyone even knows about my existence in school. So they've stopped bullying me. But some of them still make fun of me. I was always disappointed by the fact that I can't even have a friend who can treat me well, only because I am a nerd.