Alternative Universe

In an alternative universe, I'm not a geek. I'm a handsome go-getter. I'm popular and all the rave at whatever event I choose to appear at. Within the sphere of that universe, I'm welcomed no matter what the issue, no matter what the situation. But in this universe, ain't none of that true.

The high school in-crowd makes sure that I know exactly how they feel about individuals such as myself. I'm not laughed at; I am the laughter. I'm the joke, the derision, the person to heap all matter of insult upon.

Other students see it but do nothing to stop it and that makes it even worse. I tried staying in my lane, tried avoiding them, but somehow, they always seemed to find me, and start it up again.

Students shook their heads when they saw it happening and just walked away. Others looked at me and lowered their heads. The teachers just went on with their lessons as if they didn't see it.

Jarrahd Mcallan and his crew of sycophantic phonies all participated in this madness. They taunted, teased, and called me names, all while singing the insults especially around the female students.

The laughter was loud and embarrassing, but I endured. The security guard would make them stop, but he's wasn't around all the time and couldn't be everywhere. I only tolerated these indignities because I knew that better days would come. I didn't know when they were coming but I knew that they would come.

There was a new student in our school. Principal Matkinson had summoned me to escort this individual around the school.

"Why me?" I asked. "You see how I'm treated in this school. That student wouldn't be safe with me."

"Young man." the principal replied sternly. "If I say you're the one to escort the new student, then that's what it will be."

"But you didn't tell me why you chose me." I said in a low tone.

"Because I know that when I ask you to do something for me, it'll get done. I know I've got the right man."

The new student entered the office. "I'd like you to Ms. Saona St. James," Principal Matkinson said as she entered the office. She was beautiful, her skin was dark brown, smooth, like she was hewned and sculpted from the finest bar of chocolate. Her smile was like a pearl necklace. Her hair was in locks. They flowed over her shoulders like black strings on a violin. She had on a pair of blue jeans, a black and gold wind breaker, and a pair of black sneakers with a gold emblem on the sides.

"Pleased to meet you,' she replied. "And your name?"

I just stood there for a moment. All the shame and moments that my self-esteem had been lowered, were outweighing the moment where I needed to introduce myself. I was about to walk out of that office, risk the principal being angry at me and choosing someone else to escort this young lady.

"I do believe that Ms. St James asked you your name," Principal Matkinson said before my lack of confidence could set in and ruin the moment.

"Uh, my name is Paul, Paul Nathens," I say as my lack of confidence rose to meet my introduction.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Nathens," she said smiling. I'd be delighted to have you show me around the school."

Before I could open my mouth to play myself down, Principal Matkinson sent us on our way. "Here's some money," he said out of Saona's earshot, slipping me two tens. "Lunch is on me today. Oh, and keep the change."

Escorting Saona through the school and to her different classes was good. She laughed at my jokes. "You thought that was funny?" I asked, not even realizing that I said it.

"You have a warped sense of humor," she said, with a giggle.

"Oh," I said. "Average person would've walked away by now."

"I'm not average," she said, smiling.

We turned the corner and there they were, Jarrahd and his sycophantic cast of pseudo social circus clowns.

"Who's the lovely lady?" Jarrahd asked, approaching us.

"Jarrahd, man," I said walking in front of Saona. "I'm doing this for Principal Matkinson, Bro. We gotta go."

"I don't give a damn what Principal Matkinson's got you doin" Jarrahd said, walking up on me. "I said introduce me, nerd."

"Jarrahd, man," I said, standing my ground. "Let us go, I'll introduce you later."

"I said introduce us, now!" Jarrahd said, grabbing my shirt.

All I can remember about that moment was a sneaker with a gold emblem on the side whizzing between me and Jarrahd and slamming hard against his face. The force of the blow knocked his head back, he stumbled, lost his footing, and fell backwards.

Before I could assess the situation, Saona was standing in front me staring down at Jarrahd. "I think you and your friends need to leave." she said, a hint of warning in her voice."

Jarrahd and his crew left immediately.

For the next couple of weeks until she got the feel of the school, I was Saona's escort. She still laughed at my jokes and waited for me at my locker. In the lunchroom she would share her lunch with me and thank me for helping her get used to the school. Her smile was like the sun shining on a pearl necklace as she placed her hand on mine and kissed me.

"Ah ah," you could hear all through the lunchroom. "She ain't kissin' that nerd." And with that, she kissed me again.