Rejection

I remember it like it was yesterday, the sky was a beautiful shade of red as the sun vanished into the sparkling sea I had brought Wendy up on a cliff to see this great view, Wendy had been my friend ever since we met in middle school and I instantly had a crush on her. I embarrassingly thought it was love at first sight. Since then I had tried confessing but the words would always seem to get stuck in my mouth so I'd end up rambling on about the weather. But not today this time I promised myself that day was the day I'd do it. It was my last chance before we entered high school and I have no idea what might happen if we entered high school and I hated unknowns so I planned all summer. This was my last shot and I had to make it special. So there we stood on the cliff looking at the sun setting. Two preteens one nervously preparing for what was going to happen and another blissfully unaware.

"I've got to say Alex this is an amazing view," she said moving for attention from the sunset to me.

"Trust me it wasn't easy to find," I said smiling awkwardly as I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly

"So what are we doing here?" she asked smiling. Her angelic smile that seemed to gave off a pure white glow was one of the many reasons I fell for her

"Um well you know Wendy we've been friends for a long time"

"Yeah and?" she asked confused

"You should know those years mean a lot to me but there's something I've been wanting to say ever since we first met," I said as I reached into my pocket reaching for the gift I had prepared for her

"Then go ahead and say it. You're acting really weird Alex" she said

"Okay here goes nothing," I said before taking a deep breath

"I like you" I blurted out

"What?" she asked 

"I've liked you ever since we first met and now that we're going into high school I have to let you know how I feel before we start this new chapter," I said as I pulled out the small yellow box with a red ribbon tied around it

"So will you be my girlfriend?" I asked showing her the box

"Are you actually serious about this?" she asked no longer smiling

"Yeah," I said nervously

"I'm sorry," she said

"What?" I asked frozen in place

"I don't feel that way about you I'm sorry," she said. I didn't speak, I didn't move and for a second I thought I had forgotten to breath

"Plus I'm just not in the market for anyone to date right now" she added but I still didn't do anything more than stare at her as the box slipped out as I dropped my hand back to my side

"Alex are you okay?" she asked looking at my dejected expression. I wanted to say that I was okay and that everything was fine. I mean I knew this was an option and I had thought that I prepared myself for it but in the end, I didn't say it

"I...I should go home" Those were the words that came out of my mouth instead

"Yeah I should head back too," she said turning and walking away.

I watched her back as she walked away but I still hadn't moved, not even one inch.

I held back the tears that were threatening to fall from my eyes as I walked back down the cliff and rode the taxi to my house.

Opening the door I was greeted by the sound of my mother shouting my little sister

"Amanda get off the table," she said as my little sister jumped on the living room table

"Okay mommy," she said jumping from the table to the couch and started jumping on the couch instead causing mom to shake her head

"Where's your brother?" she asked as I walked in

"I'm here" I sighed

"My god Alex. Do you know what time it is? Where were you?" she asked concerned

"Getting rejected by Wendy" Amanda laughed as she jumped on the couch

"Shut it you little brat!" I yelled

"Why? Am I wrong?" she taunted

"MOM!" I yelled before Mom sighed

"Amanda go to your bed. You have school tomorrow" she said

"Fine" Amanda pouted as she got off the couch and headed upstairs not forgetting to stick her tongue out at me before she did

"So..." mom asked prompting me to tell her what had happened

"I don't want to talk about it," I said walking away

"Well I ordered dinner," she said

"I'm not hungry," I said heading to my bedroom where I flopped down on my bed face first

"I can't believe this," I said turning to face the ceiling, "She actually rejected me"

I stayed up the whole night replaying that memory over and over again. For me, the morning couldn't come any sooner but when it finally did I looked like the undead straight out of the grave as forced myself to shower and brush my teeth at the same time before sloppily getting dressed and making my way to the bus stop where I let out an audible yawn

"Yo Alex!" my friend called out from the bus stop. That was my best friend since elementary school, Ben.

"Hey Ben," I said as before we did our 'secret' handshake. Thinking back that handshake always seemed to be different every time we did it

"So how'd it go?" he asked. I immediately knew what he was talking about so I groaned

"So does that mean you're dating or that you got rejected," he said already knowing the answer

"Totally crashed and burned" I answered

"Goddammit" he cursed

"Why are you so upset?" I asked confused

"I got a bet going. I owe your brat sister a hundred bucks" he answered with a sighed

"Well I'm glad someone's profiting from my misfortune," I said sarcastically

"Yeah too bad it's not me" he sighed

"Thanks for the vote of confidence dude. It means a lot" I said as the bus came

"Confidence?" he said as we entered the bus, "Dude I lost the coin flip"

"Come on dude. You didn't think for a second she would have said yes" I asked

"Believe me I prayed she did but you know.." he said

"Know what?" I asked

"It's Wendy. It's like she's a Ferrari and you're a school bus" he answered, "A new school bus but still a school bus"

"Screw you dude," I said as the bus came to a stop and we got off

"Sorry fam but I'm only speaking the truth," he said before we walked in and immediately went to the notice board

"Looks like we're in the same class again," I said. This had been a fact ever since elementary school

"And lookie here so is Wendy" he smiled

"Yeah so," I said trying and failing to sound nonchalant

"So what's gonna happen now?" he asked as we walked towards the class

"What do you mean?" I asked confused

"You and Wendy are you still cool?" he asked

"Yeah totally. I mean it's not like we'll just stop being friends because she rejected me" I said

"Don't you think it would be awkward"

"No why would it be awkward?" I asked

"Because you confessed and she rejected you," he said

"No dude. Wendy and I aren't like that. We're still friends. Nothing's changed" I said. That time I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince him or myself but I knew it hadn't worked either way

"Well, there she is. Why don't we go say hi" he said as we entered the class to witness the sight of Wendy meeting her long-time best friend, Samantha. Samantha was, for lack of a better word, a bitch

"Wendy!" she squealed

"Samantha!" Wendy mimicked

"Girl! How was your summer? I want to know all the deets" she said grabbing unto Wendy's hand

"It was good" she answered

"Just good. Come on girl I'm gonna need more details than good" she said

"Yo Wendy" Ben said as he walked over to them and I walked one step directly behind as if I was trying to hide

"Hey Ben," she said cheerfully before she stopped me

"Um...hi Alex," she said awkwardly

"Hey," I said embarrassed

"That sounds weird. What happened?" Samantha asked

"Nothing" I quickly responded

"Yeah nothing" Wendy added

"Alex got rejected," Ben said

"No way he actually asked" Samantha laughed, "Got to say Alex didn't think you had it in you"

"Samantha stop it," Wendy said

"Okay okay fine," she said still laughing

But when she stopped the only thing left was an awkward silence as we looked at each other

"So I'm guessing the friendship's over," Samantha said smiling happily

"No. Why would you say that?"

"Because there's no way you can stay friends after that" Samantha said

"That's what I said" Ben added

"Can you both stop it?" Wendy said

"Yeah, we'll be fine. I already forgot about it and so as Wendy. Right, Wendy?" I asked looking at her

"Yeah it's like it never happened," she said

"So I'm still stuck with these losers" Samantha groaned. Did I mention that she was a bitch

"Class is about to start; Let's just get to our seat," Wendy said before dragging Samantha to two empty seats before Ben and I went to two others

"Yeah that wasn't awkward at all," he said

"Shut up, the teacher's here," I said before Mr. Francis walked in. Mr. Francis was a mean short fat man with a belly full of jelly...well jelly shots to be more specific. He should have been 45 years old at the time. He had been teaching for two decades and was very tired of the job by that point

"Quiet down you brats. It's time for class" he said before sitting on his desk

"Look I know you're all excited for your first year of high school, god knows why, but we have things to attend to," he said picking up a clipboard

"My name is Mr. Francis and I'll be your homeroom teacher for the year. Lucky me" he said before the door opened and a young blonde walked in. Her head held high as she slowly and gracefully walked into the room. Her eyes seemed to be at looking down at everyone they landed on

"Um, are you in this class?" Mr. Francis asked

"Depends is this 1B?" she asked

"Yeah"

"Then yes I am"

"Okay I was just about to let everyone introduce themselves"

"So?" she asked

"Since you're already standing why don't you go first," he said

"Sure," she said, "First of all you should all count yourselves lucky because as of today you all have the honor of being classmates with yours truly. My splendid and glorious name is Elizabeth Monroe. Don't forget it because I have no intention of repeating it. Since I'm new in town I've decided to graciously invite you to a party at my house in the Compton Hotel. It starts at eight and I would appreciate it if you're all on time. That is all" she said

"Okay you may have a seat," Mr. Francis said

"But she didn't say anything about herself," some random guy said

"I don't care and neither do you," Mr. Francis said causing the guy to shut up, "Now Mr. Freeman your turn"

The rest of the day went by and Ben and I were leaving our last class. The first day was always the easiest.

"So you gonna go?" Ben asked

"Where?" I asked

"The party. You gonna go?"

"Not sure"

"Come on dude. It might be fun" Ben said, "Plus Wendy's gonna be there"

"Oh the person who rejected me is gonna be there then no I'm not going"

"I thought you guys were cool"

"We are"

"If you say so," Ben said

"Wanna head to the Burger Shack? I'm pretty hungry"

"Sure...hold up wait," he said suddenly stopping

"What?" I asked

"Isn't that Wendy?" Ben asked pointing to the bathroom doors. I quickly looked over and saw Wendy leaning the wall with some blonde guy in front of her

"Yeah but...who is she talking to?" I asked.

"Looks like an upperclassman maybe a junior or something," Ben said before we stood there watching them talk

I was shaken. Didn't she say she wasn't in the market for a boyfriend so why the hell was she flirting with some junior guy in front of the bathroom?

"Dude" Ben said as I stormed off. I didn't say anything on the ride home but then I opened my door and stepped in

"Why would Wendy be talking to some junior"

"He speaks!" Ben yelled after I broke my silence but stopped smiling once he had noticed my glare

"Look it might not be what you think. Maybe he was just asking the time" Ben suggested but the idea was ludicrous

"You can't expect me to believe he doesn't have a phone or something," I said rebuking his idea

"It's the first day of school. Wendy isn't the type to just start dating some guy after just entering high school" Ben reassured me, "I mean I expect that more from Samantha"

"It doesn't take five minutes to ask for the time," I said walking up the stairs

"Fine, you want to know what I honestly think. He's definitely asking her to the party" he said as we walked into my room

"That's definitely it. You think she'd accept"

"Girls tend to say yes when a guy like that asks," Ben said

"I don't get it. What does he have that I don't"

"Well he's handsome, judging by his clothes he has money, he's also more mature and I'm guessing he's also popular" Ben listed off

"Fine but that's gotta be something we have in common," I said

"Um well...you're both guys," he said

"Great I feel so special," I said sarcastically

"You see this is why you need to come to the party with me," he said

"What? Why" I asked confused

"You gotta go out. Meet a nice girl of which I'm betting will plenty at the party"

"Dude why are you so insistent on going to this party," I asked

"For real, I think that Elizabeth chick is hot," he said shamelessly

"Seriously dude. You want me to go to some dumb party with you so you can flirt with some chick"

"I would and have done it for you," he said

"No, no way. I'm not going to that party" he said.

I don't know what he did or said but somehow he had me standing outside the stupid hotel

"I can't believe you got me to come here" I sighed

"Come on dude I'm sure it'd be fun," he said

"Seeing the girl I like with another man. You and I have to different ideas of fun"

"We're already here no turning back now," he said

"Whatever" I sighed

"That's the spirit," he said playfully punching me

"Just know you owe me one"

"No problem," he said before we went in. Once we entered we were greeted by the crowd of people that filled the gigantic living room

"Dude this place is crowded," I said

"It's a party so that's a good thing," he said as we forced our way through the crowd

"Whatever man. Just find her so we can get the hell out of here" I said

"Okay okay I'm looking" he shrugged

"So?"

"I didn't find her but I found the hottest couple in town," he said

"What?" I asked confused

"Hey Wendy!" he yelled as I cursed under my breath. We walked over to Wendy who was sitting beside the blonde as they both laughed at some inside joke I didn't get

"Haha that's hilarious" he laughed before she noticed us

"Hey Ben...um hi Alex," she said, "So how's the party?"

"We just got here"

"So you're late. Don't let the host find out she'll freak" he laughed

"Oh, so who's your friend?" Ben asked

"Oh, this is Anthony. He's a junior" she said introducing us

"I gotta use the bathroom," I said not wanting to hear anything pass his name.

"Oh it's over that way," he said pointing

"Whatever," I said before leaving. I went in that direction and up the stairs before somehow finding myself on the roof.

I sighed before walking over to the rail and looking down at the city

"This party blows. Why the hell did I come here?" I questioned before mentally cursing Ben, "At least this place has an amazing view. I guess it's not a complete waste"

I looked down appreciating the wonderful view before suddenly someone called out to me

"Hey you!" she said immediately grabbing my attention

"Uh me?" I asked turning towards her. It was actually Elizabeth calling out to me. That was our first direct meeting. It was the first time we talked but I already had an idea of her personality. Say what you want about her but the girl knows how to leave an expression

"Yes, you. Do you see anyone else here simpleton" she said before I looked around

"No," I said

"What are you doing up here?" she asked

"Um...I was just looking for the bathroom" I answered

"Yet you somehow found yourself to the roof?" she asked glaring at me

"Sorry I was just lost in thought," I said honestly

"And what has got you so lost in thought?" she asked

"Do you really care?"

"No but it must surely be better than any conversation those morons downstairs are having," she said

"It's a long story"

"Look, simpleton. I'm bored and now I'm just trying to use whatever got you so lost to relieve me of my boredom"

"And why would I tell you just to relieve your boredom?"

"Because you're obviously dying to tell someone and I'm graciously lending you my jade-like ear"

"Fine it started a couple of years back," I said before telling her everything between Wendy and I starting from when we first met to the present

"And now I'm here," I said wrapping up my story

"Wow, flat-out rejection. Explain how you plan on being friends again" she said

"Well, I said I already forgot about it but.."

"Rejection isn't something you can just forget. No matter how softly or nicely it's delivered. Especially your first. This is your first right"

"Yeah"

"Good otherwise that would be plain pathetic," she said

"I'm starting to not like you," I said but she only shrugged nonchalantly

"Anyway continue," she said

"Okay well, she said it's like it never happened but.."

"It did happen and you're reliving that embarrassing moment over again" she interrupted again

"Wow you seem to know a lot about this"

"Well I'm quite experienced," she said

"In getting rejected?" I asked

"Oh heavens no. In doing the rejecting"

"Yeah, I should have guessed. You're way too beautiful to get rejected"

"Well aren't you the smooth talker"

"Not really just speaking the truth," I said

"Of course I know that," she said

"Huh?"

"I'm one of, if not, the prettiest girl in the world. I know a pretty face when I see one and mines is the prettiest I've ever seen" she said complimenting herself

"Well, that's hard to argue," I said after all it was an undeniable fact. She was absolutely gorgeous

"Honestly I hate girls who pretend they don't know they're beautiful. It irritates yours truly to no end" she said

"Okay by the way my name is-"

"Alexander Freeman I know. Unfortunately no relation to Morgan Freeman. Too bad for you" she said

"Was that your attempt at a joke?" I asked

"My name is Elizabeth Monroe. You should cherish this moment because not many have heard me repeat my name after saying it once" she said

"Well meeting you Elizabeth has been an experience, to say the least," I said

"Meeting you was quite an unexpected but pleasant surprise for me as well," she said putting her hands on my shoulder

"Um, what are you doing?" I asked before she pulled me closer and forced her lips onto my own. Yep, that was the first time someone kissed me. My first kiss had been suddenly stolen by this random girl 

"Hm sweet," she said touching her cherry lips

"Um, what the hell was that about?" I asked confused

"I think you're cute that's all. Now count yourself lucky to have received the first kiss of an angel like myself" she said winking at me causing me to blush. Wasn't this girl a bit too bold

"Um..." I said thinking of something to say

"You should head back downstairs. Unless you wish to stay and be my little pet" she joked. Well, I hope she was joking but I couldn't tell if she was so I quickly ran inside before looking at her giggling face as she walked towards me.

I hated the unknown and this girl was the biggest unknown. I couldn't predict anything she'd do