Someone
Notices Me
I
haven’t always hated Brooke. When we were both scrawny kids with scrapes on our
knees, and dirt on our clothes, she was my comrade, my sister in arms
against the kids from across the street.
Now I wonder if she remembers those days at all.
My eyes linger on her as she bats her eyelashes,
tosses her long blonde hair, and smiles her perfect smile; teeth pearly white
behind glossy lips.
All eyes are on her. No one sees me, plain old
Jessica. I might as well be invisible.
Brooke’s transformation from weedy kid with
pigtails had been like the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan. Mine
had been less kind.
Taller than average, with athletic legs and a
flat chest, the only time I get attention is on the basketball court. At a
party like this, I’m practically unseen.
The guys laugh, Brooke giggles, and I go on
being ignored. I don’t even know why I’m at this stupid party. Brooke doesn’t
need me here, and no one else would notice if I left, but something compels me
to stay. I must be a masochist.
I feel a presence beside me, and turn to see
Jake – star of the football team – sitting beside me with two red Dixie cups in
his hands.
“Hey,” he greets with a grin. “I got you a
Coke.”
“Thanks,” I say, taking the offering.
“I saw your basketball game last night, you were
terrific.”
I wonder if this is some new attempt to get into
Brooke’s pants, by befriending her dorky pal, but I smile and accept the
compliment. “Thanks.”
“How long have you been playing?”
All my life, I’ve always loved basketball. “Just
this year.” I never had the confidence to join the team before.
“Impressive, you’re more talented than some of
the most experienced players on the team.”
My cheeks flush. No one has ever paid me this
much attention before. I look at Jake, all muscles, dark hair and dimples, and
catch him staring at me. He’s the only guy in the room not focusing on Brooke;
I have his undivided attention as he gazes into my eyes.
His blue eyes sparkle as he takes my hand and
asks, “Hey Jess, wanna go to the movies with me tomorrow?”
For the first time in my life, someone notices
me. “Yeah, okay.”
