This Book Is Dropped. I'm sorry

Rose was seated behind her desk, staring at the white board absent-mindedly. It had been five days since she had resumed school; Grace had been working part time and didn't have enough time for a chat. She understood her, but she was just lonely. And as for Nathaniel, she felt as though she was troubling him. Their conversations had been awkward and stilted. She didn't want to impose on him anymore; so she decided not to ask him to help her with her bags. She didn't want to put him in a tight spot, since he always seemed to be pretty uncomfortable whenever they were together.

Maybe, he just didn't like being around people, she thought. She gathered her things and stood up, but she saw someone's shadow looming in front of her. She glanced up, and saw that it was Nathaniel. He was looking at her with a tentative expression.

"Hey, can I help you with your bags again today?" he asked quietly.

Rose was surprised. She had assumed that she was bothering him with her constant requests for assistance. However, she didn't argue, and instead let him carry her bags like he requested. They then walked as they had always done to the bus stop.

"Why did you offer to help me? I always thought that I was a bother." she said looking down at her feet as they walked side-by-side.

Nathaniel glanced at Rose softly. "Actually, you are a bother." He admits. "But I've gotten used to it."

Rose gave him a side glare, she hadn't expected him to admit to being bothered by her.

Such a jerk, she mouths to herself.

"To be honest, I'm kind of lonely. It's nice to have someone to talk to, even if it's just about the weather or how your day was. And I like feeling useful, like I'm helping you."

"You are lonely? How?" She raised her eyebrows quizzically.

Nathaniel sighed, feeling a weight being lifted off his chest. "I've been feeling really lonely lately." He admitted. "You're the only one who talks to me at school, and I feel like we've become friends in a way...Even though we are not. I just don't know why no one else wants to be my friend." He said, his voice sounding a little frustrated in the end.

Nathaniel sat down next to Rose at the bus stop. While they both waited for her bus; he looked at her intently, wondering if he could ask her anything. "Are you having problems?" she asked genuinely concerned for him, and he nodded softly. "Yes, what do you think I should do?"

Rose paused, thinking for a moment. "Well, Nathaniel, I think the way you speak to people might be part of the issue."

"What do you mean by how I 'speak to people'?" Nathaniel asked, looking confused. "What is wrong with the way I speak?"

Rose hesitated, then decided to give him an example. "Remember when Cynthia lost her money on Tuesday and you found it for her? Do you remember what you said?" He just kept staring into space, before Rose did him the favour of reminding him.

"You said even children keep their money properly, then you proceeded to ask her, if she was a kid or she was just dumb."

Nathaniel fell silent, she was right. "If I were her I'll never want to talk to you again; don't you think behaving like that might make people less likely to want to be friends with you?"

Nathaniel looked taken aback. "Oh, I didn't realize I was being rude. I was just trying to help." After a minute or two passed by, he added. "But she was indeed dumb."

Rose nodded. "I know you were, Nathaniel. But sometimes the way we say things is just as important as what we say. If you want to make friends, you might want to work on being more approachable and friendly. If they are dumb just ignore them."

Nathaniel looked thoughtful. "Thanks, Rose. I appreciate your honesty. I'll try to work on it."

As they talked, Rose's eyes fell on Nathaniel's expensive clothes and she hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

"Nathaniel, I think another reason you're having trouble making friends at school is because of the way you dress. Your clothes look really expensive, and I think some people might feel like they're not up to your standard."

Nathaniel looked down at his designer clothes, then back up at Rose. "What do you mean? I wear them because I can afford them."

Rose nodded understandingly. "I know you do, Nathaniel. And there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, people can feel intimidated by others who dress in a way that makes them stand out. If you want to make friends, you might want to try dressing in more regular clothes, in order to make other people feel more comfortable around you."

Nathaniel considered this for a moment before nodding. "You're right, Rose. I never thought about it that way. I'll try to dress more casually from now on."

Rose smiled at him. "I think it's a good idea, Nathaniel. And who knows, maybe you'll even find that dressing more casually makes you feel more comfortable too."

Rose smiled encouragingly. "I know you can do it, Nathaniel. And I'm here to help you if you ever need me."

Nathaniel ran his fingers through his hair, unable to ask her for the favour he wanted. "Rose…" he called softly, then turned away, his cheeks heating up in embarrassment. "Sorry, but I'll be needing your help quite soon. I don't have any regular clothes and I thought you might be able to help me."

Rose's heart couldn't take it, she liked everything about this dude; his gentle smile, how shy and embarrassed he was. The fact that he was a delicious mix of bland and spicy, he was everything she wanted in a boy.

"Do you think you'll be free tomorrow?" He asked, and Rose simply nodded without even thinking twice. She considered the shopping spree a date. "I want you to take me around town and help me buy a lot of casual clothes."

She smiled and replied. "Yes I am free, and I would love to help you."

"So, what else? He asked curiously. Then he leaned in, eager to hear her advice. "What do you suggest?"

Rose thought about it for a moment, then began listing out some tips. "Firstly, try joining some clubs or activities that interest you. That way, you'll meet people who share your interests. Also, try to be a little more open and friendly to people that you meet. Smile, make eye contact, and show interest in what they have to say. And lastly, be yourself. People will appreciate you more if you're genuine and true to who you are."

Nathaniel listened intently, taking mental notes. "Those are great tips, Rose. Thanks for your help."

Rose smiled at him. "You're welcome, Nathaniel. And remember, making friends takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. Just keep being friendly and open, and you'll find your tribe."

Nathaniel grinned back at her. "Thanks, Rose. I'll definitely try to put your advice into practice."

Not too long after that, the bus came, and Rose went in. Nathaniel then strolled back to school; his driver had already been waiting for him. "Hi master Nathaniel." The fairly older man greeted, adjusting himself in his seat. "Hi." Nathaniel answered, opening the car door and getting in. He placed a free hand underneath his jaw, and watched everyone walking in pairs and groups, towards the direction of their home.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head; now the rest of his battle was going to be between his mom and himself. Whatever happened, he would make sure to take full advantage of his life here. He didn't want to live in the shadows anymore, he wanted to be known, he wanted to make new friends and try out new things. He deserved to spend his youth the way he wanted and enjoy it to the fullest. After all, there was only one thing humans didn't have much of… and that was time.