Fat Girl Problems

Fat Girl Problem 3: Gym Class

      After calming down in the washroom, I groaned as I realized I had gym next period. It wasn't that I hated exercise - I actually do love sports - but as a fat girl, gym was never fun for numerous of reasons. People always judged me beforehand, so I was always picked last. It also didn't help that I'd sweat like a pig in my yoga pants and baggy t-shirt, while the other girls wore short-shorts and tank tops. There wasn't a rule that said I couldn't wear what they wore, but I felt like no one needed to see me show that much skin.

      Sighing, I exited the washroom feeling fine. Crying always helped me get over situations like this, since it's like letting out all the pain within you. Even though I still couldn't believe what happened, happened, I moved on. Being fat meant situations like this would occur.

      The bell suddenly rang and I freaked out. Luckily I ate my lunch in the bathroom - I know, gross - but now I was going to be late. Shaking my head, I wondered if the day could be any crappier.

      Turned out it could be. I walked into the gym and everyone stared me down like I was a rare species, even the teacher. What made it worse was that Connor and the boy from earlier were in this class. I couldn't believe I didn't notice that yesterday.

      To my surprise the gym teacher, Mr. Lynch, ignored me and said, "Unlike yesterday, we will be exercising our lazy behinds so go get changed."

      Everyone obeyed quietly and went to the change rooms. I awkwardly did too.

      Once inside the change room, I waited for a stall. There was no way I'd change in front of these girls and show just how fat I was. Sighing, I wished Cece was here. We had math together, but I wished we had this together instead. Gym wasn't something I wanted to deal with alone.

      After finally changing, I waited along with my classmates for Mr. Lynch's further instructions. As I waited I glanced over at the boy from earlier. He terrified me, his rude ways being the cause of that. I wished I could get revenge for the embarrassment he put me through, but I obviously didn't have the guts to do that.

      "Run laps around the gym for eight minutes!" Mr. Lynch shouted, breaking me out of my thoughts.

      I began to run along with my fellow classmates. My heartbeat already began to quicken, but with anxiousness. I wasn't a great runner, especially when it came to long distance running. That meant I'd earn a few insults.

      Five minutes passed and I was falling behind. As expected I was last and a few meters behind the second last person. My breath was uneven and my lungs hurt too. This is why I never ran on my own time.

      I heard footsteps behind me and I groaned. Someone was about to overlap me which would hurt my already small pride. Looking straight ahead, I tried pushing myself to run a bit faster. It didn't work, it just hurt.

      The footsteps behind me were now beside me. To my surprise they stayed beside me. Curious, I looked to my right and saw Connor. Unlike me his breathing was even and his running looked effortless. When our eyes met, I looked away. I honestly wondered what his deal was.

       Finally the eight minutes were up. I instantly stopped running and gasped. It had been a while since I ever ran like this.

       As I tried catching my breath, I watched as Connor walked away. He had actually spent the remaining time running beside me, which was both surprising and confusing. So, I took that time to ignore him and push myself harder though, even though it was nice of him. I just felt like I had something to prove when it came to him.

      After a bit, Mr. Lynch shouted, "Okay! Let's play some dodgeball!"

      Dodgeball. The one game I hated with a passion. Despite being a great thrower, people viewed me as a perfect target because of my size. That meant I'd get out and watch everyone have fun for most of the match. It sucked.

      Two guys were team captains and I watched as Connor got picked first. From what I could tell he was the most athletic person here. I then continued to watch as everyone got picked one-by-one. Guess who was picked last? Me. I tried not to look sad as I walked to my team - the same team as Connor.

      After going over the rules we went to our own sides of the gym. Mr. Lynch aligned the dodgeballs in the centre, and in a matter of seconds he blew the whistle. Everyone rushed to grab a dodgeball, except me. Knowing I'd be a main target, I decided to hide out in the back and hope a ball would roll my way.

      As I hid, I couldn't help but watch Connor. He was throwing dodge balls with such might that I felt scared for whoever would receive it. Watching Connor made me realize he was angry, like furious. I began to wonder why.

      As if on cue, Damon - the boy who insulted me at lunch - yelled, "What the hell Connor!"

      My eyes drifted to where Damon was desperately trying to dodge the fast dodge balls coming at him. Those dodge balls were all being thrown by Connor, I realized. My eyes widened in surprise.

      Wondering why distracted me, and I nearly shrieked as a dodgeball almost made contact with me. To my surprise Connor caught it with ease and threw it back at Damon, who finally got hit by it. I couldn't help but smile as Damon stormed out of the gym. Even if I didn't do anything, it still felt like sweet revenge.

      The rest of the game was a bit more calm. Connor seemed to calm down, so his throws weren't as viscous. I was also surprisingly still in the game. A few balls came my way and I actually hit two people. I felt pretty good.

      Eventually the game came to an end. Our team won thanks to Connor, who was the only one remaining. Everyone patted him on the back and I was about to walk away, but I felt someone grab my wrist.

      Terrified, I slowly turned around. My eyes soon met the lively chocolate brown eyes of Connor.

      "Good job," he said casually.

      I stared at him a blankly. He was congratulating me? Whoa.

      "Th-thanks," I stuttered out awkwardly.

      He then suddenly smirked at me, and then walked away. I stood where I was blushing. What is his deal?