Just A Weirdo ✓

~ 14 ~

"Shit, it's your birthday?"

I didn't answer him. It was not like he would make a difference if I did. None of us had the power to change what had already happened. As much as I wanted to believe my life was a mistake, I couldn't. My father always came to my mind. He would think his little girl gave up.

And I didn't want that. No. I wanted to be strong for the people who mattered to me. He wanted me to be successful and to have a good life. After his death, I lost all connections with his family. Most of them were in England and I doubted they remembered me. Including his younger brother.

It was impossible to make everyone happy, but trying wasn't a bad thing. It was what I learnt throughout the years; not everyone would like me and therefore, I couldn't make everybody happy. The only thing I was concerned about at the moment was the video. I'd have to find out who leaked it.

I wasn't sure where to start but determination was coursing through my veins.

Levi pulled away from my not so tight hug and made me look at him. It was hard to maintain eye contact because I felt ugly and embarrassed. He just had to see me like this on my birthday. I sniffled and looked down at my feet before mustering the courage to actually speak.

"It doesn't matter anymore," I said as I made my way to the sinks. He was standing where I left him with a saddened expression. I could see his reflection through the mirror. "In fact, it never mattered. I never celebrated this day after my father's death. There was no reason to."

It explained why I was so overjoyed when my ex-boyfriend said he would be celebrating my birthday with me. I could be gullible and naïve sometimes, nothing changed. I began splashing the cold water on my face.

When I looked at my reflection, I saw how red and puffy my eyes were. My nose was also red. I sighed, thankful that Levi wasn't bombarding me with questions about the video.

I wasn't happy. And he could see that.

He appeared next to me with a paper towel. I tried to reach out for it with a thankful smile but he took it away from my reach.

"What are you doing?" I asked with an arched eyebrow. He just looked at me and began dabbing it on my not so flawless skin.

"I'm glad I'm here, you know," he began with a sigh. There was a hint of sadness in his voice. "You shouldn't say your birthday doesn't matter. You matter, Demi, and I hope you realise that," he finished with a soft expression. A single tear escaped my left eye and he wiped it off.

"Then why doesn't anything go right in my life? Why do I always have to feel so unwanted and unloved? Why is the world against me? Why did the person I loved the most leave me? Why did God give me this weird personality that everyone dislikes? Why does my own family neglect me? Why am I not good at anything that matters? Why do people judge me at first glance? Why did this anonymous person leak the video of the night I don't wi-wish to r-remember?"

He was speechless, probably processing my unanswerable questions.

I couldn't hold in the tears anymore. It was unwise to say those things to the boy before me but maybe I needed the comfort. Perhaps I needed someone to tell me it was gonna be alright. As strange as it may have sounded, I wanted Levi to be that person.

"Y-you see. I'm getting through each day for my father. He w-wanted to see me have a g-great life. And I'm hoping I'll achieve that once I finish my stu...studies," I spoke as I continuously wiped away my tears. Crying made me feel better. A lot better.

A hand grabbed my wrist and I was pulled into a hug. I felt him kiss the nest of my hair, making me relax instantly.

"You're wanted, okay? I want you. Seeing you sad makes me sad as well. I don't know why but I do know you're very important. Open your eyes, Demi. There's so much more to everything. If you do so, I promise everything will get unlimited. I promise I'll find whoever leaked that video," he whispered and I drowned in his familiar musky scent.

I knew he was speaking as a friend and I wasn't gonna allow myself to get the wrong ideas.

"Thank you. This makes me feel better. I don't mean the hugging though. I'm obviously talking about your words, and it totally has nothing to do with your scent. Forget I said anything about your heavenly scent," my voice came out muffled. And my ears were slowly turning red. "Changing the topic, don't you think someone might come in?"

I hated ruining moments but I was desperate, okay?

"I doubt that." I could feel the smile in his voice. Then, the bell rang.

"How long do we have to wait here for?" I heard Nico's voice from outside the bathroom. He sounded bored.

I released myself from Levi's grip and looked up at him. "You made your friends guard the door?" I didn't know whether he did it for privacy or so he wouldn't get caught.

"Yes. Your friends too."

"My friends?" Did I have friends?

"Zeke and this other girl we found at the door. Your boyfriend didn't have the guts to enter the girls' bathroom."

I saw he was waiting for me to say something about what he called Zeke. However, I simply turned around and stared at the door with a blank face.

Naomi didn't really go...

***
"I have to go to class. I'll see you some other time, okay? And happy birthday," Naomi whispered the last part as she released me from the brief hug we shared. She was freaking out because of Levi's group but tried to keep her cool. I waved and watched her walk away before turning back to the others.

Were they thinking differently of me now? I knew they saw the video. And I have to admit it made me feel a little ashamed. Were they just pretending to be fine with it?

Monica was killing me with her eyes and I tried my best to avoid her gaze. How was I the only one noticing the sinister look in her eyes?

Did I forget to mention that people were watching us while passing by? Some were standing in the distance, trying to hear what we were speaking about.

"We have to go too. We'll see you around, Debbs," Jesper said while side hugging me.

"Have a nice day..." Briella trailed off while looking at me expectantly.

"Debbie," I said and she nodded with a smile. None of them knew it was my birthday. Kaleb and Nico sent weird smiles my way before walking away with their friends. I guess it was because they didn't know me yet. And as for Monica, she didn't even bother to say anything.

"I'll take her home," Zeke and Levi said at the same time. They glared at each other and said, "No, I'll take her."

[A/N] Hey, my lovelies.

Another update will be up in a few hours.

Better vote if you don't want Ice Bear from We Bare Bears to chase you with his axe!

I actually don't know if what happened in this chapter can be considered as fluff, but I promise more in the next chapter.

Chapter is dedicated to lolics101, ketsiii_, vhenii_ & Anniebbe

DoN't FoRgEt Ice Bear!

Ciao