Loving the Outcast - A Musical Romance

Chapter 4

Parker's POV :

I see Melissa putting her head down on the bench during the class.

Is she unwell?

Before I finish with my thoughts, Hazel has already noticed her and starts complaining to Mr Han.

What is wrong with this girl?Why does she always target Melissa and not leave her alone?

I feel bad for Melissa.

The least I can do is accompany her to the sick room.Hence, I request Mr Han the same.

But, Hazel spoils everything as usual. A day cannot pass without any drama created by her.

So what, if I am a new comer?I have eyes, mouth, legs and most importantly brain that you lack !

I can find the sick room by myself or Melissa could tell me the location.

Don’t butt your ass in between!

I wish, I could say these words now in front of the whole class and embarrass her like she always does with everybody else.

But, right now Melissa is more important. She is sick and her health is of utmost importance.

I will teach this female a lesson very soon.

Hazel comes back to the class within minutes .

Did she really take Melissa to the dorm? She surely has something planned in her wicked brain.

Why can’t she put her brain to use for studies?Atleast, she can get into a good university then.

Now that I think of, should I have pressurised Mr Han and gone myself with Melissa?

I turn to look at Hazel who is already staring at me.

Jeez!She scared me!What is she doing?Why is she not even blinking her eye and smiling as if she has achieved something!

I return a fake smile and turn back my attention on the class.

What harm did she do to Melissa now when she is already sick!

Arrghh! My head is spinning with multiple thoughts!

Why is the class taking a lot of time to get over!

Finally, the school bell rings and I decide to go to the dormitory and have a look at Melissa.

I will only look at her from a distance and not let her know . This is what she wants right? I will keep it that way!

I rush towards the dorm and peep into the room. She is nowhere to be seen.

I look towards the left, then right. "Where is she?!"

While my eyes wander searching for her in the dorm, I see the in-charge of the dorm walking towards me.

Her eyes widen looking behind me.I immediately turn back to see who it is but there doesn’t seem to be anyone there.

I look at her with a perplexed face.

Was there somebody behind me? Why did her expressions change so fast?

She comes walking towards me.

“Who are you looking for?” She asks.

“I am looking for a girl who was unwell and came here sometime back.” I respond.

“Oh!Melissa?I know her very well.She just left back to the class.” She says.

Without waiting for a second, I mouth a thank you and return back to the class.

Huh?she isn’t here. This isn’t the lunch break either.And Melissa is not someone who skips classes.I saw the sick room in-charge’s eyes become big looking behind me as if she saw somebody but when I looked back there wasn’t anyone.

Was it Melissa?

Also, she mentioned knowing Melissa very well.

My brain tries hard connecting the dots and I make up my mind to go back to dorm again.

As I make my way there, I see Melissa as expected!

She stands dumb struck struggling to even move an inch.

She is caught red-handed for lying.

Crap!This means, she was here the whole time and saw me enquiring about her.She ust be thinking I am shameless.

I don’t care.I was concerned about her, so what?Let her think whatever she wants.

"I... I was just passing through the door. By the way how are you feeling now?" I ask.

"I am feeling a little better now. Thanks." She replies.

"Okay" I say , when Tom comes towards us.

How did he know I was here?

He sardonically comments at Melissa " You seem to be fine loser. What's with the drama of not feeling well ? Desperate enough for attracting Parker huh?"

I thought , he was better than the others, but he is not any different.Seems like the whole school is hell bent in making Melissa’s life miserable for no mistake of her!This is ridiculous!I need to figure out a way to change this.

The colour drains out of her face as soon as she hears those words.

I get the urge to shout back at him but I clench my fists and try controlling my anger.

I don't want to create a ruckus and make her life more miserable. She was right. I am only making her life difficult. She doesn't deserve this.

So, I cover up and divert his attention. I place my arm around his shoulders and start walking dragging him with me.

"Hey Tom! I heard from Hazel that the Inter school soccer league is coming up. All set?"

His attention now gets diverted and responds "Yes man! Good that you reminded me. The preparations are going on but Shaun has hurt himself and we are in dire need of a player. "

"Well, I could substitute him if you want. I do play well." I say.

"Cool man! Come to the ground tomorrow first thing in the morning . You can have a word with the coach". Tom voices.

"Sure! Will meet you tomorrow then . Ciao."

Tom leaves and I immediately turn around to see if Melissa is still there.

She is gone.

I go to the dorm to check if she is still there.

The dorm’s in charge comes towards me. Her nameplate reads Nurse Gemma.

"Melissa left. I also happened to see the drama that happened few minutes back. "

I nod my head implying ,I was searching for her.

“Can I have a word with you?” She asks.

“Sure!” I reply.

“Son, Melissa has always been lonely in this school. She is a bright student but is always the target of bullies as you can see.She has always been criticised for her looks to what not! That poor girl comes to me and pours her heart out as she doesn’t have any friends.I am helpless as well. I want to help her but students here are rude and do not respect anybody let alone elders. I was relieved as she had not come here from long, thinking the bullying had stopped or she had found new friends.But, something’s never change I guess.If not her, somebody else will be the target.

Also, I can look through people who are genuine and who are not . I can say you are a good man and that you are concerned about her . The way you diverted that bully's attention was very mature. I am glad, Melissa has somebody to support her.

She is depressed and scared that you might get hurt trying to befriend her. That's the sole reason, she is being apprehensive of being friends with you. Please don't leave her. I really wish, she changes her mind and you people become good friends. I know, I have bored you enough. You don't mind me lecturing you right?"She asks.

My eyes widen with every word.

My heart aches as realisation strikes me. I never felt so sorry for a person before.

"No, No! In fact I am glad you told me everything about her. I am happy. I hope to become friends with her soon. Thanks Gemma for everything ".

She smiles and returns back to the sick room.

On my way back to the class, I think about everything Gemma told me.

Poor girl. She has suffered a lot. She can't be aloof like this anymore!

Nothing is more frightening than being alone without anybody around you!

School days are supposed to be enjoyable but, for Melissa it is the opposite.

She needs human beings who care about her. If not, she might dislike her own existence.

I now understand her pain to why she secluded herself from me.

The hierarchy followed here is similar to my old school! This is no different.

How long are you going to run away from all of this Parker?Face the truth and do something about it.

You have already made a mistake in the past. Do not repeat it again!

Things have to change.

Either now or never!

I am going to protect her from now, no matter what she says.

If not, I will repent my whole life for not doing what I could have.