Bother

Emily Perry had no idea when she woke up that morning that she would change someone's life. She went about her day as usual not really bothering anyone, keeping to herself instead of those around her. She moved through life blind to those around her, like most people and lived happily in the world of her own creation, almost oblivious to certain things going on around her. She walked slowly down the crowded hallway. That afternoon she had her nose in a book like most other days and was only paying half the attention she should have on where she was going. Following the story line for line she didn't expect to be knocked to the ground by someone behind her.

Surprised, she looked up and saw Jack Lawson pass by her, laughing and joking with his friends. He stared into her eyes but she got the strange feeling that he didn't see her, not really, or anything else for that matter. She watched as he gave his friends a high five for what she could only guess was knocking her down. Watching Jack go into Chemistry she quickly gathered her scattered books from the dirty ground and ran after him just as the bell went off signaling the start of class.

She quickly walked to her desk in the very back and tried to disappear. But before she could do so she heard a familiar voice say loud enough for everyone to hear, "Look who's late for class," just as the teacher was ready to start his lesson.

Emily turned beet red as she sank into her seat. She tried to slouch down as low as possible to avoid the stares of those around her, but could still feel their eyes pouring over her. "Emily, why are you late?" Mr. Wilcox asked his beady eyes focused on her for once.

"Because she's a spaz," someone coughed. Laughter filled the room as Emily felt like she could just die of humiliation.

"Now, class that is enough. Let her answer for herself. Well, Ms. Perry. What do you have to say?"

"I'm sorry I'm late Sir. I dropped my books in the hall and was delayed. It won't happen again." She sat up straighter in her seat and looked the teacher in the eyes as she said this her parents raised her with better manners than most of the people around her.