Jared

Within a month at my new school, I had risen to the top. My impeccable style and confidence opened the door to the local elite—a sober calculation to ensure no one would dare delve into my past. The guys in my group only knew how to show off their cars, but I desperately needed to solve a challenging physics problem. I overrode the hierarchy and approached Jared, the invisible man in school, who always sat in the back row reading dog-eared science fiction. He did everything perfectly, no questions asked. Not wanting to be outdone, the next day, in front of a hushed class, I presented him with a gift—a rare, out-of-print second volume of his novel. "Thank you, Jared. You helped me out," I smiled sincerely. It was a surprise for him, but a challenge for the football players. A popular girl shouldn't smile at a nerd. After school, I heard thumps in the abandoned courtyard. Two jocks had cornered Jared against the wall. His backpack was torn, and his new book was lying in the dirt. "What are you doing, idiots?!" My voice made them recoil. The frightened football players immediately ran away like cowards. I was left alone with Jared and tried to pick up the stained book. But as soon as I reached out, he jerked away, pressing himself against the brick wall and closing himself off. Fear and pain shone through his bangs.

• Please... don't come near me again,