I rant to Hannah about all of my problems. The main problem I rant to her about is my boy problems. I tell her many stories about this one boy we both know from elementary school. She knows that I have had the biggest crush on him. She doesn’t understand because he’s an awful person to me. She thinks I deserve better but I somehow can’t move on. He texts me when he doesn’t have anyone else to talk to. He texted me last night asking if he wants to hang out this weekend. I’m a little nervous so I asked Hannah to tag along. He’s bringing a few of his friends so it’s not entirely awkward. The day finally arrives and we decided to meet at a bowling alley. Hannah and I arrive at the bowling alley. I’m really nervous. She calms me down. “You can do this. I know you can. It’s just friends hanging out.” It was comforting. We walk in to get our shoes. I look to my right and see him. He’s laughing with his friends and having a good time. We make eye contact which is really awkward at first but it felt as if we were the only two people in the room. He smiles at me. I smile back. Hannah and I walk towards the group. I say hi to everyone and save him for last. We both look at each other. We look at each other up and down checking each other out. We both reach for a hug. I wished the hug lasted forever. We break apart and laugh. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. We start to bowl for a little bit. He kept making fun of my bowling skills. It was funny to me but Hannah didn’t think it was. I laughed with him because I wanted him to like me so I laughed at his dumb jokes even though they kind of hurt me. “Wow, no wonder you’re a girl. You’re awful at anything that should only be for men.” This really ticked Hannah off. She decided to step up and defend me. “You’re a disgusting human being you know that right?” Disgusting. Even I felt that word hit me and it wasn’t even towards me. Her words are very strong. She never talks badly about someone so this just shows what kind of person he is.

“I'm sorry, what?”

“You heard what I said.”

“No, I think I heard you call me a disgusting human being even though I’m just not.”

“You just are though.”

The tension started to rise. Everyone was quiet. The two started to argue about how awful he is. He kept denying it. Hannah had to walk away before she said something that could blow this whole thing up. She didn’t want to ruin everyone’s night so she walked away. He sat right next to me and said something that made me realize that he doesn’t deserve someone like me by his side. “Women are so hormonal am I right?”

I got up and walked away. I was disgusted by his presence. I ran to catch up to Hannah. I see her sitting on the curb in front of the bowling alley. Her hands were covering her face. When she gets frustrated, she cries.

“Hannah, no please stop crying. I know you’re frustrated with him. He’s not worth it. Please.” “I’m not frustrated with him. I’m frustrated with you. How could you ever go along with someone like that? Yes, he’s an awful person but you deserve so much more. Know your worth. Please do that for me.”

I knew Hannah was wise but I have never respected her more at this moment.

“I kind of feel bad for him.”

“And why is that?”

“Someone like that probably has the lowest self-esteem and so many personal issues. To bring down someone like you show what issues you are going through. I wonder what those issues are.”