Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

I climbed onto my bike and immediately pedaled as fast as I could. I never expected Laird to be so mean and cruel to me. What did I do wrong? I tried to find the reason several times, but the more I did, the less I knew.

He was such an annoying jerk! That arrogant boy should have drowned his head in a pool of ice water!

That actually made me sad. Since we’re in fourth grade, I’ve felt Laird’s attitude toward me has changed drastically.

From childhood until kindergarten, Laird has always been kind and attentive. He always obeyed me and accompanied me wherever I wanted. He even admitted that he preferred playing with me over Lloyd, his own brother.

So what has changed now? It was as if she no longer wanted to be friends with me and preferred to be friends with the boys.

Now he’s so harsh and grumpy. He doesn’t want to play with me anymore; he even ignored me as if I were nothing for a whole week. Just because I said I didn’t want to watch the baseball game?

Fine, I understand. Maybe he’s sad because last summer he failed to make the Majors team selection for the second time. Plus, he’s been losing continuously for four weeks straight.

Then why am I the one getting scolded by him? Even though I cheered him on every week, yes, even while selling snacks, he kept being a jerk. Even now, knowing he’s sad, I try to cheer him up. What’s wrong with inviting him out for a bike ride? Isn’t it better than just sulking in his room?

Ungrateful jerk! Laird is really annoying!

I kept cursing him all the way to Bob’s Toys. The unfriendly weather also contributed to my worsening vision, which was blurred from crying. I tried hard to focus, but several times I almost hit poles and sidewalks.

I entered Bob’s Toys and went straight to the rack where PlayStation game CDs were displayed. I quickly found the latest edition of the FIFA game that Adam wanted. I glanced left and right; most were boys busy choosing other games. Without much talk, I paid for the game at the cashier.

“Hey, little girl. Do you want to buy this soccer game?” The red-haired man at the cashier counter asked.

“Yes.” I just nodded.

“Do you want it as a gift?” he asked again.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Yes. I’m not good at playing it,” I said with a shy smile.

“It’s $60. Do you have the money?” I don’t know why, but I felt like he was underestimating me.

“Sure. Here you go!”

I took out my small wallet and pulled out the bills in small denominations: 6 pieces of $5 bills and 3 pieces of $10 bills. I smiled proudly. This was the first time I bought something with my own hard work.

“Alright. Do you want a fancy bag and ribbon, too?” he asked again, this time with a friendly smile.

“Yes.”

“Add another $5,” he said.

Ugh, I was not expecting this. How can I forget about budgeting for bags and ribbons? I bit my lip and searched for more money inside my wallet. I rummaged for pennies and dollars.

Thank God! I still had some left. I took out coins and a dollar bill. He smiled and took my money. The cashier neatly wrapped the game and handed it to me.

“Here you go. Have fun,” he said with a big smile.

I immediately took the gift for Adam and put it in the bike basket. Then I looked up at the sky and started to worry about the rain again. The raindrops were starting to fall, so I quickly pedaled my bike again to Adam’s house.

***

“Ugh, damn annoying puddle!”

I yelled in annoyance as I saw my dress getting wet and dirty from the puddle. Once again, I wasn’t focused and failed to ride the bike smoothly.

I had been annoyed with myself because, no matter how much I wanted to ride the bike smoothly, I still couldn’t. Plus, my mind kept going back to Laird’s angry face. The boy’s words also made me very upset.

My determination was firm. I would prove to Laird that Adam wasn’t as bad as he thought. Adam wouldn’t ridicule my makeup or this beautiful dress. Adam wouldn’t kick me out and slam the door like Laird did earlier. I was sure Adam would be happy with this gift, as well as impressed with me.

I finally arrived at Adam’s house. Of course, I felt nervous, but I dared to ring his doorbell. I would prove to Laird that I could do it!

“Hey, Fenella?”

Thank goodness, it was Adam himself who opened the door. If his mother had opened it, I would have been even more embarrassed.

“Hi, Adam.” I smiled.

“What’s up?” Adam looked confused, examining me from head to toe. “What did happen to you? Your dress is wet and dirty. Were you hurt?”

“No, I’m okay. It’s nothing to worry about.” I waved and laughed.

“I just want to give you a gift. Happy birthday!” I quickly handed him a sparkling blue bag decorated with a red ribbon.

“Wow, I didn’t expect you to remember.” Adam smiled widely. “Thank you, Fenella.”

I nodded with a big smile.

“Can I open it?”

With enthusiasm, I nodded again and let him carefully open the bag and the ribbon that tied it. As soon as he saw what was inside, Adam’s mouth widened. He took out the game CD box and took a breath when he saw it.

“Fenella, this is amazing! This is really great! Did you buy it yourself?” He asked with a big smile.

“Of course! I saved up and worked hard to buy it.” I showed off my hard work again.

“Oh, yeah. This must be expensive.” He suddenly murmured.

“Adam?”

I called his name, as he seemed lost in thought. I, too, frowned, confused by his sudden silence.

“Sorry, Fenella. I think I can’t accept this.” Adam shook his head and placed the CD game back in the bag.