"Is school fun?" said her father.

"Yes, of course!" replied Matt.

Anna - Matt's mom - watched him. She was buttering her bread. Her facial expression is unreadable. Then, she spoke with a low tone. "Just do it like you always do, Matt! You can do it! Precisely like you did before!"

Matt nodded. He didn't want to talk about this at all. His mother's words just now made Matt lose his appetite especially when he remembered what happened in the dining room earlier. in fact, his world is no longer the same as before.

"I'm done," Matt said. "I'm leaving too. I have a bus to catch."

Matt grabbed his bag and walked quickly out. Matt dragged his feet walking towards the bus stop. Many kids from his school passed by Matt's house. But, no one offered Matt a ride as they did Johanna. Of course! They don't even know about Matt's existence! No problem! After all, it is Matt's decision.
"Today is gonna be better" Matt whispered to himself.

Matt glanced at his watch. Damn! Matt was drawn by his thoughts. He walked quickly towards the bus stop. This was not good at all! Matt could miss the bus. Then, he was running as soon as possible. As soon as Matt finished running to the bus stop, a new bus arrived. Matt felt grateful and sat down on one of the benches. He looked out the window lazily. Another year and a half until he finished? Matt wanted to finish school as soon as possible. Maybe, Matt could go to university in New York? But, will everything gonna be different in university? Matt could picture himself as another loser. This was no good at all!

Matt sighed. His mother's words came back to Matt as he watched the houses go by. Matt's mother was one of the reasons the boy wanted to become transparent. His mom had always taught Matt not to be an asshole. Most popular kids were jerks. The boys who liked to tease girls or the girls who liked to molest ordinary people like Matt. But Avril was different. Avril's group was also different although sometimes yes, they also flirted with girls. Even his mom told Matt a long time ago, that being ordinary would save Matt.

Complicated! Matt didn't like anything complicated. When his head felt full, there was one image that kept him going. Avril Marie Miller. Avril and all her words sounded more reasonable and soothing. You're not a loser! Where did Avril get all those amazing thoughts from? Remembering Avril, Matt wished she was with him now and filled the empty seat next to him. Avril was indeed a fun person and without realizing it, Matt also felt entertained by Avril's presence. Her explosive attitude was also like a surprise that Matt looked forward to every day. How could Avril accommodate his big mind inside her small body?

The bus stopped. Matt got off the bus and walked lazily towards his school. Some kids were walking around chatting with their friends. Some popular kids were chatting by one of their friends' car. There were a lot of popular kids in his school although yes, the neutrals and A class were the main focus.

Matt stiffened as Valerie passed by. But, Valerie didn't recognize him at all. The girl walked gracefully while her skirt waved. As soon as Valerie passed by, people whispered and Matt could guess what they were talking about. Val was certainly the hot topic of his school.

At that very moment, Matt saw Avril on the other side. She had just gotten out of the car and gave her father a quick kiss. As soon as Avril got out, their eyes met. Matt intended to smile at her. He hadn't thanked her for yesterday. However, the girl broke their gaze before Matt could smile at her. Why? Did Matt make another mistake without realizing it? Why was Avril like that?

"Hey, A! Did you practice today?" asked Sarah, the theater kid.

Avril smiled as she saw Sarah. "Oh, yeah! Of course! I hope Gilly brought more snacks for us! They're delicious."

Sarah smiled. "Of course! Gilly made cupcakes this morning"

"I can't wait!" said Avril.

Sarah and Avril laughed together while Matt just stayed where he was. Did Matt just get ignored? Oh my, why does it not feel good? Matt has been ignored like this so many times. Matt watched as Avril's back grew farther away. Did Avril finally figure out that Matt was a total loser? He couldn't even stand up for himself yesterday. Pathetic! Matt clenched his fists. What exactly did Matt want?

"Hey! What are you thinking?" Warren asked.

Matt turned his head. He had never felt so happy when he saw Warren. Somehow, Matt didn't want to be alone at all today. He hated this new feeling for him!

"Nothing!" replied Matt.

Warren squinted. "No way! Your face folded earlier."

Matt shrugged his shoulders. "I already told you"

Warren nodded. "Alright! I believe it. Hey, bud"

"What?" asked Matt. Matt didn't like things hanging.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. You and Kim were a hot topic. But, yeah, they don't know your name! Take it easy."

That was the last topic Matt wanted to hear. They don't know Matt's name. Matt wasn't sure about his feeling toward that information. But, he put his feelings aside. "Thanks! Good news!"

Unfortunately, Warren didn't understand at all. "Not a problem! But, if I can pay to watch that scene, believe me you can take all my money"
'
"Really? You're such a jerk! That's not a good thing to remember for me and Kim!"

Warren laughed. "I can't help. The story was so dramatic"

Matt sighed. Then, they walked together and changed the topic. Somehow, today was a different day for Matt.
For the first time, Matt was grateful that he had a friend to enter the main building of Los Angeles Senior High School. However, Matt's gaze was still watching Avril and Sarah's backs. The girl looked as excited as ever. However, the way Avril was looking at Matt was bothering him. What was wrong with Avril?