It was another day of being a nerd among the bullies. It was again the school's talent show. While others sang songs confidently, I solved a Rubik's cube. Yet I was the dumbest in those stupid eyes.
It usually ends early, but today was different. Judges were teachers from other schools. They couldn't choose between the competitors, of course, I wasn't among them. While thinking about this stuff, I heard my voice. I wasn't listening to the judges, so I thought it was other student who wanted to prank me. But it wasn't. It was the principal this time who said: "Lena Sinclair." I unintentionally stood up, waiting for another punishment for not listening carefully. However, the things that happened afterward surprised me. They weren't going to give me a punishment, they were going to call me to the stage again. I slowly went and joined the competitors who had a change of impression because of my appearance. After a long time of discussion, the judges decided who to choose. I observed others. They were sweating because of excitement and fear. I wasn't even caring. But they were dying for it. They were trying so hard to win. To become the coolest student in school. Just to show how powerful they are to those like me-"weak."
Again I heard my name. I wasn't sure what was that about. Probably, for getting me off of the stage. It couldn't be anything else because I didn't hear any clapping or screaming of joy. They called me again with more power. Kids around me were punching the air as if they were angry.Suddenly I realized what it was. But no way that was possible. I couldn't be the winner. I saw the assistants carry a huge trophy. Yet nobody was happy. I knew exactly what was going to happen. Being a cool kid doesn't apply to everyone. Worse days were ahead of me. I was going to be bullied much more. Now they will have a reason. I took the trophy and slowly thanked them. Then they gave a long speech about me or choosing me. By the time they stopped, there was nobody left in the hall. Neither they cared about me nor the judges. Me and the principal were the latest to leave the hall. She didn't even look in my face. She didn't even thank me at all. She was one of them. One of the others who saw me as a freak.
I went home with the heavy trophy. Mom and Dad weren't home yet. But I have a brother, unfortunately. He is the dumbest of all of them. We have never got on well. I think he wanted to be older than me or the only child. Anyway, I don't even care why we are not like any other siblings. There is not much to tell about him. He is my twin brother. I am 11 minutes older. He noticed me as I was climbing upstairs.
-What'd you get there, freak?
-Nothing.
-Oh come on. You don't think you're gonna be the coolest kid in the school, do you?
-No, I don't think and I don't want to. if you want the trophy, I can give you.-I started climbing up to my room.
-I DON'T NEED YOUR STUPID TROPHY! WHY WOULD I NEED A TROPHY TO BECOME THE COOLEST KID? I AM ALREADY COOL, YOU-
He always shouts like that when Mom and Dad aren't around. Because they always punish him when he uses inappropriate words. He tries not to look in my face as I always challenge his patience. But he can't hold it sometimes which gets him in trouble. And I love it. So that's my relationship with Kevin.
By the time my parents arrived, I had already finished my homework. It was 8 p.m. We gathered around the table to eat. We usually eat the food which mom makes a day ago. Mom and dad looked so tired. They are working in a company which exports goods from America. They don't earn that much, but it's enough for us. They never complained about what they had, and neither did we. Sometimes they have to stay the whole night to take the bonus money. I don't think that's necessary.
They always start by asking how our day was. But there was a dead silence. It was weird seeing my dad like that. He always shares new things that he learned, especially for me. So I tried to open a conversation which I am really bad at.
-How was your day?
-Huh?-It looked like my dad woke up from a long dream. He smiled slightly. I noticed his wrinkles more than ever.
-Good, honey. It was good. How was yours?
-As always- I didn't want to tell them about today when they were upset for some reason.
-You don't seem well, Dad. What's wrong?
-Nothing, honey. We are just tired.
This wasn't tiredness. This wasn't any headache that was causing them to be gloomy. Even if they stay up all night they act like everything is fine. It was different. They were trying to act but couldn't. It wasn't helping them to hide it from us.
We always watch TV after dinner, but they went to bed early. So I sat there alone and opened TV. I wasn't paying attention to my favorite show. I was thinking about all these years. Since the first day of school kids mocked me because of my appearance. They always liked Kevin though. I've always wanted to ask him why. What is the reason that you have friends, but I don't. As the time went on I started to adabt. I started to feel normal. Even though I am different in everybody's eyes. Maybe I really am different. They are the normal ones. I don't know. I don't even want to know now. All I know is that I will never change whatever happens. I will always be who I am. I will never act like someone else. Maybe there is someone like me who wants to be friends with me.
