Just a little while longer....(part 3)

       For the first time in her life, Gladys woke up before her alarm clock. Well, the first time in a

really long while...

       She got up and unplugged her alarm clock. She wouldn't be needing it today. It was Friday. She 

had two hours until she needed to be at the bus stop. She flopped back on her bed and sighed. She 

couldn't stop thinking of Josh and his mysteriously handsome friend. She wondered what she 

would've done if either of them had talked to her. She would probably say something stupid and be 

embarrassed for the rest of her life. Why would he like her? She would only mess it up. He

probably already hated her, just like everyone else. She was worthless. No one could ever love

her. No one could love someone who is such a whiner. That's why Beverly had left.

      Gladys threw on the first clothes she could find and ran outside. The air smelled of rain and

she gladly inhaled until she could hold no more. Squeezing her eyes shut and taking deep breaths,

she tried to block out all the negative thoughts. Suddenly a voice brought her back to reality.

     "Hey, are you okay?"

She turned to see a boy with brown hair, Josh's friend! She nodded and looked at her feet.

     "It's gonna rain soon, you might wanna get a jacket," he said softly. His voice was so

beautiful. Gladys couldn't help but imagine how good of a singer he might be.

   "I'm Tyler by the way,"

It was then that Gladys realized she was supposed to shake his hand. She stuck her arm out

awkwardly and squeaked, "Gladys."

   "Nice to meet you, Gladys."

Gladys shivered as he said her name. Why was his voice so gorgeous. It was impossible to

describe. So soft and masculine and raspy and smooth and just....!

   Tyler cleared his throat and before she could even think of saying anything, said "Well, I'll see you

around."

   He turned and walked away, but not before giving her a small smile. Gladys' heart stopped and

her mind turned to Jell-O. "Okay, bye!" She managed to call out before he was too far away.

   Tyler half turned and waved.

Gladys waved back, staring at him wistfully. He was way too cute. Him and Josh. She almost

wanted to run up to him and give him a hug. But she didn't, and he walked away. Gladys

sighed. She would never get a lover.

        Tyler had distracted her so much that when it started to rain she was so startled she screamed.

Some crows nearby squawked back at her as she ran inside and grabbed a coat. It was time for

school. Would she talk to Tyler again? Or Josh? Gladys could hardly wait for class, which was a

really weird feeling.