Chance at Love

After a quick shower, he got dressed for school, eager

ons of gloom-mornings aren't everyone's favorite time. As he waited in line for his turn, he heard

seen the day before, though his name escaped him. The boy must ha

s I supposed to stay with you guys after everything that was said?" he replied, un

special kid'?" Jess asked, scanning the area, wh

ng something was off about Jess. He couldn't pinpoint what

e for this," Jess remarked, casually shrugging. T

bed his food and took a seat, glancing back to see if Jess was followin

t Chloe and her friends-not even once. He wanted to steer clear of

required for studying that evening. The books were part of a ser

expectedly ran into Eric, Chloe's boyfriend, who was engrossed in reading the back cover of a b

and, noticing Ben, offered a sli

ing the book he came for. Just as he was about to leave, Eric spoke up again. "I hope you're

hat would come off as rude, and Eric hadn't done an

n with his task. As Ben exited the library, a single thoug

most always surrounded by Eric, Liam, and their circle of friends. Reflecting on it, he realized he had never seen her soci

ther girls in their class seemed to dislike her solely because she was with Eric. In truth, Be

e group as her friend. Was it out of sympathy for his lack of friends? He felt conflic

with her. He didn't hold any anger towards

otted her engrossed in a book alongside Eric, Casper, Bia, and Mel. Should he approach the

wait until s

d away with Eric trailing behind her. Ben noticed t

might get another opportunity to be alone with her. Plus, Eric was a laid-back gu

t just as he contemplated retreating, Eric called out to him. "Ben." Chloe pulled back

but if you're busy, I can co

's okay. I'll head back inside

alright?" B

r," she replied. Ben sensed there was more

I said the other day. I shouldn't

just wanted you to enjoy the meal with me. I

ting clarity. "Just be honest, Chloe. What's with al

re how to reach out to you since you tend to keep to yourself..." Ben recognized t

You already have plenty of friends, so I

with the others. I mean, they're nice, some of them..." Chloe's voice trailed off, an

iends, huh? I get it," B

's friends. Anyway, I'm really s

s," he replied, genuinely emp

friends?" she a

riends..." Ben thought about going through that

friend," she said,

He smiled b

ut a han

r something?" Th

ad inside?"

om and shook her head. "I think I

dying with the others. "You can joi

h entered the classroom together. Chloe grabbed her boo

goodbyes, Eric approached them. Chloe and Eric left together w

was grateful for the new

a new