'I have never allowed myself to judge people without knowing them. Each person went through different experiences, shaping their personality. Their vision of the world is altered according to what they lived. 

So how can a unique vision be enough to judge a person? We don't know why people act the way they do, but one thing is sure : there is always a reason behind their actions. And nobody can discuss the reason that pushes someone to act. 

Those acts can hide people's true feelings, it may be a way to protect themselves from the cruelty of the world.

So don't judge somebody, unless it is you.'

Still sat at the little table in the cafeteria, I put another piece of potato in my mouth. My phone suddenly vibrates, indicating I have a new message. I'm a little surprise, my social life being close to non-existent. I feel the urge to turn around and look at Nathan's table. Most of his friends left, but he is still there with Aaron and four other guys. I quickly grab my phone and unlock it.

1 unread message.

I tap on it.

Hannah : Hey! What's up? Why didn't you call me back yesterday?

I feel my heartbeats slowing down, my heart calming from its racing. What was I expecting? He doesn't even know my last name, how could he have my number?

Do not think about him. He's like every other person who asked you how you felt : he just wanted gossip to tell his friends, including Aaron.
Maybe he just came and checked out on you to see how great his friend is to hurt people.

I push back all those thoughts and concentrate on answering Hannah. I have to find a good lie. If I ever tell her about the letter, she will insist until I open it. But I'm not ready, not yet.

Jade : Hi! Sorry for not calling you back yesterday, my phone broke when it fell on the floor. My mom lent me hers this morning.

I know, it's not my best lie, but that's all I have.

Hannah : Okay... Well, have you heard the news ??

I sigh, slowly shaking my head. I hate when she makes me wait like that.

Jade : No, what is it?

Hannah : My mom and your parents agreed on letting us go on our road trip during summer holidays!

I wasn't expecting this. This road trip was something we planned to do with Hashley. This was our plan. And we haven't talked about it since what happened. But things have changed, and I'm not sure I'll be emotionally stable to do something like that without her.

Jade : Hum... Hannah, I'm not su-

"Hey, can I sit here?"

The last time somebody asked me that, I ended up crying. I look up from my phone and meet his eyes.

Nathan.

"I don't think so," I answer, lowering my eyes and standing up. I put my phone and books back in my bag.

As I'm about to pick up my tray, Nathan puts a hand on my shoulder and gently pushes me to sit back on the chair. I don't resist, but keep my eyes focused on the tray.

"Jade, we need to talk," he demands, sitting across the table, facing me.

I don't want to answer him, I've already been fooled once. I don't want him to make fun of me once more.

"Please look at me," he begs, and I feel his fingers lifting up my chin.

I am trapped. I don't want to talk to him but, deep down inside of me, I want to know why. Why did he act that way towards me, trying to comfort me?

"We don't have anything to talk about. It's not like if we were friends or anything. You helped me once and I already thanked you for that. There's nothing else to say," I reply coldly.

Taken aback, he leans on his chair, looking at me with wide eyes. I take advantage of his dumbfounded state by standing up and leaving him behind, without a look back.

I push the heavy door and exit the cafeteria. The noise fades as soon as the door closes behind me.
But I know that thinking he will let me leave without uttering a word would be a mistake.

The door opens to reveal a determined Nathan. His eyes are focused on me and his pace is resolute. He doesn't even let me the time to move, he grabs my elbow and leads me towards the stairs.

"We do have things to talk about. So either we do it here, or in a more quiet place. It's up to you," he says, his voice low, almost angry.

I probably should have been more tactful earlier. But things must be said the way we think about them.

Nathan guides me upstairs, where we first met. But this time, he switches on the light, enlightening a large room. The dark wooden floor contrasts with the bright white walls. A lot of things are stored here but one, in particular, catches my eyes. A piano is placed in the back of the room below the closed window. The blank sheet hiding it is covered with dust. I haven't touched a piano for a long time.

"Listen, I know you may think I'm like him but-", Nathan begins, standing in front of me with his hands shoved in his pockets.

"There's no but. You did fool me. And here again, you're trying to. You are like him, so I don't have any more time to spare for you," I interrupt him.

My face is impassive and my voice hasn't shuddered once. I don't want to look him in the eyes, I know I won't be able to stay that emotionless. Nathan doesn't look up. I know my words affected him, and I think that the worst in all of this is that I don't regret a single one of them.

"Well, if you think that the people I'm friend with define who I am, then I agree with you : we don't have time to spare with each other," Nathan replies, disappointment filling his voice.

When I finally meet his eyes, my breath is caught in my throat. His gaze is hard yet I can see the softness behind his eyes, making me realize that for the first time in my life, I've judged somebody without knowing him.

I take a deep shaky breath, ready to admit my fault, even though it doesn't mean that I accept what he did. I'll just listen to what he has to say before I hurt him even more.

But Nathan didn't intend it that way. He just looks at me one more time before turning around and heading towards the stairs.

"I hope you'll manage to fit in this school," he says coldly, walking away from the awful person I am.

And with those last words, Nathan took with him the little of self-esteem I had left, as well as a piece of my already shattered heart.