Mikaela’s POV

I am certainly not looking forward to going to school today. I’m almost 18 years old, and I know I only have a bit over a year left until I am free. Do I know what I want to do with my life? No. Do I know when I will know what to do with my life? Hell no. See, my parents are Polish immigrants; they came here when I was just a little kid.

My mom, Krystyna-here in the U.S., you would just call her Kris-and my dad, Józef, whom you would just call Joseph. Originally, our surname was Wasilewski, but it’s a bit of a challenge for the locals around here, so my parents changed it to Wilson.

At home, we do speak Polish, but very rarely. My parents usually just call me Mika. They use my Polish name only when I’m in trouuubb... oh shitt...

Suddenly I heard a loud screaming noise from downstairs resembling an enormous monster no one would dream of fighting. “Michalina Wasilewska, move your butt downstairs, right now!”

Yeah... Do you remember when I was telling you about those moments when I was in trouble? I wonder what it’s about now. Let me check and I’ll be right back!

“Yes, Mom?” I poked my head out of the doorway, peeking downstairs and awaiting another loud roar.

“Downstairs, right now!” She screamed, almost making my heart tremble. Okay, this is it, guys, the end is near. I ran downstairs, imagining myself going on some kind of life-or-death mission.

“Yes, what happened?” I stood between the kitchen island and the doorway, just so I could have enough time to run away.

“Why is your teacher calling me, saying you’re almost on the verge of failing math? What did I tell you? If you have problems, if you struggle with something, just come to me and we will figure something out!” She looked at me very disappointed.

They wanted me to succeed; they wanted me to become someone they could be proud of. The reality is that I’m not sure how they could be proud of me. I mean, I’m charismatic and funny, hilarious I would say, but only sometimes, I don’t want you to think that I’m so full of myself.

But yeah...any scientific subjects? No, thank you! I’d rather die than figure out how to solve another one of these... I pointed a finger at my mouth, opening it widely and pretending I was about to throw up.

“I know, Mom, I know... I will try my best to make sure that at least I don’t fail, alright?“. I stated, looking apologetically at my mom. From around the corner, my dad appeared, reading a newspaper. I know, a newspaper. It’s not like he doesn’t have an iPhone that he could use, but it makes him feel somehow more intelligent and important.

“Listen to your mother; otherwise, I will have to send you to Poland for your last year of high school, to your grandma!” my father firmly stated while giving me a playful smile.

“What, Dad... no, okay, I promise, I will sort myself out! Anyways, I will be late to school sooooo, I’m gonna head up to get ready! Love you guys!“. I turned around and started running towards the staircase.

“Okay, but don’t think I will let you go so easily, young lady. I’ve contacted Mrs. Blake, her son Nicholas will help you with your homework and prepare you for the next exam. He will come with you after school!”

I was running upstairs when she was still talking, and under my breath, I was singing “Love is a Battlefield” by Pat Benatar, so I didn’t hear her. I shouted back, ‘Yeah, yeah, sure, thanks, Mom!’ as I ran into my room like a tornado.”

I just had loads and loads of energy that sometimes I didn’t know how to let go of. At school, I run a photography club and I’m a part of the drama club. I know, cringe, but hey, it gives some nice credit and it’s nice to sometimes make a fool of yourself and get applauded for it!

I stood in front of the mirror and looked at my blonde hair with huge black roots in the middle of the top of my head.

Oh yeah, I’ve been dyeing my hair since I was like 13. I’ve tried many different colors of the rainbow, but blonde always steals my heart. My natural hair color is a boring brown. I don’t know, I don’t feel like it suits me and my persona, ya know?

I managed to put my hair in two messy space buns. For my makeup, I chose pink eyeliner; it suits my small green eyes nicely, its making them pop! I added a bit of blush around my cheeks and some highlighter on my nose since I had two tiny moles on it, alongside many freckles splattered across my nose and cheeks I chose to wear a Gorillaz t-shirt, colorful tights, and a black skirt. To top it off, I wore my one-thousand-century-old Converse shoes, which I believe are going to fall apart soon, but hey, we’re not a wasteful bunch!

“Hmmm, okay, this will do,” I mumbled to myself.

I’m not the most attractive person; I do not look like the popular girls or what you would call a natural beauty, and I was aware of it. I was curvy. Since I turned 13, I got boobs and an ass, but to top it off, I started taking contraception pills for my painful periods, which made me gain weight. And since I’m not too physically active, it’s a bit hard to lose the extra weight. And forgive me, please, but I love food too much to let go of it. Try my mom’s pierogi and you will know what I’m talking about!

I grabbed my phone and opened up my bestie’s group chat, “WLW,” aka Weirdos Love Weirdos group chat.

Why is it called that, you may ask? Because even though we are kind of recognizable at school, it’s due to our weirdness! I’m everywhere and anywhere, and I’m not bothered by the occasional bullying in my direction. I know how to stand up for myself..and my friends. My bestie, Kira, is the most gorgeous person I’ve ever set my eyes on. Her parents migrated from Zimbabwe when she was 10. We ended up playing in the same playground and then ended up in the same school, and just never stopped hanging out!

Why is she a weirdo? I’m not sure. People didn’t hang out with her because of her accent. However, now she has gotten rid of it completely, and again is very stunning. If you ask me, I found her accent extremely cute! Somehow the old bunch at school still thinks of her as a 10-year-old. I bet they would change their minds if they only saw her dancing. I’m telling you, it’s a game-changer, even for me, and I’m straight!

Last but not least is Lewis. He is obsessed with medieval times and runs a history club trying to make people attend his D&D sessions. I’ve tried, trust me. I’ve tried to be a part of this, but whenever we’ve tried to play a session, Lewis turns into Lucius the Morbidius and I’m freaking terrified of him to the point that I can’t sleep for the next two days.

“How are you guys? On the way to school?” I typed quickly.

“Nope, we are waiting outside for you, Miks!” When I read it, my eyes widened and I made a loud squeak. “I’m gonna be there in a sec!” I ran downstairs quickly and my mom stopped me.

“Michalina!” I panicked and turned around. “Yes, Mom?” I asked politely, asking myself on repeat what did I do again.

“I’ve made pączki for Lewis and Kira, please give them some, and don’t forget about the plans!“. She handed me two bags of freshly baked goods and smiled at me.

“Omggg, Mom, you’re amazing! Dziękuję!” Dziękuję means ‘thank you’ in Polish. I kissed her on the cheek and grabbed two separate bags for Lewis and Kira. I’m gonna eat mine at home later. Whatever plans she mentioned, I honestly don’t remember, but I’ll let her think I do.

I ran out of the house and saw Lewis and Kira waiting in Lewis’s car. It was a 20-year-old Toyota Yaris. Its color was red, and we've made so many great memories inside her! So many adventures, fights, making up, and laughs!

I smiled to myself when I looked at them and ran towards them. I opened the door and jumped into the back seat. “Okay, my lovely people, I’ve got something for you.” I raised my hands with bags of pączki inside them. The aroma was lifting in the air and then... “No, you didn’t...” “You’re joking, Mika!” “I love Mrs. Wilson! I love her, love her!” They started shouting excitedly to each other and myself, and I just couldn’t stop laughing.

After a few minutes of driving towards the school, Lewis asked me, “So, your parents know about you failing math?” He smirked to himself, looking at my reaction in the mirror.

“Well, she did find out, but only because Mrs. Roosevelt snitched on me, that bitc...” I looked outside of the mirror and continued, “That’s fine. I need to sort myself out, otherwise, they are sending me to Poland for a year to cut the slack.”

“Whaat?!” They both shouted at the same time with shock on their faces. “Michalina Wasil...eskaaa...” Kira tried to imitate my mother’s accent but failed so miserably that we all started to laugh. “You’ve almost nailed it! I know I know, I need to figure something out, but don’t worry about it, I will!

We entered the school and made our way toward biology class, my other ‘favorite’ subject. I could hear a few girls gossiping amongst themselves, excited as the basketball team passed by with Mr. Blake at the front.

He was nearly 6 feet tall, with long black hair falling to his shoulders in loose waves. His eyes were dark brown, almost black, and his pale, muscular build and dreamy lips made him quite the sight.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not your typical girl, but when something catches my eye, I’m not going to fight it. However, we could never be friends. I once accidentally knocked Mr. Popular’s tray in the cafeteria while rehearsing a scene for class. He called me a “fucking weirdo” and told me to move. Fair enough, but since then, the tension between us has been weird. He sometimes laughs at my jokes and watches me from a distance, probably because I act like a clown. But hey, that’s just me-you either take it or leave it!

I entered the classroom and sat down, looking for my book. “Oh shit,” I mumbled, but apparently loud enough for Mrs. Harrison to hear.

“Are you okay, Mika?” she asked, turning around while writing the lesson topic on the chalkboard. “Yes, all good, Mrs. Harrison!” I replied, panicking as I realized I had forgotten my book.

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My friends always shared theirs, but Lewis and Kira had become very close recently. I suspect they have something going on but I am waiting for them to tell me. It was obvious from the way Lewis looked at her, sometimes drifting to her body or lips. The dynamics had definitely changed, but I didn’t mind. Love is love, as long as we stay a part of the friendship group!

“Are you okay?” I heard a raspy voice behind me. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if it was directed at me until I felt a few fingers tapping my back. I turned around to find Mr. Lasagna- oh yeah, it was lasagna that went all over him that day. I chuckled a bit, remembering the incident, and then straightened up and responded to him with a serious face.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot my biology book, so I won’t be able to read the material.” He stared at me for a few long seconds, seeming like an eternity before he replied, “I can share it with you if you want.” He looked at me with a straight face, a few loose strands of hair falling on his cheeks. The corners of his lips lifted slightly.

Oh my gosh guys, Is it just me or the freckles on his face are so damn adorable? Wait a damn second, what am I even thinking about?! Mikaela Wilson...sort yourself out..right now!

“Yes, please!” I responded eagerly. “Okay, let me move my desk then.” He started to move his desk, but I was quicker. “No need!” I grabbed my chair and moved it next to him, sitting very closely as I looked at the book. “Thank you, you’re a lifesaver!” I gave him a huge smile and waited for him to open the book to the right chapter.

“Have you ever heard about personal space?” he asked seriously, as if he were about to kill me. I laughed, but then realized he wasn’t joking.

“Oh, you’re actually serious? When do you ever have personal space in basketball? I thought you were used to it. I can go back!” I started to stand up and move back to my desk. He placed his hand on my thigh and murmured from under his nose, “That’s fine, just stay then.” I smiled at him and started reading the chapter, occasionally feeling his gaze on me.

Maybe I went a bit overboard with my blush today or my highlighter, but oh well. I guess he just liked being amused by me. I hadn’t been touched like this by anyone before, so when I tell you I felt butterflies not only in my stomach but elsewhere, trust me, it was intense!

I don’t want you to think I’m some kind of nun or anything, but I’ve never really made out with anyone. Sure, I’ve had the occasional kiss during a bottle-kissing game or a quick peck, but nothing more. Around school, I’ve somehow earned a reputation for being a bit weird, and because of that, no one seems interested in getting romantically involved with me. I know, I know.. I’m almost 18, but don’t judge me! It’s not like I’ve chosen this lifestyle, it chose me!

When the bell rang, I stood up and said loudly, “Thanks, Tray-z!” Realizing my mistake, my eyes widened, and I felt like I might have peed myself. I thought I had only said it to myself, but his visibly pissed-off reaction made it clear that I messed up.

“I mean, thanks, Nicholas. See you soon!” I ran out of the class. I had two more classes, but luckily, he was at practice, so I wouldn’t see him until at least tomorrow.

Why do I always make a fool out of myself?

After school, Lewis and Kira dropped me off 15 minutes from home as they had to rush somewhere-probably one of their secret dates. I was walking home when I turned around and saw Mr. Lasagna leaving the bus and following behind me.

Is he still really pissed off about my comment? Am I in trouble? I thought to myself.

Two minutes, four minutes, six minutes passed, and he was still walking behind me, listening to music from his headphones. It felt like a scene from a “YOU” TV series. Maybe this was it - he was about to kidnap me. I’ve considered this possibility for a minute. Eight minutes, ten minutes, and twelve minutes, we were only a few minutes away from my home, and he was still following me.

That’s it! I won’t stand it! I thought to myself and then I turned around and walked towards him.

“What the hell are you doing?! I’m sorry I called you Tray-z. It was a big mistake, but don’t follow me like a freaking stalker. This is sick!” He raised one headphone and smirked, almost laughing, before getting serious again and murmuring, “You’re not that special, Wilson.” I gasped hearing his response.

When I tell you I gasped... I gasped! What was I supposed to do? I turned around and shouted, “Whatever!” I ran home, slammed the door, shouted “Hi!” to my parents, and was just about to tell them about the freak who followed me when the doorbell rang.

“Oh Mika, it must be Nicholas! He’s here to help you with math. Didn’t you see him when you were walking home?” My mom’s words almost made me pass out here and there. She opened the door and welcomed Nicholas, who extended his hand towards her.

“Oh, Nicholas, it’s so nice to finally meet you!” She ignored his hand, hugged him, and welcomed him in.

“I’m Kris, and my husband Joseph is somewhere in the house. You’ll meet him later. Thank you for helping my Michalina with her studies...We need her to make it to senior class next year” Nicholas’s face showed an interesting look when he heard my Polish name.

“Excuse me, ma’am, who?” he asked politely. “Oh, Mika. I apologize; sometimes when I’m angry or upset with my daughter, I call her by her Polish name! Well, come on in. Mika will show you to her room, and I’ll bring you something warm to drink and some pączki!“. She announced excitedly, heading to the kitchen. I stood there, dumbfounded in the corridor.

“I guess you didn’t expect a tutor today?” Nicholas laughed to himself, clearly enjoying my reaction.

I tried to compose myself and get used to the situation of having him in my house. Oh no, I didn’t clean my room. Well, it’s probably the last time he’ll be here anyway, and we’re not friends, so who cares! I’ve tried my best to rationalize the situation that I found myself in.

“Okay, come on in, just excuse the mess.” I opened the door to my room, which had purple and blue walls with posters of pop and rock icons. My bed was huge with a grotesque duvet, and I had a wardrobe and a desk that resembled another wardrobe. There was a small table in the middle of the room where I usually did my studies or doodled.

“We can do it here. Let’s just get it over with.” I sat down on the floor. Nicholas looked at me and the room for a few long seconds before finally sitting down and taking out the math book to show me different problems and explain solutions. After almost two hours of studying, I started to understand it, but it wouldn’t be enough for the next exam.

“Why is this so difficult?!” I shouted, lying on my back and staring at the ceiling. I had glued little stars and moons on it, so when it was dark, they slightly lit up.

“It’s not that hard. You’re getting it slowly. A few more lessons, and you’ll pass that exam, and I won’t need to come here anymore,” he said seriously as if it was a punishment for him to be here with me.

“Okay, stop complaining and come watch stars with me.” I’ve looked at him.

“Watch what?” he asked, confused. “Stars, lasagna...” I laughed and pulled him by his arm forcefully so he would lie down. I saw the anger, then shock, and then surprise on his face, until he laughed and said I was impossible.

It was the first time I heard him laugh. It had a nice ring to it. I could get used to it.

“Why?” I asked, turning my head to the right so I could see him. “You’re always doing something, and when I think I’ve finally figured you out, you come up with something I just can’t grasp. You’re funny, Mika.” He turned his head to the left and looked me in the eyes.

For some reason, it was a very intimate moment between us, and I could feel my butterflies again, and let me tell you, they were up to no good. “That’s my second name,” I smiled at him just as my mom knocked on the door.

“Mika, I’m coming in!” We immediately sat down by the table, pretending to look into the notebook as she brought some hot tea and pączki to help us relax.

“There you go, guys. Have a rest and some pączki! Nicholas, if you need a lift home, just let me know, and I’ll drop you off, okay?” He smiled at my mom and thanked her for the offer. “Thanks, Mrs. Wilson. I think I might have a lift home today, but I’ll keep it in mind!” She looked at us, smiling to herself whilst closing the door behind her.

″Pączki?″ He attempted to pronounce the word, which made me laugh.

“Pączki,, Poohchki” I repeated, trying to get him to pronounce it again. After a few more failed attempts, we both laughed. I explained, “These are Polish doughnuts, and they come with various fillings like rose, plum, custard, and strawberry jam. I love the strawberry jam ones. Go ahead, try it!” I encouraged him. He picked up one of the pączki and took a bite. His eyes widened in delight, and he took another bite.

“This is amazing! Wow. I might come to tutor you just for these,” he said, looking adorably pleased. Powdered sugar was smeared around his lips, and I chuckled quietly.

Guys, I have no idea what kind of conjured power took over me, but in the next few seconds, you’ll find out that your girl did something completely unexpected.

“You’ve got some sugar... right there,” I said, grabbing a napkin and gently wiping the sugar from the corner of his lips. He licked some of it off as I did, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. We exchanged glances and occasionally looked at each other’s lips. I hesitated, unsure about making the first move, but he soon set the doughnut aside and leaned closer. Placing one hand behind my neck, his face started moving closer to mine and then he kissed me softly. I responded, and our kiss grew more passionate.

After a few minutes, which felt like an eternity, we finally pulled away. Blushing, he said, “At least I won’t need to tutor you in kissing.” He laughed, looking for my reaction.

“Be careful, or there might be no more Polish delicacies for you, Mister!” I teased him.

Thank God for my blush blindness, otherwise he would see how red I’ve turned from this kiss.

“I don’t think so,” he replied seriously. Then, without any sort of warning, he was on top of me, kissing me more fervently. Although unexpected, I enjoyed the feeling of being wanted so I’ve decided to play along. When will I ever get a chance like this again?!

I moved my hands across his body, slipping them under his shirt. He responded by placing his hand under my shirt, causing me to twitch slightly and stop kissing him. “What, you don’t want to?” he asked, looking concerned with his brown eyes and dark hair falling onto his face. “It’s just... I’m not what you’re used to,” I admitted, feeling vulnerable.

He sat up, bringing me to almost the same eye level.

“And what am I used to, Mika?” he asked, staring into my eyes.

“Skinny girls? Cheerleaders? Hot girls? Girls who wear size 0? Girls, every guy wants?” I blushed as I spoke, feeling embarrassed about my insecurities.

Is this me, intimidated by a handsome guy? I can’t believe this. But hey, you live and learn.

“Mika...” he said softly, holding my face in his large hands.

“You’re hot, and I like you.” He kissed me on the forehead and grabbed his bag. - “Give me your phone.” He asked, staring at me.

“What?” I asked, confused. I handed him my phone, and he fiddled with it before tossing it back to me. As he left the room, he called out, “Talk to you later, weirdo!” He said goodbye to my parents and left in one of his friends’ cars, likely heading to a party.

I almost shouted at him for calling me a “weirdo,” but then I noticed what he’d done on my phone. He had added his number and saved himself as ‘Lasagna.’ I was officially dead.

I burst out laughing, still in disbelief at what had just happened. Every time I looked at the table and saw the nearly finished doughnut, I was reminded of our kiss and the moment we shared.

It was amazing. Though I had been kissed before, this was the closest I’d ever been to being seriously intimate with someone. I’ve never had sex before. Never met the right person or never just felt the right moment. Tomorrow, we would return to our high school corridors, exchanging glances from a distance, pretending we don’t know each other.

I went to take a shower, and when I returned to my room, I decided to play some music in the background and lie down on my bed, scrolling through social media. I saw Angelica’s party story and noticed Nicholas in one of the photos. He was sitting and drinking, looking pensive rather than smiling.

I checked the time and saw that her story was just three minutes old. I had an idea and sent him a message: “Why aren’t you having fun, Lasagna? Thinking about me?” I sent it and chuckled to myself, feeling a bit foolish. Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with a reply.

I picked it up and read his message. “I want to kiss you again.” I was taken aback.

Guys, my butterflies were in full force today. I couldn’t believe I was letting myself fall for him like this. A guy kisses me, texts me that he wants to kiss me again, and suddenly I’m head over heels? I had to get a grip. I’m smarter than this! But, to be completely honest with you, I think I had liked him for a while, even if I never admitted it. Sure, I’d been labeled a weirdo, but even weirdos deserve a chance at love, right? Then again, what if he was just playing games with me and I was some sort of social experiment?

I picked up my phone and texted back, “You know where to find me.” A few seconds later, I got his response: “I’ll pick you up in the morning. Your parents would kill me if I showed up at this time.”

I couldn’t believe it - he was going to pick me up for everyone at school to see?! This was insane!

I stared at the ceiling for a moment before replying, “Okay, see you in the morning.” I tried to play it cool, but inside, I was dancing and jumping with excitement.

It looked like my summer was going to be incredibly eventful and I cannot wait to take you on this adventure with me! I closed my eyes whilst smiling and drifted off to sleep.