Prologue

I must introduce myself for this story. The name's Jalen Bernard. I'm a 16 years old high school sophomore and I want to make connections. This high school by the way only has three years. I will be the narrator of this story ,but I hope the ride is smooth. This is going to be strange to you but I have had severe bullying in my day. From being hit, punched, and thrown to people throwing food. I have experienced it all.

I never knew why I was bullied a lot and expelled twice. It must have been my hatred of people and that when people picked on me, I either yell at them or fight them. I didn't know what to do so I did whatever. I did this to protect myself by using violence and not with words.

It's not that I have no social skills. I was just some shy antisocial sociopath. I had a successful academic career, a supportive family, and maintained good mental health while enjoying independence and entertainment. My parents were proud of me and I led a simple yet fulfilling life. There was nothing else I could have asked for, and I am content with that.

Maybe if I was to be taken seriously.

When I was young, I had a huge problem and just tried hard to make friends but as I got older and went to high school, I just didn't bother looking at people or even trying to fit in with others because they don't matter.

Maybe not you think I'm some attention-seeker. I want to see what it's like to have a friend. Someone who can listen to my problems. Someone other than my parents. I want it to be some experiment. Where could it take me?

I find it difficult to make friends and I'd like to change that. I think it's essential to prepare for college and make connections. However, I must admit that I don't have a high opinion of people in general. Our society and the current generation of children often disappoint me. I feel like they don't take important things seriously and lack basic knowledge about life.

Perhaps it's because I've chosen to be a loner, to focus on my studies and stay ahead of the curve. I don't mind being alone, but I also don't mind a little attention once in a while.

In school, I was always the nerd, the smartest in class, and content with my life. Unfortunately, others didn't see me that way and often picked on me for being different.

It seems that introverted people like me are often misunderstood and labeled as weird or shy. But the truth is that we just prefer our own company and don't need constant interaction.

Instead of praising me and congratulating me for my success, it was instead:

"How can a black kid like you do it?"

"He needs no help."

"I mean it's expected"

"He reads all the time so that's the result"

"Who could take him seriously."

I am currently indifferent about making friends, but I believe it is something worth pursuing. My goal for this school year is to establish at least a few meaningful connections with fellow students. This can begin with simple actions such as engaging in conversation or asking for academic help. Although it may seem like an unusual ambition, I am excited to embark on this journey, knowing that it will come with its own set of challenges and rewards. As someone who has had limited social interactions in the past, I look forward to experiencing the joys of forming genuine relationships.