Tales from PS 3 by augmentedfourth

Dude, she is so hot!

I don't care how hot she is, I'm not going anywhere near her.

Ayn and Nial had met in the library after school to work on a class project, but the schoolwork wasn't nearly as interesting as their surroundings. They had all but abandoned the project in favor of surreptitiously watching another classmate as she sat alone at a table on the other side of the room. As the library was poorly supervised, the brown-haired girl was able to focus intently on carving something into the table with a knife without interruption.

I'm going to go talk to her, Ayn told his companion.

I hope you come back alive. Nial had been Ayn's best friend for nearly his entire life; the two were so close, they were practically brothers. Normally, Ayn listened to his friend's advice, but today, it seemed as if his mind was already made up.

Ayn stood up and crossed the room to where the knife-wielding young woman sat. Hey, Sari, what's up?

The knife stopped moving as Sari looked up at him through her chocolate-colored bangs. She eyed him suspiciously for a moment before going back to what she had been doing without a response.

Ayn saw an open book on the table, most likely a cover for her destructive activities. He decided to try again. What are you reading? Anything good?

This time, Sari didn't even look up as she continued to ignore him. Defeated, Ayn made his way back to his own table where Nial was trying not to laugh.

I hope you got that out of your system, Nial said with a slight chuckle.

Ayn shook his head. I don't give up that easily. I'll win her over.

Be careful, man. I bet she's like a praying mantis — once she's done with you, she'll rip your fucking head off.

Hey, that actually doesn't sound like the worst way to die.

The following day, Ayn sat down next to Sari in the science lab. She took the time to glare at him before moving to a different seat. A similar effort in the cafeteria produced the same results, and an attempt to start a conversation with her at her locker after school was punctuated by an angry, metallic slam.

Give it up, Nial advised. She's never going to have anything to do with you and you're probably better off.

Ayn was still interested in a challenge. I'm not done yet. I'll think of something.

Though Nial thought his friend was being foolish, he agreed to help him brainstorm for ways to woo the object of his desire. Their task proved to be difficult, though � upon careful thought, neither seemed to know anything about Sari. Her friends, her interests, her goals and dreams...everything was a mystery to the two boys.

Ayn was undeterred. I'll get to know her. Maybe she just doesn't want to talk to me at school.

So what's your plan?

He thought for a moment. I'll go see if she's home after dinner, he decided.

Nial's eyes grew wide. She lives all the way over on Landen Street, that's in a completely different neighborhood!

It's not that far of a walk, I don't mind. She can't ignore me if I'm serenading her from her front lawn.

You can't sing for shit, Nial reminded him.

Oh. Right. Nothing seemed to faze the determined Ayn. I'll figure something out.

As Ayn made his way over to Sari's house in the early evening, he stopped into a small store along the way for inspiration. As he perused a display of flowers, nothing seemed suitable, as he assumed that Sari would turn up her nose at anything pink or overly "girly". A small container at the end caught his eye and he bent down to examine its contents more carefully. It was filled with bright orange-yellow roses, a color he had never seen on that type of bloom before. Satisfied by the striking flowers, he pulled a single one from the bunch and continued on his way.

When Ayn arrived at Sari's, he took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. As she opened the door to find the stupidly grinning young man clutching a topaz-colored rose on her doorstep, she rolled her eyes and made a disgusted noise. What do you want? she said, exasperated.

I just want to talk to you, he pleaded.

Well, I don't want to talk to you, she said, but she didn't close the door.

Why not?

Because you're annoying. Just leave me alone.

I only want to get to know you better!

You are pathetic. She folded her arms across her chest. Is that enough conversation for you yet? Can you leave now?

If you really want me to leave, I'll go. But I'm warning you, I can be persistent! He offered her the jewel-toned flower. I brought you something.

Sari held the rose as if it were a dead rat. Uh...thanks. I guess.

I'll see you tomorrow in school! Ayn said, still cheery.

Yup. The door finally closed, but it came later than he had expected. He considered it a victory.

I got her to talk to me! Ayn told Nial the following day.

Really? What did she say?

Ayn blushed slightly and looked down at the ground. That I was annoying and pathetic. But at least it was something!

Nial shook his head. I think there's something wrong with you. She clearly hates you.

Ayn refused to believe his friend. She's coming around. I bet she'll go out with me soon.

Be careful. You may want to wear body armor if that happens.

Ayn had learned not to approach Sari in school, so he made his way back to her house later in the day. She didn't look any less irritated when she opened the door to him, but like the previous day, she didn't immediately send him away. You're here again? she spat out.

I want to show you how devoted to you I can be!

You're just bothering me and embarrassing yourself.

That's because you won't give me a chance. Come on, what's wrong with me? he asked her, trying to look sympathetic.

She sighed and looked him up and down. You have a stupid haircut. You have a whiny voice. You suck at volleyball in gym class. And, above all, you won't leave me the hell alone!

Ayn hadn't expected her to answer in such specific detail and he had to admit it stung a little; still, he pressed on. Those things could become endearing over time, he suggested.

I doubt it, she said and the door slammed again.

Ayn returned for a third consecutive day to try to charm his beloved brunette. Just give me a chance, he practically begged. One date, that's all I ask.

Sari continued to glare at him, no change in her harsh expression. No.

Please. He wasn't giving up. One tiny little date. It doesn't even have to be a long date.

No.

One quick little dinner? Not even a movie afterward?

She stayed silent for a moment as if she were actually seriously considering his proposition. Let me think about it. I'll give you my answer tomorrow at lunch.

He beamed at her. Sounds good to me! I'll see you then!

Ayn's palms were sweaty and his heart was racing all morning. Nial tried to offer his support, though he wasn't terribly optimistic. Calm down, the worst she can do is say no, he said. Or I guess she could stab you with her knife.

I hope she doesn't.

Lunchtime finally came around and Ayn carefully approached Sari where she was eating by herself. Hi, Sari, he greeted her, trying to sound casual.

Hello, she said flatly.

He didn't bother making small talk. So...can I take you to dinner tonight?

She stood up and stood directly in front of him. Ayn hadn't realized before now that she was slightly taller than him, but he didn't back down. Sari put a hand on either side of his face as she stared into his eyes, and for a brief moment, Ayn thought she was going to kiss him.

His happiness didn't last long, though, as he felt her knee come in contact with his groin. Nearly blinded by the pain, he crumpled to the ground and curled up into a little ball. If you ever come to my house again, I'm going to call the police! she yelled, loud enough for the people around her to hear. Now leave me alone, you psychotic bastard! She gave him a swift kick to his right kidney just for good measure.

Nial stepped in to help drag his friend away as Sari surrendered herself to the school security guards, figuring that she could handle a few more detentions. Ayn managed to pull himself into a chair as Nial tried to cheer him up. At least she didn't stab you, he said helpfully.

Ayn could only groan as he waited for the pain to subside. The battle was over, he was giving up. It had been a painful lesson, but he had finally learned to accept "no" for an answer.

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