The “smart kid” sat in the back of the class as usual. Everyone was always saying how smart he was.

“If I’m so smart why do I feel so dumb.” he thought “Why can’t I get over my fear.”

The class soon began and the room slowly became quiet. James looked at Matthew chatting it up with Destiny. James shuddered.

“Why can’t I get over my fear?” he thought as he looked at Matthew and Destiny

Class eventually ended and a lone girl waited outside the door as everyone left. It was Madison. I tryed to walk past her quickly, but I knew she was waiting for me.

“Wait up James!” she said

I continued to walk away from her acting as if I didn’t hear her. She pursued me a bit and then let me go.

“I can’t believe I even wanted to befriend that jerk.” she thought

As I was about to turn the corner our eyes met. I slowed down my pace. I could see the confusion, the hate and the regret on her face. Her face quickly filled with surprise suddenly. I knew what she saw on my face. She saw fear.

She saw Parthenophobia.