August 18, 2018

Journal Entry 56: Levi Parker Aka Spidey
(His nickname I have for him in my head since his last name is Parker like Peter Parker and he used to wear glasses in middle school but he doesn't anymore. He also was the photographer for the school newspaper Freshman year.)

     The first interaction I ever had with Spidey was in the 7th grade. I just started my natural hair journey after nearly frying my hair by trying to keep it straight. (Journal Entry 9 will get more into my natural hair journey) I remember the struggle of trying to manage my natural curly and coily hair. There were times I wanted to give up but it wasn't just a natural hair journey, it became a self love journey as well.

     Anyway, back to the topic at hand, Spidey moved into town the year before 7th grade. During that time we only had a couple of classes together and zero conversations. The only thing I knew about him was what I had overheard the other girls in my class giddily gossip.

    1    He moved here from California.
    2    He was trying out for football.
    3    He was the cutest boy in 6th grade.

     The other girl's words, not mine.

Anyway from the moment he moved here he did in one day what I hadn't been able to do my whole life; make friends. He was a huge hit, even with the most strict of teachers. With all the attention he got from everyone, there really hadn't been a reason for us to interact.

Yet a year later after he moved to town, in 7th grade, he had actually spoken to me and it was something I never thought he'd ever tell me.

He told me he loved my hair! He never gave me a compliment the year prior when it was always straight, he liked my hair natural. He said it was beautiful and that it reminded him of a lion's mane. I hadn't been sure how to feel about being compared to a lion, but I knew his intentions were good.

     Four years later and today we are both in our Junior year of high school. Since then we hadn't really talked other than today, but I began to observe him during those four years.

     Things I've observed of Spidey:

    1    He always made sure to say hello to me by name in passing, as he does to everyone. He also puts the effort into remembering the names of others.

    2    He is naturally friendly and thoughtful.

    3    I think he lives in a bubble and despite the way he acts, I think it's hard for him to understand others.

    4    I can tell most of the friendships he has are superficial and surface level, maybe because he's friends with so many people he can't get close enough to just one or two.

    5    He's very intelligent, but he often downplays it.

    6    He's a HUGE flirt, but I haven't heard a lot of rumors of him hooking up. He's only been with a couple girls that I know of.

    7    He's really good at football, but I don't think he enjoys playing it. I actually don't think he enjoys playing any sport.

    8    Whenever he smiles it never reaches his eyes. I often wonder why...

    9    I think he wears a mask so often that he doesn't know who he really is. But I have seen the real him peek through the mask at times and when he does he looks sad.

    10    I don't think he's as happy as he pretends to be.

Today was the first day of the school year and he actually defended me when someone ran into me. He also helped me pick up my books and walked me to my locker. He really is a sweet guy who's always willing to help others in need. I wish I could be more like him in that way.

I wish I had the confidence he has to talk to just anyone and look out for people.

I also wish I could help him, because I'm very sure he's not really okay.