The Stare
Title
The Stare
Date
04/23/2026
Text
February 13, 2100
I wake up to every other day. I am the first one of my siblings to be up. Dad is already awake, like he never really slept the night before. Dad has been working on this draining machine project for the past two years, but no success on the key point. I go to the twins’ room, wake them up, and help them get ready for school. Meanwhile, mom is making us breakfast. In the school, we have our own catering, so mom only makes lunch for dad.
Today is Luca’s birthday. Luca is the guy I like from school. We have been studying together since 8th grade -since when my mom started teaching at the school and got me and my siblings a scholarship. He is the son of one of the most wealthy people in town. His parents own the most successful flying and boat cars company nationally. It is my dad’s dream company to work at, but he will only have a chance once his project is done. Today Luca invited the entire class over to his house to celebrate his birthday. I am so excited, but nervous. I am going to see from closer what my forever crush’s life looks like, but also the town’s wealthiest family’s too.
My family and I finish our breakfast and start moving for the day ahead. My family carries only one boat. It is made out of wood and doesn’t really have much space to sit in. It literally only has space for the five of us. So everyday, we first drop my dad off at his job, and then the rest of us head to the school. Everyday as we are driving the boat, I will always find myself hyper focused thinking on what our reality is like around us. Around my neighborhood –the humble side of the city– you will find the houses that were adapted from the engineering of many years ago. As the flood started, people used the old houses as base to sustain the new houses over them –that’s how our house looks like. Growing up one of my favorite things to do with my best friend, Leo, was to swim under these houses. You can still see the rooms, the kitchen, doors and windows, and even some furniture that were covered up with the flood. But as we make our way downtown, where both the school and Luca’s apartment are, you see the new engineering taking place. You see all the new flying boats. The new buildings that were built over strong pines of concrete, and not old houses. These new engineers were made thinking of future floods that can reach 10 feet – we’re now at 8 feet over sea level. We get to the school. Our school was the first school built from scratch adapted to the flooding reality. The entire school is a private one floor flat building built over 10 feet of sea level concrete. There aren't many students since it is a very limited access. The school has only one classroom per grade. Six bathrooms. One catering area. And two big courts, one inside and one outside, to practice sports.
We get to the school and I help mom place our simple boat next to all the new-facing boats at the dock. At the same time that I feel uncomfortable and a bit ashamed being around wealthier people, I everyday see my parents’ hard work to keep our family well and protected, and then I remember to not feel ashamed but grateful. Mom gives us a kiss and heads to the professors’ classroom where the school staff meet every day before classes start. I take my siblings to their classroom –they're currently in 6th grade. Lastly, I take myself to my classroom, senior classroom. Since the flood became a situation to care about, both public and private schools are required to teach a self and societal safety class, where we learn about everyday survival skills and analyze future possibilities. In our school this class takes place in our first period. I arrive at class and there he is. Luca. Surrounded by everyone. Both congratulating him and also talking about later today. Because our class is very small, it is normal for us to wish one another “Happy Birthday” even if we are not close. I head to his table and try to get in between everyone that was surrounding him. At times I feel like my classmates avoid me since I am the only one in our class with a lower society status. I tell myself, “School is almost over, this will be one of the last chances you will get to talk to him.” I take a deep breath and squeeze myself between everyone. “Happy Birthday, Luca!” I give a slight smile. He seems surprised –I guess because I’m always in the back corner of the classroom and don’t really talk to the rest of the class. “Oh, thank you, Olivia. I appreciate it.” He answers back also with a slight smile and open eyes. I stayed there for a second staring at his eyes. How can it be so beautiful? Honey eyes with long ashes. I mentally ask myself. “Are you coming with us later today?” I feel everybody looking at me the moment he asks this question. I looked around, and felt a bit resistant to answer. It felt like everybody was telling me to say, “No.” I said, “Yes, I am.” I knew I couldn't let the opportunity pass by. I knew I had to be stronger than my insecurity. Plus, in a few months I will never see these people again. Everybody gasped and looked at each other when I answered. Luca kept looking at me. He was surprised, but seemed to be a bit excited. I looked around one last time, smiled at everyone around, and headed to my usual seat.
Our first period started. Today, they came up with something different. They presented to us the project the school is collaborating with X-Rey company, Luca’s family engineering company. They wanted to work with the senior class, where they could potentially find future employees for their company. The company wants to grow with their products, and now they're interested in getting into the water industry. They want to come up with a machine that helps with the flooding situation. They did not put any limitations or specific requirements. They wanted to see every idea possible. It right away made me think of my dad’s project. They gave us one week to register for the program. To be honest, I am not too sure since I have always been more interested in the health care industry; however, this is a chance to help and show my dad’s work.
We had an usual school day. Classes were the same as always. Lunch time is the same as always. I spent it with Leo. Then, once the last class is over everybody runs to the deck. Leo and I are the last ones to go. We get there and we see Luca’s family’s super flying boat car. It would have been the first time I go into one of those. Leo has been in one of them since he is in an engineering club. My mom and my siblings would be heading home alone today, which kind of made me feel bad since I tend to take care of everyone. My mom said I was good to go to Luca’s house since she has known I have had the biggest crush on him for years. The car is big. It has about 10 seats. Two in the front, three in the first row, three in the second row, and two in the last row. Leo and I sat on the last seat since we were the last one to board. The entire car has windows all around it and a good space in the back for luggages or anything like that. I notice how the display looks like an airplane's. Luca’s family’s personal driver is the one that picked us up. I was fascinated by how this car worked. At first it runs like a boat, then as it reaches the speed at a very high level then it starts flying, you hear the turbine sound and it looks to be just like what my dad had described how an old classic airplane works. It is beautiful from above. Its predominant water, you can still see some land. We passed through the tallest building. It felt weird to see our region from above for the first time.
We landed at his house. This was unreal. I had never seen anything like this before. The house was like a floating boat. There were glass walls all over the house. Cars, boats, airplanes, all floating in the water in front of the house. It was a real ocean view. I was speechless and amazed by it. Leo and I were looking around. Our classmates started looking at us, kind of in a judgmental way. Those stares brought me back to our reality –we would never have such a living like theirs. I second doubted my decision to come, like that place wasn't for me. Luca comes my way. He started a conversation, “So what do you think? Pretty cool, huh?” I was a bit surprised he came all the way back to find me. He walked me through his house while the rest of our class headed to the outdoor area, where we would have the barbecue and enjoy the pool during the entire day. “I was surprised you wanted to come,” he told me. I thought to myself, is this a good or bad thing? I didn’t know what to say. “Yeah, I mean the school year is almost over so I thought of taking this opportunity to enjoy it with our classmates before we all split out. I mean, also of course to celebrate your birthday.” He smiled. My heart froze at that moment. He then guides us to the outdoor area. For the rest of the day, we were all having fun. Even I did. Luca made me feel welcome. We sang Happy Birthday, and I noticed his parents weren’t there. I was surprised. They have always seemed to be a very close and loving family. I am guessing they were too busy with work since it was a Thursday.
It was time for us to go home. Everyone had their private driver picking them up. My mom was supposed to come get me, but she didn’t arrive the time she told me she was coming. Luca asked me if I wanted him to take him home. I was a little hesitant. I didn’t want anyone from my school to see where I live. It is nothing to what they have had their entire life. But at the same time, I had to go home, it was getting late. I looked at Leo like I wanted him to tell me what to do. “Yes, let him take you home. Your mom probably got busy with your siblings.” “But what about you?” I asked. “Don’t worry. My parents are on the way.” “Alright. Only if it’s not a problem for you, Luca.” “Not at all. Let’s just wait for Leo to be picked up.”
Leo’s parents came. Then, Luca and I headed to one of their boat cars. At the same time, Luca’s parents arrived. They looked at us, especially at me, with judgmental facial expressions. They said “Hello”, and his dad right away asked who I was. I was in the middle of the conversation, where Luca is trying to explain that I am one of his classmates, and how he is about to take me home. I could see his parents unstoppable staring at me. Up and down. When his dad started asking too many questions, Luca took us to his car. “It was great to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Thank you for having me at your house.” They didn’t say anything.
During the entire drive, we were talking about school, our plans once it is over. Everything was fine until we started arriving in my neighborhood. I noticed him looking side to side, like he was analyzing everything. I stayed quiet. I was embarrassed. This neighborhood is based on adjustable old houses, built on top of flooded ones. I am sure nothing he has ever seen in person. We got to my house and I didn't even invite him over. I just thanked him for the ride and immediately ran to my house.
February 17, 2100
It’s Monday. I didn't go to class on Friday, I had to help my dad with his engineering project. Today was the last day for us to register for the program, and I had to have a draft of my project idea. I was going to work with what my dad has been working with. I get to class in the same way as always. I get to class and I see Luca’s eyes brightening as he sees me walking in. I smiled slightly and walked to my seat in the back. He looks back. That is confusing. I didn't understand why he was looking at me. He never did before. Honestly, I told my mind to not think too much about it. I kept looking straight. I didn’t want to look at him. I didn’t want to confuse myself thinking he had eyes for me. No. That would never happen.
To our surprise, Luca’s dad walks in to talk about the program. Our first period professor and he go over the project again and ask for those that are interested to stand up and share their project name and draft idea. Once I stood up Luca’s dad looked at me like I wasn’t supposed to. I breathe and say, “I am Olivia Rodriguez, and I will be working on a Draining Water Machine.” I can see him taking a deep breath, but pretending to be excited. “That’s great Olivia, I am glad you’re interested in the program.” In our class, only me, Leo, Luca, and two other classmates signed up for the program. During the whole school day I avoid Luca at all costs. Especially after his dad’s appearance. His stare continues to remind me of our completely different realities. Luca tries to reach out to me after lunch, but I just walk straight to my seat with Leo. And that just continued like that for the rest of the week. I just continued with my regular routine, and worked on the project after school hours.
February 21, 2100
It was the end of school hours when Luca approached me. And he didn’t let me go, until I talked to him back. He asked me if anything had happened. He said how he has been trying to talk to me, and I seem to be avoiding him. I didn’t want to tell him the real reason why I was avoiding him. The reason is because I don’t want to let my mind do unrealistic things, and plus, how embarrassed I was when he dropped me off at my house. Instead of that, all I said was, “Oh no, nothing happened. Everything is fine. I have just been very focused and busy with the project.” He looked at me for a moment, like he didn’t fully believe me, but he didn’t say anything about it and just told me that I didn’t have to avoid him. I didn’t really know what to say after that, so we stood there for a few seconds in silence before he asked if I wanted to stay after school and work on the project. I hesitated for a second, but I said yes –but mainly because I actually had to work on it. I WAS NOT GOING TO LET MY FEELINGS CONFUSE THE REALITY– and we went back to the lab and started working. At first, it felt a little quiet between us, not like the day of his birthday, but after some time it started to feel normal again. I showed him a bit of my project idea, how the water flows near my area and how we could use that instead of trying to completely stop it. We ended up sitting closer than usual because of how everything was spread out, and at one point we both reached for the same paper at the same time and our hands touched for a second before we both pulled back like nothing happened. My stomach felt that right away. My soul froze for a few seconds. I noticed it and I think he did too, even though we didn’t say anything about it and just kept working. After a while, he handed me one of his headphones, and I didn’t question it, I just put it on, and we worked like that for some time in a quiet way that didn’t feel awkward. Now I am wondering, am I more nervous about the project or everything else that comes with it?
February 25, 2100
Today felt different. Luca and I stayed after school again to work on the project since the presentation is coming up. Everything is almost done, but he seemed a little distracted. I asked him if something was wrong, but he just said it was nothing. Later today, his parents came to the school. They watched us present our project draft, and at first it seemed like they liked it. His dad asked questions, and I answered them. But then they started asking about me instead. Where I live. What my parents do. I answered, but it didn’t feel normal. It felt like they were judging me. Again, with that same deep stare of always. After they left, Luca noticed that I felt uncomfortable. He told me not to think about it too much. I said okay, but I couldn’t stop replaying it in my mind for the rest of the day.
February 28, 2100
Today was the presentation. I was nervous, but I knew my project was good. When I got there, I saw it. It was my project, but it wasn’t mine anymore. His family’s company name was on it. Everything looked the same. The same design. The same system. Like it belonged to them. I just stood there for a second. People were already talking about it. Saying how good it was. I tried to say something, but no one really listened. When I did speak the truth, “That is my project.” They looked at me with side eyes. And some people even laughed. Like I didn’t know what I was talking about. Someone even said it didn’t make sense for me to come up with something like that. That I was incapable. “What do you mean sweetheart? This is what the company came up with. We did it” Luca’s mom says in front of everyone. I didn’t know what to say after that. I looked at Luca. He looked surprised too, but he didn’t say anything right away. Like he was scared. For his parents? For our classmates? For his credibility? That hurt more than anything. So I stopped talking, and went to my usual seat.
March 2, 2100
I haven’t talked to Luca since the day of the presentation. He knew it, and he didn’t want to dare to come up to me, and that is all I wanted. I was so over him. This school. These types of people. I just couldn't wait for the school year to be over. I stayed quiet the whole day. Not even with Leo I really wanted to talk to. I just wanted to come home already.
Once class was over I jumped in our boat right away and went home. Later that afternoon, I heard someone scream outside my house. I come outside and I see him. Luca. I was so annoyed. I was also surprised. And I was once again embarrassed to appear in that situation, looking like how I look, old clothes, living in an old house. “What do you want?” I say from afar.
“I am sorry for what happened.” He said he didn't know what happened. He said he would fix it. That he wasn’t like them. I wanted to believe him, but it didn’t feel the same anymore. There was too much that already happened, and I just didn’t want to have more stress than I already have. I stayed quiet. He noticed I didn’t want to talk. Before he left, he said, “I’ll come back.” I didn’t say anything. I just nodded. But to be honest, I didn’t believe it. I didn’t trust him anymore.
March 4, 2100
I arrived at class today and I was so ready to leave again. Until, I heard about a crash. People were talking about it everywhere. One of his family’s aircraft went down. At first, I didn’t think much of it. Then I heard his name. I didn’t know what to do. I just sat there. People kept talking about the company and what went wrong. I didn’t listen. I just kept thinking about the last time I saw him. How guilty I felt. I started overthinking and worrying. “Is he okay?” I say. They tell me there hasn’t been any updates yet, but the crash was serious. I leave the classroom and go straight to my mom’s class. She was surprised and worried to see. I never go to her class. I tell her what happened and I right away break down. I tell everything that has happened the past few days. For the rest of the day I couldn't do anything other than think about it. Waiting for an update. I couldn’t stop replaying the last time I saw it. His voice. Him.
March 6, 2100
His dad came to my house today. I almost didn’t open the door, but I did. He didn’t look the same. He looked tired. He told me everything. Luca had died. He didn’t resist it. My heart dropped at that moment. I couldn't control the tears coming out of my eyes. He told me how he had made Luca go to Texas for a few weeks since he noticed how distracted and different he was. He told me how he knew it was because of me. And that bothered him. He admitted it. He admitted that he judged me from day 1, because of how I looked, my reality, and especially because of the effect I had on Luca’s change. Luca started fighting his parents back –something that he had never done before. He said he knew the project was mine. That he shouldn’t have taken it. That he was wrong. He said he lost his only. Not only is his family broken, but his company also is. He tells me how much Luca cared and liked me. He broke down. He said how bad of a father he has been since Luca’s birth. How much the status and credibility mattered more than his family. More than noticing and listening to Luca. I didn’t say anything for a while. Then he asked for my help. He wanted me to join his company, to help with the project, and also a way to honor Luca. I could see he genuinely wanted to change, he actually meant what he told me –and the stare this time was different, it was pure. I thought about it. About my dad. About everything. Then I said, “I’ll help.”
Luca has changed me forever, and I will always honor him.
I wake up to every other day. I am the first one of my siblings to be up. Dad is already awake, like he never really slept the night before. Dad has been working on this draining machine project for the past two years, but no success on the key point. I go to the twins’ room, wake them up, and help them get ready for school. Meanwhile, mom is making us breakfast. In the school, we have our own catering, so mom only makes lunch for dad.
Today is Luca’s birthday. Luca is the guy I like from school. We have been studying together since 8th grade -since when my mom started teaching at the school and got me and my siblings a scholarship. He is the son of one of the most wealthy people in town. His parents own the most successful flying and boat cars company nationally. It is my dad’s dream company to work at, but he will only have a chance once his project is done. Today Luca invited the entire class over to his house to celebrate his birthday. I am so excited, but nervous. I am going to see from closer what my forever crush’s life looks like, but also the town’s wealthiest family’s too.
My family and I finish our breakfast and start moving for the day ahead. My family carries only one boat. It is made out of wood and doesn’t really have much space to sit in. It literally only has space for the five of us. So everyday, we first drop my dad off at his job, and then the rest of us head to the school. Everyday as we are driving the boat, I will always find myself hyper focused thinking on what our reality is like around us. Around my neighborhood –the humble side of the city– you will find the houses that were adapted from the engineering of many years ago. As the flood started, people used the old houses as base to sustain the new houses over them –that’s how our house looks like. Growing up one of my favorite things to do with my best friend, Leo, was to swim under these houses. You can still see the rooms, the kitchen, doors and windows, and even some furniture that were covered up with the flood. But as we make our way downtown, where both the school and Luca’s apartment are, you see the new engineering taking place. You see all the new flying boats. The new buildings that were built over strong pines of concrete, and not old houses. These new engineers were made thinking of future floods that can reach 10 feet – we’re now at 8 feet over sea level. We get to the school. Our school was the first school built from scratch adapted to the flooding reality. The entire school is a private one floor flat building built over 10 feet of sea level concrete. There aren't many students since it is a very limited access. The school has only one classroom per grade. Six bathrooms. One catering area. And two big courts, one inside and one outside, to practice sports.
We get to the school and I help mom place our simple boat next to all the new-facing boats at the dock. At the same time that I feel uncomfortable and a bit ashamed being around wealthier people, I everyday see my parents’ hard work to keep our family well and protected, and then I remember to not feel ashamed but grateful. Mom gives us a kiss and heads to the professors’ classroom where the school staff meet every day before classes start. I take my siblings to their classroom –they're currently in 6th grade. Lastly, I take myself to my classroom, senior classroom. Since the flood became a situation to care about, both public and private schools are required to teach a self and societal safety class, where we learn about everyday survival skills and analyze future possibilities. In our school this class takes place in our first period. I arrive at class and there he is. Luca. Surrounded by everyone. Both congratulating him and also talking about later today. Because our class is very small, it is normal for us to wish one another “Happy Birthday” even if we are not close. I head to his table and try to get in between everyone that was surrounding him. At times I feel like my classmates avoid me since I am the only one in our class with a lower society status. I tell myself, “School is almost over, this will be one of the last chances you will get to talk to him.” I take a deep breath and squeeze myself between everyone. “Happy Birthday, Luca!” I give a slight smile. He seems surprised –I guess because I’m always in the back corner of the classroom and don’t really talk to the rest of the class. “Oh, thank you, Olivia. I appreciate it.” He answers back also with a slight smile and open eyes. I stayed there for a second staring at his eyes. How can it be so beautiful? Honey eyes with long ashes. I mentally ask myself. “Are you coming with us later today?” I feel everybody looking at me the moment he asks this question. I looked around, and felt a bit resistant to answer. It felt like everybody was telling me to say, “No.” I said, “Yes, I am.” I knew I couldn't let the opportunity pass by. I knew I had to be stronger than my insecurity. Plus, in a few months I will never see these people again. Everybody gasped and looked at each other when I answered. Luca kept looking at me. He was surprised, but seemed to be a bit excited. I looked around one last time, smiled at everyone around, and headed to my usual seat.
Our first period started. Today, they came up with something different. They presented to us the project the school is collaborating with X-Rey company, Luca’s family engineering company. They wanted to work with the senior class, where they could potentially find future employees for their company. The company wants to grow with their products, and now they're interested in getting into the water industry. They want to come up with a machine that helps with the flooding situation. They did not put any limitations or specific requirements. They wanted to see every idea possible. It right away made me think of my dad’s project. They gave us one week to register for the program. To be honest, I am not too sure since I have always been more interested in the health care industry; however, this is a chance to help and show my dad’s work.
We had an usual school day. Classes were the same as always. Lunch time is the same as always. I spent it with Leo. Then, once the last class is over everybody runs to the deck. Leo and I are the last ones to go. We get there and we see Luca’s family’s super flying boat car. It would have been the first time I go into one of those. Leo has been in one of them since he is in an engineering club. My mom and my siblings would be heading home alone today, which kind of made me feel bad since I tend to take care of everyone. My mom said I was good to go to Luca’s house since she has known I have had the biggest crush on him for years. The car is big. It has about 10 seats. Two in the front, three in the first row, three in the second row, and two in the last row. Leo and I sat on the last seat since we were the last one to board. The entire car has windows all around it and a good space in the back for luggages or anything like that. I notice how the display looks like an airplane's. Luca’s family’s personal driver is the one that picked us up. I was fascinated by how this car worked. At first it runs like a boat, then as it reaches the speed at a very high level then it starts flying, you hear the turbine sound and it looks to be just like what my dad had described how an old classic airplane works. It is beautiful from above. Its predominant water, you can still see some land. We passed through the tallest building. It felt weird to see our region from above for the first time.
We landed at his house. This was unreal. I had never seen anything like this before. The house was like a floating boat. There were glass walls all over the house. Cars, boats, airplanes, all floating in the water in front of the house. It was a real ocean view. I was speechless and amazed by it. Leo and I were looking around. Our classmates started looking at us, kind of in a judgmental way. Those stares brought me back to our reality –we would never have such a living like theirs. I second doubted my decision to come, like that place wasn't for me. Luca comes my way. He started a conversation, “So what do you think? Pretty cool, huh?” I was a bit surprised he came all the way back to find me. He walked me through his house while the rest of our class headed to the outdoor area, where we would have the barbecue and enjoy the pool during the entire day. “I was surprised you wanted to come,” he told me. I thought to myself, is this a good or bad thing? I didn’t know what to say. “Yeah, I mean the school year is almost over so I thought of taking this opportunity to enjoy it with our classmates before we all split out. I mean, also of course to celebrate your birthday.” He smiled. My heart froze at that moment. He then guides us to the outdoor area. For the rest of the day, we were all having fun. Even I did. Luca made me feel welcome. We sang Happy Birthday, and I noticed his parents weren’t there. I was surprised. They have always seemed to be a very close and loving family. I am guessing they were too busy with work since it was a Thursday.
It was time for us to go home. Everyone had their private driver picking them up. My mom was supposed to come get me, but she didn’t arrive the time she told me she was coming. Luca asked me if I wanted him to take him home. I was a little hesitant. I didn’t want anyone from my school to see where I live. It is nothing to what they have had their entire life. But at the same time, I had to go home, it was getting late. I looked at Leo like I wanted him to tell me what to do. “Yes, let him take you home. Your mom probably got busy with your siblings.” “But what about you?” I asked. “Don’t worry. My parents are on the way.” “Alright. Only if it’s not a problem for you, Luca.” “Not at all. Let’s just wait for Leo to be picked up.”
Leo’s parents came. Then, Luca and I headed to one of their boat cars. At the same time, Luca’s parents arrived. They looked at us, especially at me, with judgmental facial expressions. They said “Hello”, and his dad right away asked who I was. I was in the middle of the conversation, where Luca is trying to explain that I am one of his classmates, and how he is about to take me home. I could see his parents unstoppable staring at me. Up and down. When his dad started asking too many questions, Luca took us to his car. “It was great to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Thank you for having me at your house.” They didn’t say anything.
During the entire drive, we were talking about school, our plans once it is over. Everything was fine until we started arriving in my neighborhood. I noticed him looking side to side, like he was analyzing everything. I stayed quiet. I was embarrassed. This neighborhood is based on adjustable old houses, built on top of flooded ones. I am sure nothing he has ever seen in person. We got to my house and I didn't even invite him over. I just thanked him for the ride and immediately ran to my house.
February 17, 2100
It’s Monday. I didn't go to class on Friday, I had to help my dad with his engineering project. Today was the last day for us to register for the program, and I had to have a draft of my project idea. I was going to work with what my dad has been working with. I get to class in the same way as always. I get to class and I see Luca’s eyes brightening as he sees me walking in. I smiled slightly and walked to my seat in the back. He looks back. That is confusing. I didn't understand why he was looking at me. He never did before. Honestly, I told my mind to not think too much about it. I kept looking straight. I didn’t want to look at him. I didn’t want to confuse myself thinking he had eyes for me. No. That would never happen.
To our surprise, Luca’s dad walks in to talk about the program. Our first period professor and he go over the project again and ask for those that are interested to stand up and share their project name and draft idea. Once I stood up Luca’s dad looked at me like I wasn’t supposed to. I breathe and say, “I am Olivia Rodriguez, and I will be working on a Draining Water Machine.” I can see him taking a deep breath, but pretending to be excited. “That’s great Olivia, I am glad you’re interested in the program.” In our class, only me, Leo, Luca, and two other classmates signed up for the program. During the whole school day I avoid Luca at all costs. Especially after his dad’s appearance. His stare continues to remind me of our completely different realities. Luca tries to reach out to me after lunch, but I just walk straight to my seat with Leo. And that just continued like that for the rest of the week. I just continued with my regular routine, and worked on the project after school hours.
February 21, 2100
It was the end of school hours when Luca approached me. And he didn’t let me go, until I talked to him back. He asked me if anything had happened. He said how he has been trying to talk to me, and I seem to be avoiding him. I didn’t want to tell him the real reason why I was avoiding him. The reason is because I don’t want to let my mind do unrealistic things, and plus, how embarrassed I was when he dropped me off at my house. Instead of that, all I said was, “Oh no, nothing happened. Everything is fine. I have just been very focused and busy with the project.” He looked at me for a moment, like he didn’t fully believe me, but he didn’t say anything about it and just told me that I didn’t have to avoid him. I didn’t really know what to say after that, so we stood there for a few seconds in silence before he asked if I wanted to stay after school and work on the project. I hesitated for a second, but I said yes –but mainly because I actually had to work on it. I WAS NOT GOING TO LET MY FEELINGS CONFUSE THE REALITY– and we went back to the lab and started working. At first, it felt a little quiet between us, not like the day of his birthday, but after some time it started to feel normal again. I showed him a bit of my project idea, how the water flows near my area and how we could use that instead of trying to completely stop it. We ended up sitting closer than usual because of how everything was spread out, and at one point we both reached for the same paper at the same time and our hands touched for a second before we both pulled back like nothing happened. My stomach felt that right away. My soul froze for a few seconds. I noticed it and I think he did too, even though we didn’t say anything about it and just kept working. After a while, he handed me one of his headphones, and I didn’t question it, I just put it on, and we worked like that for some time in a quiet way that didn’t feel awkward. Now I am wondering, am I more nervous about the project or everything else that comes with it?
February 25, 2100
Today felt different. Luca and I stayed after school again to work on the project since the presentation is coming up. Everything is almost done, but he seemed a little distracted. I asked him if something was wrong, but he just said it was nothing. Later today, his parents came to the school. They watched us present our project draft, and at first it seemed like they liked it. His dad asked questions, and I answered them. But then they started asking about me instead. Where I live. What my parents do. I answered, but it didn’t feel normal. It felt like they were judging me. Again, with that same deep stare of always. After they left, Luca noticed that I felt uncomfortable. He told me not to think about it too much. I said okay, but I couldn’t stop replaying it in my mind for the rest of the day.
February 28, 2100
Today was the presentation. I was nervous, but I knew my project was good. When I got there, I saw it. It was my project, but it wasn’t mine anymore. His family’s company name was on it. Everything looked the same. The same design. The same system. Like it belonged to them. I just stood there for a second. People were already talking about it. Saying how good it was. I tried to say something, but no one really listened. When I did speak the truth, “That is my project.” They looked at me with side eyes. And some people even laughed. Like I didn’t know what I was talking about. Someone even said it didn’t make sense for me to come up with something like that. That I was incapable. “What do you mean sweetheart? This is what the company came up with. We did it” Luca’s mom says in front of everyone. I didn’t know what to say after that. I looked at Luca. He looked surprised too, but he didn’t say anything right away. Like he was scared. For his parents? For our classmates? For his credibility? That hurt more than anything. So I stopped talking, and went to my usual seat.
March 2, 2100
I haven’t talked to Luca since the day of the presentation. He knew it, and he didn’t want to dare to come up to me, and that is all I wanted. I was so over him. This school. These types of people. I just couldn't wait for the school year to be over. I stayed quiet the whole day. Not even with Leo I really wanted to talk to. I just wanted to come home already.
Once class was over I jumped in our boat right away and went home. Later that afternoon, I heard someone scream outside my house. I come outside and I see him. Luca. I was so annoyed. I was also surprised. And I was once again embarrassed to appear in that situation, looking like how I look, old clothes, living in an old house. “What do you want?” I say from afar.
“I am sorry for what happened.” He said he didn't know what happened. He said he would fix it. That he wasn’t like them. I wanted to believe him, but it didn’t feel the same anymore. There was too much that already happened, and I just didn’t want to have more stress than I already have. I stayed quiet. He noticed I didn’t want to talk. Before he left, he said, “I’ll come back.” I didn’t say anything. I just nodded. But to be honest, I didn’t believe it. I didn’t trust him anymore.
March 4, 2100
I arrived at class today and I was so ready to leave again. Until, I heard about a crash. People were talking about it everywhere. One of his family’s aircraft went down. At first, I didn’t think much of it. Then I heard his name. I didn’t know what to do. I just sat there. People kept talking about the company and what went wrong. I didn’t listen. I just kept thinking about the last time I saw him. How guilty I felt. I started overthinking and worrying. “Is he okay?” I say. They tell me there hasn’t been any updates yet, but the crash was serious. I leave the classroom and go straight to my mom’s class. She was surprised and worried to see. I never go to her class. I tell her what happened and I right away break down. I tell everything that has happened the past few days. For the rest of the day I couldn't do anything other than think about it. Waiting for an update. I couldn’t stop replaying the last time I saw it. His voice. Him.
March 6, 2100
His dad came to my house today. I almost didn’t open the door, but I did. He didn’t look the same. He looked tired. He told me everything. Luca had died. He didn’t resist it. My heart dropped at that moment. I couldn't control the tears coming out of my eyes. He told me how he had made Luca go to Texas for a few weeks since he noticed how distracted and different he was. He told me how he knew it was because of me. And that bothered him. He admitted it. He admitted that he judged me from day 1, because of how I looked, my reality, and especially because of the effect I had on Luca’s change. Luca started fighting his parents back –something that he had never done before. He said he knew the project was mine. That he shouldn’t have taken it. That he was wrong. He said he lost his only. Not only is his family broken, but his company also is. He tells me how much Luca cared and liked me. He broke down. He said how bad of a father he has been since Luca’s birth. How much the status and credibility mattered more than his family. More than noticing and listening to Luca. I didn’t say anything for a while. Then he asked for my help. He wanted me to join his company, to help with the project, and also a way to honor Luca. I could see he genuinely wanted to change, he actually meant what he told me –and the stare this time was different, it was pure. I thought about it. About my dad. About everything. Then I said, “I’ll help.”
Luca has changed me forever, and I will always honor him.
Collection
Citation
Ana Porto, “The Stare ,” Everything Speaks To Me , accessed September 18, 2026, https://everythingspeakstome.com/items/show/461.