Creating Alyson

"Is it an acid?" Diana answered hesitantly.

My snigger from the back of the room told her it wasn't. I knew people thought me arrogant, and a know-it-all, but as usual I couldn't resist.

All year during the chemistry classes for the science course she was following, Diana had struggled. Almost all year I had sniggered at every wrong answer she gave and made snide comments to my friends. Well, not really friends as such, more the people who tolerated me, mostly because I was so clever.

A couple of her friends told me that I was a 'jerk'. I just shrugged and said smugly, "At least I'm a jerk who knows the difference between an acid and an alkali." Only my annoyingly whiney voice prevented it sounding superior, even to my ears.

Although I sounded smug, in truth I wasn't happy. Early on in the year I had once held faint hopes that I might help Diana, by peer-tutoring her. She was, after all, a stunningly attractive blonde; who wouldn't want to help her? I had sent her an e-mail offering my help, but she had never replied. In my mind this lack of response equalled rejection and I was annoyed. From then on I'd found myself being horrid to her, trying to convince himself he was interested in her lovely slim legs, or brilliant smile.

It was a real surprise when she came up to me a couple of days later.

"Hi Alan!" Diana was smiling brightly at me.

Flustered, I know that I blushed as I asked, "What do you want?" Inwardly I winced at my snappy tone.

"Well I know we haven't been the best of friends this year, but I'm having a pool party at my Aunt's house. To show there are no hard feelings, I'd like to invite you."

I hesitated, taken aback by Diana's generosity.

"Please say you'll come!" urged Diana.

Eventually I agreed and Diana gave me the address and the time to be there. Before the day, I had to buy some swim shorts. I found myself smiling and, I guess, I became almost pleasant to be with, my confidence and self-esteem buoyed by the invitation.