Pires was a shy boy. He liked to be alone. His favorite place was the school library. It was very quiet there. He always sat in the back of the library. He sat against the wall between two big bookshelves. From this spot, he could see everyone. But no one could see him easily.
He was watching his two friends. Their names were Brain and Mark.
Brain and Mark were not shy. They sat at a table in the middle of the library. They were talking loudly. They were laughing. The librarian told them to be quiet. But they kept making noise.
Pires watched Brain. Brain was talking to a girl named Sarah. She was very pretty. Brain told a joke. Sarah laughed. Pires saw her face turn red. He wished he could talk to girls like that.
Pires knew he could not do it. If he talked to a pretty girl, he would get nervous. His hands would sweat. He would not know what to say. It was safer to stay by the wall.
The bell rang. Lunch was over. Students began to leave the library.
Brain and Mark stood up. Brain looked around the room. He saw Pires in the corner. He walked over to him. Mark followed.
There you are, Pires! Brain said. He talked in a loud voice. I did not see you. You are too quiet.
Pires did not say anything. He just moved his shoulders up and down.
I was here, he said. His voice was very soft.
Brain looked at the books behind Pires. The books were very old. Why do you read these books?" Brain asked. They are so boring. This is your problem.
What is my problem? Pires asked. He looked at his shoes.
You hide here with these old books, Brain said. You need to be out there. You need to talk to girls!
Mark laughed. Yes, Pires! When will you get a girlfriend?
Pires felt his face get hot. He was embarrassed.
The three boys walked into the hallway. The hallway was crowded and noisy. Brain put his arm around Pires.
Listen to me, Brain said. He was not joking now. You are a good person. You can be funny. But you are too scared. You need to be different.
How can I be different? Pires asked. A small part of him wanted to change. He was tired of being shy.
It is easy, Brain said. He stopped walking. He pointed to some girls by the water fountain. Look at those girls. They are just people. Talking to them is like playing a game. I am very good at this game.
Pires looked at the girls. They looked happy and confident. He felt scared of them.
I can teach you this game, Brain said. He looked at Pires. I can teach you how to talk to girls. I can teach you how to make them smile. How to make them like you.
Pires was quiet. He felt nervous. But he also felt a little excited.
What do you think? Brain asked. Do you want to learn? Do you want to stop being the shy boy in the library?
Pires breathed in deeply. He looked at Brain. Then he looked at the floor. He moved his head up and down. This means yes.
Okay, he said quietly. I want to learn.
Brain smiled a very big smile. Good, he said. Your life will change now, Pires. I promise.
Brain and Mark walked away. They talked about their plans for Saturday. Pires walked behind them. He felt two things. He felt scared. He also felt hopeful. He said yes to Brain. He agreed to change. He did not know this decision would cause big problems later.