A Wild Ride

Chapter 2

There stood Eric and Kenneth (aka Kenny). They’re lacrosse players for our school and loved by students and faculty alike. They’re a real hit with the ladies with their Abercrombie & Fitch looks, and the bane of my existence here. Whenever I try reporting what they do to me to the dean, he tells me I instigated them and dismisses me. I don’t even bother anymore. Even my parents won’t let me leave saying I should face my tormentors. As if the holiday black eyes and bruises aren’t awkward enough around family. Eric and I were somewhat good acquaintances until he found out I was gay. I don’t hide it but I also don’t broadcast it either. His reaction wasn’t very nice to my face after his fist slammed into it repeatedly. Ever since then, he’s outed me to the entire student body, and everyone treated me like shit from then on. Eric and Tom circles around until they were on either side of me blocking any chance of escape.

“You weren’t thinking of skipping out on us were you fagboy”, Eric said mockingly. Like me, he was African American. Eric was white and the skinnier of the two.

“Time for another lesson you queer”, Kenny said laughing. He walked toward me and out of instinct I backed up only to succeed in getting close to the advancing Eric.

At this point I was in a crouching/fetal position covered my head knowing how this would end. I just hoped I’d get knocked so I wouldn’t have to feel it. How messed up is that thought? Eric started pummeling my head while Kenny kicked me in the gut. It hurt so much worse now that old wounds were re-opening. I was crying and they only laughed more. As quickly as the blows came they were gone. Momentarily confused, I looked up. Eric was lying face down on the ground and Kenny was upside down in the dumpster rapidly kicking. I was so confused as to why. Turning around I saw Derek standing there looking in my direction with a gaze that can only be described as murderous. Michael wasn’t far behind with a similar look on his face. I stared in shock expecting even worse to come.

“Are you alright?”, he asked softly reaching for my hand catching me off guard. I didn’t mean to flinch away. I also didn’t mean to start hyperventilating. He looked hurt and I felt horrible but I couldn’t help it. Michael put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. He came over and squatted down looking me in the eye and spoke.

“I promise you that no harm with come to you as long as we’re here”, he said soft but sternly. The words made me feel better and I took Derek’s hand and let him help me up. He brushed dirt off me while Michael…sniffed me?

“Your ribs are injured. We need to get you to the infirmary”, Michael said. His brother agreed despite my protests that its just a little pain despite my wincing and muffled groans.

“A little pain turns into a lot real quick. Please just let us help you”, he said.

“But why? You guys don’t even know me. A-and how do I know I can trust you?”, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Would untrustworthy guys beat those idiots for you?”, Derek said matter-of-factly. And he had a point. They didn’t need to intervene but they did. That had to count for something, right?

“Ok”, I agreed.

“But what about them”, I said referring to the jocks still in the alleyway.

“What about them”, Derek said angrily, with the same growl in his voice as the one that I heard earlier in class.

Taking me away from my train of thought Michael tipped my chin and looked my head. “You have a nasty bump with some bruising”. I figured that though. “Needs to be iced immediately”, he added.

The trip to the infirmary wasn’t long since it was across my dorm on the other side of the street. The doctor, Ms. Canon, smiled as she saw me but it disappeared as she saw my injuries. She’s a very nice lady in her early 40s but it definitely doesn’t show. She was born in California but moved here to Pennsylvania after college for med school. Now she’s a full time doctor here on campus. She eyed the twins suspiciously as they led me him. It was nice but kind of annoying. I’ve dealt with worse.

“Hello Zephyr”, she greeted me still eyeing them. “Who are your…friends?”, she baited.

“I’m Michael and this is my brother Derek. We’re transfers here. Can you take a look at our mat- I mean friend?”, he asked. What did he mean by mat-

“What happened?”, she asked cutting off my thoughts. “I-I..fell”, I said lamely. I could tell she knew I was lying but there’d be no point in telling her the truth. Eric and Kenny are star athletes, they’ll never get in any real trouble. The twins heard the lie and eyed me like I did something wrong. I squirmed under the unwanted attention.

“Well let me take a look”, she said gesturing me into the examination room. She stopped the twins from following. “Until I figure what ‘really’ happened, I’d appreciate if you’d wait out here”, she said closing the door.

Sides Notes: Thank you so much for the response ont he last one. as always constructive comments and feedback are appreciated and please share with your friends! next part should be up by tomorrow (my least favorite holiday) or sunday