Locker Room Judgement

Chapter 9

It's Tuesday and I don't want to go to school, I'm not ready. I feel so striped, so bare, and I'm humiliated. But if I don't go, my dad will just lecure me on how weak I am so I eventually got up. I skip another day of running which is probably bad, especially since we have a game tomorrow. I'm Emotionally not up for it but I can't let the team down.

Besides, why am I so flustered about this? It was just sex and It sorta felt good but it scared the hell out of me. It can't be rape? I'm a guy and I might have gave her the wrong impression. Or that's what I keep telling myself. I still feel sore. I feel self conscious more than usual. 

I decide on wearing a pair of blue jeans and a baggy grey hoodie with my high tops. I don't even try with my hair, so I left it untamed. I don't want attention on me, I plan on avoiding everybody and staying quiet.

I sigh. I walk downstairs with my things and my mother called me over. I walked over but I'm nervous because she normally ignores me. "Y-Yes?" I say itching my arm.

"Goodness Michael, speak up! I can barely hear you." I nod.

"I wanted to ask, have you decided on what Military force you wanted join in? Because your father's gonna put a good word in with the Commander."

I haven't even thought about it but I have to give her a answer or she'll tell dad. "The Army." She seemed satisfied with my choice and I was free to leave.

The drive to school was quiet, I didn't listen to music like I normally do. I had my shades on and left the windows open for fresh air to come through. I put a cigarette in my mouth and lit it. It's becoming my new addiction, It calms my nerves. 

I arrive and park my car. Students are out talking so I lean against my car to finish my cigarette. I avoid the looks I'm getting finally dropping the used cigarette on the ground squashing it. The bell rang and students began walking to class. 

I'm sorta hoping I see Ryan today. I saw that he texted me on Monday but I needed space. I had to clear my mind of stuff. I need to ask him about what happened to me on Saturday, I hope he doesn't think of me differently. Or weak...

I walk to homeroom, skipping my locker. I enter the room and looked down walking to my normal seat. I put my head down. Forget what I said earlier...I don't even want to look at him right now.

I felt warm arms wrap around my neck from in front of me. Ryan's trying to get me to look at him but I stay in my position because I don't want him to see me cry. He rubs circles on my back and grabs my hand pulling out of the classroom. I let him lead me out because I don't have the energy to argue.

The teacher tried to stop us but Ryan ignored her. He pulled me into the boys bathroom and shut the door locking it so no one could come in. Oh great he's giving me that look, he wants an explanation. 

"What happened Mike?"  Uh, where should I even start!? This Weekend was so draining. I didn't respond so he kept going. "Rach told me you guys broke it off Saturday. Are you upset abou-?"

I shake my head no. "It's not that. I met some girl at Dustin's party and we went out."

"Oh." He looked down but quickly regained his posture. "Well that's good, is she nice to you?" I shrug. "Well actually I wanted to as-" I get startled when someone starts to bang loud on the door. He sighs. "That's Jazz, but I promise we will proceed with this conversation later ok?" I nod to assure him. "Hey keep your head up ok? I will see ya at practice." We do our handshake and he left.

I wait a few minutes before I left the bathroom also. I went to Literature and Rachelle's already there waiting for me with her leg holding my seat. She looks more bubbly than usual. "I hope you don't mind, I had to move your seat towards me more so I can put my legs on it like you always do. Ugh, I hate being short!" She whines. I giggle at her frustration.

"Nah, you're not short. You're just fun sized and adorable." She pouts and crosses her arms. "I'm not adorable." 

"Well to bad because you are." I grin at my accomplishment of making her blush. "So why are you more bubbly then your usual wacky self?"

She got super hyper and excited to tell me and I intend on hearing all the gossip. "I met someone at the carnival."  I look up at her and decide to tease her a bit. "Wow you got over me quick." She giggles and plays along. "Well I may have found someone who can handle my crazy."

"Oh really, what's he like?" 

"His names Luke, he has a twin brother and he's a bit snarky." I raise my eyebrow. "So you're into bad boys now?" She shrugs. "Well he is interesting. I practically insulted and sort of sassed him to see if he can handle my charm and he gave it right back to me."

"Just be careful, I don't want you getting hurt." I give her a brotherly look of concern. "I will, oh! He also goes to school here." Makes sense, everybody in this town goes to our damn school.

"Well I'm glad you met someone who can tolerate you." She punched my arm. "Ow! I was joking geez!" She lightens up and laughs. "I know, I just like to watch you squirm in pain." My mouth opens in shock, how dare she with her stupid psychology crap again. 

"Hey! Where are you going?" 

"Well if you haven't notice, class ended 5 minutes ago." 

"Oh but you never answered my question." She smirks. "Well if you must know, I'm gonna go annoy the bad boy some more." She winks and leaves the room. I shake my head. That boy has no idea what he's getting involved with.

The Practice Week Before the game:

I started walking towards the gym but I stop because I over hear Jazz & Ryan fighting. I hide myself behind some lockers. I probably shouldn't eavesdrop but I'm curious. 

"WTF Jazz, you can't be serious right now?"

"I am serious and stop raising your voice at me, you're being a jerk!"

"Sorry not trying to be rude but your the one who provoked it and refused to let me wear a condom." He tugs on his hair hard. He does that when he's stressed. 

Have no idea what's going on but I hope they leave soon so I can enter the gym.

They both gave each other one last hateful look before parting ways. Once the close was clear, I entered the gym.