Every Bittersweet Step

Chapter 10

****Sydney's POV****

Of course I got to school late again, Lu held up Steve this morning so I was on my own to get to school and I am always late. I made my way down the halls and felt like something was off, the fuckening... I bit my lip and kept on, hopeful that whatever it was could wait until after school. Please. Please don't let the fuckening take the form of Billy... I heard a small whine, almost like it's attuned to my senses and burned into my brain, and I know exactly who that is. Great. Who wants to pick on Dustin now? Growing up I was always getting in fights with kids who bullied Dustin. He was born with a rare genetic condition called Cleidocranial Dysplasia, it's a scary word for, he has trouble with bone and teeth growth. Dustin has no collarbones, he still has baby teeth, but he lives a very normal life. Unfortunately, often times prepubescent little assholes think his uniqueness is a pass to tease and bully him. No. Not when I'm around. Lu may be my best friend, but Dustin is my world, and I protect him no matter what. I am the only one who can tease him. I followed the sounds of my poor brother being picked on yet again, the kid can't catch a break but I will break the face of anyone who tries to pick on him. I turned the corner to find a kid I didn't recognize trying to shove Dustin into a locker. He grinned from ear to ear when I turned the corner and saw him. Hang in there, kiddo, I'm coming.

"Who the fuck are you?" I asked, "And why are you trying to stuff him into a locker?" I asked, shoving the kid into a locker, "Is it fun when it's happening to you?"

He gasped for air as he hit the lockers, "He's annoying..."

I nodded, "Though I agree with you there, I'm the only one who can pick on this one."

"Why's that?"

I smiled as I helped Dustin out and put him behind me, grinning as I realized someone here didn't know that I will take down Michael Myers with a damn tooth pick and walk away smiling. I Gave Dustin's arm a gentle squeeze before crossing my arms.

"You're in for it now, shit head." Dustin smiled.

"What?"

"Remember the girl who set fire to the-"

"I don't know what you're talking about ." I winked, "Dustin, leave. I'll see you at home."

"At home?" The kid asked.

"Yeah, that's my sister." Dustin grinned as he ran for his class.

"NO NO NO!"

"Oh yes." I smiled, "Now let me tell you kid. If I ever catch you even looking at my brother the wrong way not only will I make you the ass of every joke in this school, but I will set your whole fucking life on fire and dance on the fucking ashes. I will be the dark star of your nightmares. I will make you wish that your mom had swallowed you... Do I make myself clear?" I asked as I stepped forward.

This guy is bigger than Dustin, what makes him think it's okay to pick on someone smaller than he is? It makes me sick...

"Is that-"

"Take that how you want. Try me." I grinned, "fuck around and find out. Let's light this fucking candle, dude."

The kid swallowed hard and took off running. Good. Just as I tried to enjoy the moment I felt a sudden wave of nausea hit me. I could taste bile creeping up and felt myself break out into a cold sweat. I ran for the nearest bathroom, thankful that one was nearby. I pushed into the room and ran for a stall. I fell to my knees and began to hurl into the toilet. Mom will not believe me if I call and ask her to pick me up. I used that excuse too many times, and now that I need it I can't use it! I heaved and gagged, throwing up my breakfast. Blueberry muffins do not taste as good coming up as they do going down. Tears pricked at my eyes as I kept going. My vision was slightly blurred and struggled to gain focus. I sat down on the cool tile floor and leaned against the stall. Why the hell did I feel sick? There was nothing different going on... I don't feel sick... Maybe it was a bad blueberry muffin. My stomach feels fine now. I just needed a moment. I sighed as I flushed the disgusting sight in front of me and went to rinse my mouth out. I pulled a piece of gum from my backpack and began to chew on it as I made my way to class.