30 Days Too Late

The Losing Game

(TW) This chapter contains mature themes: Self Harm and Bullying. You've been warned, read at your own advisory.

Dexter

"Hey," my cut cheek is poked. The most popular guy in school just said something to me. I can't believe Rudy is talking to me.

"What's your name?" he asks.

"Wayne," I answer nervously.

"Wayne, huh?" he pulls me up by my arm. I wince a little because of my irritated skin. "Why are you eating in front of the bathroom?" He checks out my lunch box. "Wipe yourself off, you're dirty," he pats my back.

"Do you want my lunch tomorrow?" I ask him.

"No, I don't want your lunch. Eat it yourself," he frowns.

"Oh... Okay," I take my lunchbox back.

"Let's be friends," he offers a hand.

"Really?" my eyes widen.

"Yes," he nods. I take his hand, and he leads me to his lunch table.

"This is my new friend Wayne. He's pretty cool," he sits down. I go quiet as I sit next to him.

"Where's his lunch?" his friend asks.

"I think Lionel's friends took it," he huffs.

"It's always them," the table agrees.

"Here, have some of mine," his friend hands me half of his grilled cheese.

"Me too," everyone starts pitching in.

"They got you pretty good," Rudy touches my cheek. I avoid his gaze due to my nerves. I'm a bit scared.

He unzips his backpack and pulls out a small package. "This one is Transformers," he smiles.

"What are Transformers?" I ask.

"You've never seen the movie? You need to watch it," he says in surprise.

I have no idea what that is. It's probably only for popular kids. "From now on just stick with me, okay? I'll protect you," he tells me.

"Okay," I scoot closer to him. I hold his arm and squeeze a little. He acknowledges by smiling at me.

"Your name is Rudy, right?" I ask before biting into the grilled cheese.

"How did you know?" he asks.

"I see you all the time... You're really cool. So when you noticed me, I was scared," I admit.

"Well, don't be scared, okay? Just keep eating," he laughs. "Also, are you doing anything after school?" he asks.

"Skating," I whisper.

"You skate!?" he shakes me.

"Yes," I nod.

"We should skate together. You can ride with me," Rudy cheers.

"O-Okay, my skates are in my backpack," I grab it. I unstrap the bottom cover and expose them. "See," I show him.

"Wow, these are nice," he picks them up. "What's with the sparkles?" he asks.

"I just like sparkles because they're pretty," I take them back. "Do you think that's weird?" I ask sadly. He's going to make fun of me just like Lionel.

"Not at all. You know why?" he digs through his bag. "Mine are black, but it's a little sparkly here, see," he points.

"Hockey skates," I'm shocked.