I'm Fine

Chapter Four - Adrianna

January 

It was just another day, another practice. Honestly, I'm exhausted. I've been trying to lift and work out as much as these guys do, but I've really started to feel it. I obviously couldn't let them know, especially after all the work it took to earn their respect.

I would never have done it too if it wasn't for Bryson, he saved me and my reputation. At this point, I considered Bryson my closest friend, mostly because I didn't have any other friends, and everything I do at school is sports-related. In fact, Bryson just invited me to a student council meeting after school; maybe I could make some more friends there?

"Hey, new girl, how are you?" Lonny mocked as he brushed past me. The nickname is obvious, I am new this year, but I'm starting to get sick of the name, and Lonny.

"Hey, Lonny. Ready for some warm-ups?" I shot back.

"Whoa, who put you in charge, lady." He spat. Everything this kid says makes my skin crawl.

"Bryson did, he's running a little bit late today." I snapped as I aggressively threw a basketball at Lonny.

I loved being on the basketball team as well this year, but I desperately wished that the only sport I had to see Lonny was football so I could shoulder-check him into the ground and not get in trouble. Sadly, we needed him for the numbers.

"Whatever you say, boss lady." He jeered.

"Lonny, man, leave her alone." Brock announced from behind me. Lonny rolled his eyes, and as he started to dribble away from us.

"How are you today, A?" Brock asked as I continued to pass out the basketballs.

"I'm fine Brock, thanks for asking." I commented as I tossed him the last basketball.

"Hey, do you want to hang out after practice today?" Brock implied nervously.

"Can't today, Brock, too busy, but thanks for the invite." I replied before taking off down the court.

Brock is a nice guy, but he wasn't my type. I don't even know what my type is. I questioned this a lot back at my last school and briefly dated a girl for a while. Then word got out, and I immediately was the laughing stock, hence the sudden idea to move to a new school my senior year.

While I was running back to the bleachers for a drink of water, I heard Lonny's voice boom through the gym air. I turned to see him making his way towards the cheerleaders. I sat my drink down and moved closer to hear the conversation.

Of course, Lonny is being himself and insulting other people for no reason. This time it was the transvestite cheerleader.

I've admired him since I got to this school, everyone has either accepted it or gotten over it. From what I've heard, he overcame the bullying all by himself, not letting anything get to him and keeping a tight group of friends always around him to protect him. I wish I would've had those friends, or that confidence back at my old school, maybe I wouldn't have had to leave then.

I was too lost in my thoughts to pay attention to what was said, but the next thing I knew, Lonny was pulling back his fist. Without hesitation, I reached out and grabbed his wrist, holding him back from punching Nico. He didn't like that.

"Really, Adrianna!" He snapped.

"HEY!" All eyes turned towards the voice as Bryson made his way towards us.

"Do we have a problem here, Lonny?" Bryson continued as he approached us.

"No." Lonny pouted.

"Good, then back to warm-ups, NOW!" He demanded. As the rest of the team went back to their laps, he turned his attention to me.

"Did Lonny hurt you?" He whispered to me.

"No, I'm fine." I replied as I turned my attention to Nico.

He looked terrified but also strong. He looked like he was ready to take the punch or that he had already taken punches like these before. I couldn't stop staring at him; I wanted to make sure he was okay.

I wanted to protect him from everyone who wishes him unnecessary harm. He doesn't deserve any of this; he's just trying to be himself. I'm pulled back to reality as I hear Bryson blow the whistle to bring everyone in for a meeting. I started to make my way to the group, but I still struggled to break eye contact.