The boy in the back

Chapter 1: Highlighter

please read trigger warnings before reading!

"Please don't make me go." I whisper.

"It will be good for you." My mum hands me my water bottle.

I look out the window as all the school kids rush around. They are all happy and excited for the first day back.

How could anyone be happy at school?

"This school is meant to be different, honey."

I adjust my glasses and hope she can't see the tears in my eyes.

"I love you mum," I give her a light smile.

She smiles, "I'll see you later."

I get out the car and swing my bag over my shoulder.

I hear my mum drive off behind me.

Please. Please let me go. Let me leave. I don't want to be here.

My heart pounds and my hands shake as i walk into the school.

I look down at my hands as they look more swollen than usual.

My veins reveal more and my finger tips are more red. Please, please take me home.

I walk past a group of guys in matching basketball jackets.

They all look me up and down. My stomach knots itself and i feel like i could be sick.

I play basketball, i want to be on the team. But everytime they always say 'I don't act like a player.' And kick me off the team.

"Hey, are you new?" A blonde guy asks me from the team.

I nod.

"What's your name?"

"Henry." My voice comes out wobbly.

For fucks sake.

I can't do this.

My breathes turn rapid and the halls become louder. Everything is too much.

He smiles, "I'm Arlo."

"Nice to meet you."

I try to walk away to get air and calm myself but Arlo follows and walks beside me, leaving his team.