𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙈𝙀

[ SOCIETY & RULES: 1]

—

Throughout my time at this school I have learned a lot of things. I've been taught how to play one of the best sports, and that forming a "brotherhood" with all my teammates will change my life (positively) forever. As long as I've been at this school, it'd be a lie to say I didn't enjoy the friendships I've built amongst the way. I feel welcomed here. Well, for now that is.

    However, I also had to learn the harsh rules. The standards of this school are rough, and unfortunately not following them isn't a choice. Unless you want your life to be ruined. It's all a fight to the top. A fight to become the most popular in the school. Society doesn't and will never spare those who they deem "outsiders". Either you can bend your ways and blend in, or roll the dice and take the risk.

    Opting in and joining them was the only way I could've survived. Their rules are harsh, eyes on you constantly. It's mentally draining when you constantly have to hide your true self to satisfy others.

If you're a girl, you have to be pretty and feminine. You have to let the boys do all the work, but you still have to join some sort of extracurricular so you don't seem like a pushover. Having no humor is frowned upon, yet having too much is annoying. You need to have guy friends, but only having guy friends is seen as a pick me. Being emotional is summed up to "period problems".

For guys, you're the protector. If you get hurt you better suck it up or they'll give you something to cry about. If you're feminine then you're gay. "Ugliness" is unforgivable. "Saving it" is deemed as trying to be different. You have to constantly keep a smile on, as emotional men have no future. If you're going to show emotions, then it better be through wrath and violence.

As for everyone, being apart of the LGBTQ + is a sin. If you're anything in this category, you might as well drop dead, because society will eat you alive.

—

"Ezra.. Ezra— EZRA!!" My thoughts were interrupted by a high pitched voice screaming my name. I looked up at the blonde girl with an irritated expression. Rubbing my eyes, I groaned. "What now Delilah??.."

    AP Biology. I'd rather die than sit through another lecture in this classroom. That's why I sleep during this period. It's a miracle that I'm somehow passing this class. "You do realize the bell rang a minute ago, right?! Fuck— I should've just left you.." Standing up, I stretched and yawned, looking down at the girl who was scolding me. Delilah Hayes, a cheerleader and also Silas Lockwood's ex. Despite popular belief they aren't in a rivalry. Plus, they were dating in freshman year, so everyone knew that wasn't lasting long.

"Womp womp.." I mocked as I dragged my frame out of the classroom, my backpack clinging onto my shoulder lazily. Delilah then huffed, annoyed with my lack of response. "Screw you, I'm going to class. See ya at lunch." With that being said, we headed our opposite ways.

..

Lunch eventually came by. As usual, we sat at the table we sit at everyday with the same exact people. The cafeteria was always loud, rarely ever quiet. The conversations held at our table were boring to say the least. It was either about boys and dating or the latest gossip. In all honesty I genuinely didn't care who was doing who. I was just trying to get by.

"Oh my god.. did you hear about Mr. Theodore?!" Ashley Mintz. There's never a moment of peace when she's around. I'm convinced that she's the walking definition of "gossip girl". She can never stay out of anyone's business.

This was typical behavior for the girls, especially the cheerleaders. I personally couldn't care any less. I picked at my food, shoving a spoonful of high school mush into my mouth. Silas Lockwood nudged me on the shoulder, mumbling in my ear. Me and Silas have been friends the longest. He was the one who introduced me to our current friend group and the greatest sport of all; football.

In all honesty I trusted him more than anyone at this table. Moving out of a small town I grew up in was difficult, taking a toll on my mental health. However, when I first moved into town, he did every little thing to make me feel safe and welcomed. I wouldn't have the life I have now if it weren't for him.

    "Hey, you okay? You look a bit lost in thought.." I looked up at him as he whispered in my ear. "Yea, just thinking. That's all—"

I was cut off by a hand on my shoulder. "Ezra, my dude. Tell me, do you think I'm good looking?" Thomas Hart, the youngest of our friend group. He's always having some sorts of girl problems. Though, it could be the fact that he looks like he hasn't hit puberty yet. I gave him an awkward smile, shrugging. "I don't know man.. maybe try asking a girl that question??"

    "Please, he only has to ask himself if he's going to ask a girl." Sam Freeman, second youngest of our group. She's the one always making jokes, which is ironic since her older brother Jon Freeman is probably the strictest one out of all of us. Thomas shot Sam an offended expression, huffing. "Make fun of me all you want! You know, late bloomers are always the ones who end up scoring the most??" I laughed at his remark, patting him on the back. "Whatever helps you sleep at night." The table roared with laughter as Thomas gave me and Sam nasty looks for the remainder of lunch.

..

    After all the bad in life, I had finally found my people. For a first, I felt welcomed. I finally was happy. With that being said, I couldn't let any of them know who I used to be. Because if so, it'd happen all over again, and I'd end up hurting yet another person.

—

[1028 words]