Boy in Pink

Chapter 4

We walked into the ELA room and thankfully the teacher didn’t make me introduce myself. Braedon walked to the back of the class, and I followed him. I then sat next to him and placed my stuff on my new desk in front of me.

“Does anyone sit by you that maybe isn’t here today?” I asked him in a whisper.

“Why would I offer for you to sit by me if someone sat by me?” I just smiled softly and shrugged.

“Maybe you were just trying to be nice.” He laughed softly and playfully swatted at my arm. I smiled, seeing him more comfortable with me.

“You’re funny. I asked if you wanted to sit by me because no one ever sits by me…” His face fell and my heart sank.

“Why wouldn’t anyone wanna sit by you…?”

“I… I’m a freak.” I tensed, not realizing I asked that out loud.

“Hey… you’re not a freak.” I saw him starting to tear up and my heart broke. I then raised my hand.

“Yes?” The teacher asked in the middle of talking about a new project we were going to work on.

“Can Braedon and I step outside of the classroom for a bit?” She looked confused, but nodded. I helped Braedon out of his seat and walked into the hall with him. As soon as I closed the door behind us, he broke into tears. ”Braedon…” I whispered as he sobbed. I gently pulled him close and helped him sit down on the ground.
Just then, I heard the teacher say something about Pride, again. Everyone is talking about it today, I guess. I quietly opened the door slightly, just to hear her as I held Braedon.

“Today, everyone, we will be reading articles about Pride Month, since it’s coming up soon!” Oh, is that why everyone is talking about it? Is Pride Month really coming up soon? Wow, I thought I’d remember…

“Pride Month…?” Braedon asked with a sniffle.

“Yeah, they’re reading articles about it. You wanna go back in there or stay out here?”
He looked through the window by the door, and heard kids groan. 

“Stay out here for a while longer…”I held him close until he calmed down, then led him back inside the classroom. People stared at him, giving him disgusted expressions, but one look at my glare and they stopped. “Wow…” He whispered as he sat down. I sat next to him.

“Hm?”

“One look at you and they stop staring…”

“Yeah,” I chuckle. “Yeah, I guess so.”

His eyes lit up. “Can you protect me from bullies and people who make fun of me?” He asked excitedly. This poor boy… I need to protect him. Forever.

“Yeah, sure. I wouldn’t mind. Now, let’s pay attention, okay?” He nodded and turned his attention back to the teacher, who was explaining what the articles would talk about. I just stared at him, a soft smile playing on my lips as I took in all of his face details. He didn’t look like anyone else I knew. His face looked much, softer. His cheekbones were slightly rounder, but I found it cute. His fluffy hair was just…. oh god, I thought I was falling in love, but I shook the thought away quickly, burying it into the back of my mind.

I cannot be falling already. We’ve known each other for like 10 minutes! I barely know him… maybe if he got to know me, we could be something… I sighed softly and focused back on the teacher.

“So, everyone can open up their Chromebooks and go into…” I stopped paying attention. ‘Chromebooks’? What the heck is that!? Was it something I needed!? But I know my parents would and could never buy one for me… I then felt a tap on my arm.

“If you forgot yours, it’s fine. We can share.” Braedon whispered, and my heart melted at his kindness. I smiled, thankful he offered.
I don’t deserve such a cute, sweet, kind and amazing boy…