Pencils and Pool Water (Complete)

Chapter Thirteen

I paid my money to get into the field trip on Tuesday, feeling like everyone was watching me as I walked up to Mrs. Coleson's desk and stammered my request. 

She smiled widely. "I was hoping you would come, Simon. I know it's a science-y trip, but we're going to do some cool stuff." 

I nodded stiffly, and then walked back to my seat, where Calvin was grinning. 

"I knew you'd come around," he teased as I pulled out my binder. Mrs. Coleson told us what we were going to be doing for the hour, and I took notes.

I snort, feeling butterflies in my stomach. "Yeah. Right- there wasn't much to come around to." 

Calvin shook his head and smiled, shutting up before Mrs. Coleson could yell at us.

-

"Hey! Wizard Boy!" I froze in my tracks. 

It's been ages since Paityn's talked to me. I kept walking, picking up my pace a little bit, trying to remember where I parked my car in the lot. 

He jerked me around, eyes squinting. "Trying to run away from me, are you?" 

I remembered Calvin's words in my head. "He said you were a walking wet dream..." 

I swallowed. "No." 

He grinned evilly. "Liar." Paityn yanked my arm, and led me back to the school. 

Even though we were surrounded by students, I felt completely alone. Calvin went home with Elliot, and Gwen was no where to be seen. 

"Where are you-?" I asked as he took me behind the building. My pulse quickened with fear. 

He shoved me against the bricks, taking me by surprise. "What did you say to him?" He said, putting his elbow to my chest. 

I felt tears come to my eyes and I felt helpless. "Who?" 

"Calvin, you stupid queer!" His breath hissed over my face, and I felt my face flush. I realized I was trembling. 

"I... I didn't say anything to Calvin." I stuttered, trying to keep tears from spilling over. His dark eyes got darker. 

"Right. So, you have no idea why he hasn't been talking to me since the start of February?" 

I shook my head fiercely, and my knees buckled. 

He pulled back, and punched me in the gut. Pain exploded under my ribcage, and I almost doubled over.

"You know why, I know it." He purred evilly, yanking my head up by my hair. 

I whimpered, and I hated myself for it. "He said it was you. You said something." I breathed out, just wanting him to let me go and leave me be. 

"Really? What did I say, Mr. I Don't Know Anything?" 

I turned my face to the side. "He said you were saying, um, vulgar things about me." 

His eyes widened. "Oh, that stuff? I just wanted to make him squirm a bit," he said through clenched teeth, pinching the skin at the base of my neck as emphasis. 

"Just start hanging a-around him. I-I'm sure everything will be back to normal," I struggled to talk. 

"Simon!" Paityn and I's head turned to see Gwen, looking horrified. 

He let go of me, brushing himself off. "Later, Wizard Boy." 

Paityn punched me in the groin, and I crippled onto my knees.