Secrets and School

Chapter 6

Zoe eventually pulled me to a small place behind a bunch of trees and bushes, there were a small cluster of benches to sit on and eat at.

"It used to be a popular eating area but then a new dining hall was built and everyone started eating there. The principle realised there was no point keeping the bushes, trees and grass trimmed if no one ate here, so that's why here is overgrown." Zoe explained, as she made her way over to one of the picnic benches and got her lunch out. I looked around. It really was over grown, it looked as though Zoe had flattened the grass in her countless trips over to the benches during her time her. The little walk way to this place was not as over grown as this, but it was clearly not used often. The trees and bushes made it impossible to see if anyone was on the other side, offering a lot of privacy.

I made my way over to Zoe and sat opposite her. I grabbed my lunch from my bag and dug in. If you didn't know I absolutely love food. I looked over at Zoe's lunch, a small salad. I didn't question her chose of food, maybe she wasn't a big eater.

"So... can I keep guessing?" She asked. As she finished her very small salad and put the box and fork in her bag. I was confused before I remembered she wanted to find out why I moved.

"Sure." I said, around a mouthful of sandwich.

"So you were bullied and the reason was... you are a genius and the big mean bullies didn't like it." I shook my head, as I continued to eat. "You were bullied because you are different in some way?" I froze, did she know? "Bingo, how are you different? You said you weren't gay, how about bisexual?" I shook my head, slowly beginning to panic. "Special needs?" I shook my head.

"Out of guesses." I said, hoping she would drop the subject.

"No that's not fair." She said, making an exaggerated pouting face.

"My turn ask to ask questions, you said you were glad you still had a chance dating me so I am guessing you aren't gay, but are you completely straight?" I asked. If she was completely straight it would be likely she wouldn't date me after finding out my 'situation'.

"No, I am pansexual and before you ask, yes all my family know and are completely fine with it." She said as the bell rang. I shoved my now empty lunchbox in my bag and made my way to class with Zoe again.

Maths went by without any issues from Charlie and was just as easy as the first Maths lesson. The bell for form was soon ringing and we all stood up shoving our homework in our bags and making our way to form.

Form went by without any issues. Zoe and I kept to ourselves and the others kept to their groups. Mr Burks asked if I had any questions or issues that day, and I simply said Miss Smith had already been spoken to about my day so everything had already been dealt with. Soon the bell rung and soon made our way home. "Wait Jake." I heard Zoe approaching me. "Here's my number,' she said before running off towards the gate. I saw my brother and sister waiting for me at the other gate. We walked together all the way home, Hazel wouldn't stop talking about her day. As I opened the door I could hear the football game playing on the telly. Dad was sat on the sofa. I ran to him and jumped on his lap, surprising him. He laughed and hugged me back.

"How was your first day son?" He asked me as I shifted to sit next to him.

"Good, I made a friend. Only one, so don't get too excited." I said.

"Girl or boy?" He asked, looking at me.

"Girl. Her name is Zoe. I have her number." I waved the piece of paper in front of his face.

"Jake has a girlfriend." Dad started chanting as he picked me up and bounced me in his arms. Mum came in.

"Really?" She asked surprised.

"No. She is just a friend, at the moment." I said laughing as I ran upstairs grabbing my bag which had fallen to the floor ages ago.

I laid on bed, with my phone in hand. What do I message her?

J: Hey, it's Jake. I thought it was only fair you had my number too.

I thought about it before I sent it.

Z: Thanks. Was kind of worried you wouldn't message me.

The reply came within a minute. We spoke for around two maybe three hours through Facebook messenger as we both didn't want to run out of credit. Mum called me down for dinner, I messaged Zoe saying I had to go, I waited for the reply. She also had to go so I didn't feel bad for leaving her.

I sat down at the table with the rest of my family. Me, Felix and Hazel all spoke about our day. I may have skipped over the bullying bit but it was fine, Miss Smith would take care of things like she said. My binder was making my chest feel rather sore now. I finished my dinner and placed my plate and cutlery in the dish washer, before making my way back to my room. I took my binder off and put a baggy t-shirt and baggy jumper on. Looking in the mirror I immediately looked at my chest, not too noticeable. I had worn my binder for longer than what I should, I would definitely regret that tomorrow. I grabbed my homework out of my bag to complete and sat at my desk. Soon I was finished and shouted good night to my family before putting my PJ's on. I heard Dad leave for work not long after. Soon I nodded off.