The next day is hell. That's not even an exaggeration. During the school day I'm rarely intimate with Will, for fear of someone seeing. Teachers, because they might tell my parents. Peers, because no one thinks I'm good enough for Will.
A couple years back, Will had a girlfriend called Lucy. She was tall, smart, outgoing, pretty. The complete opposite of me. I'm small, I have terrible marks in school, I'm shy, and no one in their right mind would like me.
Then Will came along. He was just one of my friends at first. Then he started to really notice me. At first I told myself I was only imagining it. Then, one day, he kissed me and announced he was breaking up with Lucy. She hasn't spoken to him since.
That was when the bullying started.
I think it started because I'm nothing like Lucy, Because I don't deserve Will. Because I'm a freak. Because I'm different. I don't know, it was really just for anything. But Ella and Kate and Dean were so supportive. An oasis in a desert.
Will was insulted too, but nothing ever got to him. I wish I could say the same for myself. After a while, bullying Will lost its fun, and everyone quit. But everything went straight to my head.
***
I walked down the hall, my hands in my pockets, my head down. Two whole classes without Will, or anyone. I was on my way to the science lab, which was on the other end of the school. I hoped not to run into anyone, but not a chance.
"Look who it is, the great Ash!" I cringed at Lucy's voice. That girl hates me. The feeling is mutual, Lucy. I looked up slowly. The queen bee was surrounded by her posse of jocks and cheerleaders.
"Lucy," I nodded, acknowledging her, then, "Guys," to the crowd around her. "Always a pleasure." I tried to walk on, but no such luck.
"I'm not finished, you dick-sucking whore!" she yelled, shoving me backwards. To tell the truth, I've never been the strongest. Keep that in mind.
***
Twenty minutes later, I found myself sitting on a bench in the park across from the school. The bench was hidden behind some trees, so I presumed I was safe.
I poured water from my bottle onto a pair of gym shorts from my bag and dabbed at my bleeding cheek. It stung a lot, but it didn't feel too serious.
I ran a hand through my hair and took a deep breath. If I was correct, Will was in History at the moment. I sent him a text:
Skiving off school. Want to come with? A x
A few minutes later I got a reply.
Where are you? I'll be there ASAP.
I smiled gratefully.
In the park.
After eight minutes counted on my watch, Will came out of the school gates, concern written all over his face. I smiled. "Hey," I said as soon as he was in earshot.
"Are you okay? You're bleeding," he replied with worry. "I'm good, just a little scratch." Will took my hand. "My mom's not home. Wanna go there?" I bit my lip. "If it's not too much trouble," I responded. Will smiled.
"I'd get into any trouble for you."
