Ryder

Chapter 9

Ryder's school days had gotten worse.  No one but me had talked to her at all the next week.  Even the teachers were too surprised by this sudden gain of another student to call on her.  The only person who had talked to her was Lucas.  And the words he spoke were taunting and demeaning.  The actions were even worse. 

Name-calling and ganging up on her.  Talking about his "perfect, ordinary" family around us.  He threw daggers at our hearts and minds.  Lunch was always the worst part. 

Ryder and I still sat at our usual table.  The boys around us were still acting distant....then again, they always had.  Although, at the end of the week, one of the kids, Davey, had gotten the nerve to say a shy "hello" to her.  Way to go Davey.  Really stepped outside of the box.

She was still eating very little.  Mum had said earlier this week that she needed a lot of time to be able to eat normally.  For now, she would have to be seen as the anorexic girl.  Which really sucked, because the kids at my school take things like anorexia, eat it up, and spit it back out.  They see it as being vulnerable.  And here, if you found someone vulnerable, you would abuse your strength over them to show them that you're better.  That you weren't vulnerable.  It was all about power over each other.

Over the days, Lucas was always saying small things that hurt to Ryder and I.  He shoved us, kicked the backs of our heels, and taunted us for being weird and "together".  I wanted to punch him in the gut.  Make fun of me all you want, but, turn on my friend, and we'll have an issue.  But I was a wuss, and no one dared challenge Lucas. 

As Friday drifted lazily into view, so did Lucas's big form of harassment.  Always saved the best part for last. 

Ryder and I were just minding our own business.  I was sharing my food with her, feeding her small things like saltine crackers.  She seemed to really like those.  We were chatting and laughing together, and I got the feeling that, after eight days of knowing each other, we were truly becoming friends.  Best friends.  I had never had one of those, and I don't think she did, either. 

Suddenly, as if magic, everyone in the lunchroom was silent.  Just as it had been exactly one week ago.  I knew what was coming.  I poked Ryder's shoulder.  When she looked at me, I jerked my head to the side, where I knew Lucas was.  We shifted our bodies and turned to face him. 

He towered above us once more.  We still sat down, and I tried to look as normal as possible.  If I played my cards right, I could get away with Ryder and everything would be okay. 

"Yes, Lucas?"  I asked, faking a calm voice.  I had to say, I was doing pretty well.  Ryder remained silent next to me, her face blank of any concern that she might've had.  I liked that about her.  She was always brave, a shoulder to lean on.  Literally. 

"How's the romance going, Pohler?  Having fun living with her?  When's the wedding?"  Some people in the lunchroom gave a nervous laugh. 

"You two are dating, right?  You two make a perfect couple.  Both weird.  Both losers.  Both about to be humiliated,"  he spoke loudly, so that everyone could hear his "hilarious" words. 

"This should be good," I said quietly. 

"What was that, Pohler?  It 'should be good'?  If you insist...." He laughed heartily.  "Get up."  The words were directed towards Ryder.

"What?" She asked, a look of puzzlement crossing over her bony face. 

"You heard me.  Get up.  Now."

"Why?"

"Because I said.  Now do it, or I'll force your boyfriend to do this instead."

"He is not my boyfriend."  But Ryder still stood up, doing as she was instructed.  For me.