The Blue Tree.

Out-Cool Her

Jack's POV
I was a mess. It felt good to let out every drop of sadness that was kept in me for so long. I knew it wasn't good to keep this secret to myself for so long, but who was I going to tell? Certainly not my mom, I'd never be able to go back to Ireland.

I love my mom, honest I do, but she takes things way too extreme. If I told her that at my old school someone put a bruise on me that lasted around half a year then she'd say something along the lines of 'We aren't going back to Ireland for another year. I don't want to take a chance and bump into this jerk.' That was actually pretty spot on of what she'd say.

My eyes were lid shut tightly but, the tears still came out faster than ever. It felt odd to have someone with me when I cried. Someone patting my back and comforting me. I usually was alone in my room. But I liked it like this a lot better.

"Jack?" I lifted my head and locked eyes with Mark. I knew what I looked like, bloodshot eyes, messy hair, ugly mess. I waited for a hysterical laugh from Mark to laugh at how dumb I am or how ugly I look.

"I'll never hurt you." His voice was low and calm, like a river flow.

"Mark- I don't... I want to believe that, you know that, you know I'm one to believe in a lot of things, but never? That's a real big word and I wouldn't go-go throwing it around in the air. Especial-Especially on some fooking bas-bastard like-like-" I could feel my breath shorten and anxiety taking over me that was before Mark lifted my chin up and wiped my tears away.

"Hey, don't say that. I mean every word of it. I will never hurt you. I will always love you. I'd walk through hell for you." His voice was calm and soothing as were his actions. He started messing with my brown hair a little and it made me laugh a little through the tears.

"I will never hurt you." I smiled through my tears and laughed a little as I heard Mark repeat himself. I closed my eyes and rested my head on Mark's shoulder. My crying and gone down and the anxiety left.

"Hey Mark?" I could barely hear my own voice and I wondered if he heard me at all.

"Hmm?" He started running his fingers through my hair gently to calm me down which was working.

"Where's the damn bus?" I laughed a little and he did to.

After a minute or two the bus arrived and I finally got up to get on the bus. Mark and I went toward the back of the bus. I sat down toward the window and smiled up at Mark as he sat by me.

"Hey remember when you gave me those shoes?" My voice was still shaky from crying so much.

"Yeah, you have them right?"

"I'm wearing them yup. I was just wondering... What's the big deal about shoes?" I looked into Mark's brown eyes.

"Remember Jill?" I had to think for a moment then I remembered the girl with the black hair that didn't seem to say much.

"Yeah, she's friends with Chloe and Emma right?" I said to make sure I was thinking of the right girl.

"Alright so back in freshman year Jill was the classic popular girl. Anyway, she was pretty funny and everyone liked her. She had tons of friends and included everyone. A year later Chloe came to school and got jealous since she was poplar wherever she came from. One day she pointed out how poor Jill was since her dad was a lawyer and digging dirt for Jill's family. Chloe told everyone and pointed out how dumb and poor her outfit was by spray painting nasty words like 'Poor Hoe' and stuff like that." The spray paint! Is that how Mark knew that night and painted the rose? Maybe, hopefully nothing too bad happened.

"Jill surrendered, she doesn't talk much anymore and unless she wants to be embarrassed so she has to hang around Chloe. When you're considered cool Chloe gets jealous so she'll make fun of you."

"You think I'm cool?" My voice went a little higher, I've never really been complimented other than family before.

"Extraordinary." Mark laughed which made me feel better about the situation.

"So what do you recommend I do?" The bus engine rumbled loudly as it came to the next stop.

"Well do you want to stand up to Chloe or not-"

"Wait, wait, wait, wait.... Wait." I held my hand up to stop Mark and he gave a confused yet happy look.

"What, what, what, what-" I rolled my eyes and pushed him lightly in annoyance.

"Haha very funny! Okay wait, how many people have been bullied by Chloe! And what about you? Have you ever gotten bullied by her? How would I even-"

"Wait, wait, wait-" this jokes getting old, but of course it doesn't matter because it's him and he can change anything in my perspective really.

"Mark, shush!" I stifled a laugh at how goofy he was being.

"Well Chloe has bullied or degraded around five people. Everyone's too scared to even try and keep up with trends at this point. If you tell on her she will really make your life hell, trust me." He laughed lightly, and I slid my hand in his smiling a little.

"Then maybe I'll give it a go. I can out cool her." I didn't know if I even believed my own words, but I can try I guess. Stay optimistic Jack, c'mon.

"I just don't want you to get hurt." His eyes were looking straight into mine, I wasn't the best at eye contact, but something about those brown eyes and how they weren't demeaning like I've seen others, it was comforting.

"I know." I whispered and I laid my head on his shoulder. It was nice to have comfort like this again. I missed it.

"I mean do what you want, I won't be the one to demand you on what to do and what not to do. Just know I'll support you no matter what."

"But Mark, what's your opinion on what I do?" The bus came to a half and everyone stood up to leave to get to school.

"Kick her ass." I laughed a little and stood up with him. Today's going to be different.