Double Or Nothing // C.T.H

28 ~ Calum

A scorching anger held my stomach in its fiery hands, my face was turning red from the heated blood in my cheeks. My jaw began to ache from being locked and I tapped my foot in impatience.

I was hidden in a small closet, the only thing keeping me from breaking the freaking door down, was the small hand enclosed in my own.

Valerie's sent invaded the small, dark space we were held in, her head just under my nose, I could smell the sweet coconut sent of her shampoo and it calmed me slightly.

We were watching through the small rectangular Windows that are placed in school doors, and the scene before me made me sick.

I shifted slightly as Thomas was shoved against the lockers roughly, his books sprawled across the deserted hall.

Valerie lent into me, her face downcast with a frown as she watched. We couldn't hear what they were saying, just muffled yells and laughs.

My face twitched with emotion, I was angry and devastated. Scared yet determined. I was confused but, some how it made sense at the same time.

My anger wasn't only at the blonde who was pinning my brother to the lockers, it was at the world, at myself.

Why is all this happening? Why can't we have a normal family without unnecessary bullying or peer pressure?

My world was not only flipped upside down, but it was rolling out of control down a mountain with sharp edges jabbing at me everywhere I turn.

I watched the interaction on the other side of the door and feel immensely disappointed with myself.

Where was I when all this would happen? How long has this been happening? How could I have been friends with Seth and been so - so self-absorbed that I never even knew he would terrorize Thomas?

I took a shaky breath, watching as Seth turned his head so sharply his neck might have snapped. Too bad it didn't.

Seth jumped back, his friends scattering, yet Thomas slyly stuck his foot out, causing Seth to stumble slightly, slowing him down for just the right amount of time.

Because just then, Mr. Wilson marched down the hall, his face set with deep anger. His eyes latched onto the blonde git before Seth could race away. It was like watching one of those old silent movies, guessing what was happening by the actions of the people before me.

Thomas gathered his books as Mr. Wilson fumed at Seth, who's cool demeanor was long gone.

His face paled greatly, cheeks turning red and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Mr. Wilson must have said  something that upset him, because he shook his head violently, holding up his hands slightly as if to say 'I back off'

Mr. Wilson gestured to Thomas who rocked on his heels, uncomfortable with whatever they were talking about.

Seth nodded his head slightly and said something, to which Thomas looked to the door that hid us behind it for a minute before turning back to the two.

After a few more moments, Mr. Wilson left, leading Seth away with him and leaving Thomas alone in the hall.

Only then did I burst through the door.