You Belong With me

Chapter Four

Oakleaf High School Hallway, 6:00 P.M., Friday

I can hear the music playing from the gym.

-"Why does the music have to be so loud?" I ask, my hands over my ears.

-"It's a dance sweetie so that means there's music" Jo replies, swinging her arm over my shoulder.

I take my hands off my ears.

-"Then I guess I don't like dances" I reply, taking her hand.

She smiles.

-"You're a strange being" She says, kissing my cheek.

-"So are you" I respond, grinning like an idiot.

We walk into the gym, flashing lights fill the room as do dancing fellow 10th graders.

I spot Dale and Kevin, feeding each other cookies.

We walk over to them.

-"Hey guys" Dale greets, beaming.

-"Hey" Kevin says, smiling as well.

-"Hey you two" I respond "Do you guys know if we can suggest a song?".

-"Yeah, you just ask the DJ to play the song" Kevin answers.

-"Okay thanks guys" Jo says.

We walk away, towards the desert table.

-"What song are you going to suggest?" Jo asks while eating a cake pop.

-"A Twenty One Pilots song obviously" I answer, holding her chin in my hand.

She grins and kisses me.

-"You're Twenty One Pilots trash" She asks.

-"Yes, yes I am" I agree.

Two Hours Later

The last song of the night is a slow song.

Couples and girl friends pair up as the single guys just stand around.

Dale and Kevin are dancing Cinderella style.

Jo and I swing dance even though the music isn't to the tune of the dance.

Casey announces the dance is over and we all file out of the gym.

I see a group of guys teasing Dale and pushing him outside in the parking lot.

-"I'll be right back" I say to Jo.

I run to the door and open it with my shoulder.

-"We always knew you are a f*****" A tall boy with an unbutton shirt says in a taunting voice.

Dale is being pinned against the wall by two other guys in the same attire.

His nose is bleeding, as is his lip.

Kevin is unconcious on the concrete, bleeding and bruised.

-"Hey!" I yell.

Everyone looks in my direction.

Dale grins.

-"What do you want?" The tall guy asks "You're a f***** too aren't you?".

He snaps his fingers and his gang lets go of Dale, letting him fall to the ground.

Dale hits his head when he falls to the ground and his eyes roll to the back of his head.

The tall guy stands close to me, bending down so we're at eye level.

-"You're a girl" He says "Don't think I fall for this 'genderqueer' bullshit Anna".

His gang laughs.

I glare at him even though I'm petrified.

-"What Anna? Have nothing to say?" He asks "For once".

-"I do have something to say" I respond weakly.

-"What is it Anna?" He questions, tilting his head mockingly.

-"Eat shit and die" I say, kicking him in the knee.

I run away before his gang can catch me.

I feel the October wind blow in my hair.

Once I'm out of sight I text Jo, asking her to go to the parking lot.

I remember my binder is on and gasp for breath.

I fall to the ground.

I can feel the compression in my chest.

I lie in the grass, looking at the stars.

I remember my binder has a zip at the front and unzip it.

I take a deep breath.

Everything is going to be okay now.

The End