absolutely wonderful [joshler]

dix

« trigger warning »» slurs and abuse »

"josh," i mutter, glancing around the classroom. "there's people watching."

"so?" josh ignores our clasped hands sitting on on top the science lab bench.

i shake my head. "i don't like it when people stare."

"baby, they're looking at how beautiful you are. when they start flirting, it'll become a problem," he says with a wink. flirting? sure, i suppose their fists could flirt with my face. hasn't happened in a while, but i'm probably due for another "date" soon.

nonetheless, i believe him, and go back to writing about the chemical reaction between two unstable elements. i almost forget about the staring, as i'm so wrapped up in trying to decide how to spell phosphorus.

and in a few short minutes, the bell rings. i pack my stuff up and say goodbye to josh, who has english next period and i have art. i almost make it to my own class before some kid five times my height grabs onto my arm.

"hey, chemo kid," he grunts, tightening his hold. "saw you holding hands with dun today. he your boyfriend?"

i shake my head. lying is probably the only thing that can soften the blow.

"oh, i bet he is. you're a little fag, aren't you?" he sneers.

"please," i say, barely finding my voice as tears threaten to slip down my face. where's josh when i need him?

"please what? you want me to let go of you?"

i nod.

"fine."

he releases his hold on me and starts walking away. but before i can even blink in astonishment, he turns on his heel and cracks his fist into my left cheek. and let me tell you, it hurts like hell. it feels like every needle i've ever had injected into me condensed into a tennis ball-sized area on my face.

people stare at me, not running to my defense or saying a word. they just stare. it's in their best interest, though. if you saw a kid taller than all of the teachers and half the people on the basketball team, would you try and save me? i wouldn't.

i gasp a little as i touch my cheek, wincing from the pain. the huge guy laughs, stalking away with some of his buddies and leaving me cowering in shame. pretty soon, the hallway starts to clear out and people go to their own classes, forgetting about me as soon as they look away.

i walk into art and sit down in the back. i don't want to go to the nurse, because she'll call my mother and then she'll get upset and stressed out over her screw up son named tyler. it's not worth it.

luckily, all we do in art is gradients and shading and things that don't attract attention. soon enough, the bell rings for sixth period, which is lunch. i'm the first out the door, scooting into the hallway in hopes of not encountering anybody else. i start to walk to the cafeteria, but then realize that josh is going to ask about my cheek, and i don't want that. instead, i make my way into the bathroom, locking myself in one of the stalls. i don't feel like eating much, anyways.

my phone buzzes from inside my jacket pocket. i already know who it is.

josh: where are you??

josh: you're not at lunch. are you in detention?

josh: tyler, baby, please answer

i sigh, my thumbs cracking as i type out a reply.

me: no, i'm not in detention

josh: well, you aren't with me, either.

me: very true

josh: do you need me to come get you?

josh: oh my god, are you hurt?

me: ...

me: yes

josh: i'm coming to get you.

i don't know how he knew where to find me, but in about two minutes, there's a scuffle of feet and a knock on the stall door.

"tyler?"

i sigh. "yeah."

"can i come in?"

pulling my hood up in an attempt to hide my face, i unlock the door and avoid josh's gaze as he sits next to me.

"baby, are you doing alright? what happened?" he wraps his arms around me and kisses my forehead.

i shake my head, feeling tears falling. josh wipes them away, but he pushes down on my cheek and i flinch.

"tyler? what's- oh, baby," josh says, drawing my hood away and looking at the purple-pink bruise.

i close my eyes. i can't take josh's sad look right now.

josh rubs my back, pulling me into his side and exhaling deeply. "i wish people wouldn't do this to you, tyler."

"i-i'm a wreck. p-people like to t-take advantage of m-me-"

"and that's going to end today," josh says. "i'll change my schedule so i can always be with you. and nobody will ever touch you again."

"josh, you don't have to do that-"

"well, i'm going to anyways. you're perfect and deserve everything in the world."