Stay Strong

[10]

Ross' POV

I pace through the park nervously waiting for Riker. After not seeing him for years, anything about him could've changed. He could have a girlfriend, a step-mom- I might have a step-mom! I'm terribly anxious.

I spot someone from a distance. Blonde hair like mine. Tall like me. Slim and wears cool clothes like me. I think it's him, I have a feeling it definitely is.

I stare at the ground awkwardly trying not to watch the guy walking towards me. Shoving my hands in my pockets I shift my body from side to side until he approaches me. "Ross?" he asks, stunned to see me. "Yeah, it's me" I smile weakly and fiddle with my fingers.

Riker: You've uh changed I think

Ross: You too, I think

Riker: So, what did you ask to meet up for?

We walk through the park in the warm wind while talking about the past and what I want for the future

Ross: Lately my eyes have been opened to who I am, and I desperately wanna change

Riker: what made you want that?

Ross: A girl

Riker: Wow, a girl? You were never into girls like a teenage guy would be

Ross: Yeah I know, that's another thing that changed about me. But it's not like that. I've been a player in my latest high school years, but this time is different. She's a girl who I can really relate to.

Riker: She must be special to make you want to change for the good

Ross: She is because she is just like I was. Unpopular. Smart. Dorky. Bullied. 

I cringe at the world 'bullied'. The memories fly in and I force back the tears.

FLASHBACK

"Hurry Rossy, you wanna get home to your mama don't you?!" Alex teased, the biggest bully in school.

"Is she gonna tuck you in bed and help you go night-night?" another boy sniggered behind me. I tried my hardest to run away from the voices, but they always seemed to linger inside my mind.

I had thoughts of running away, but since I had my family, that wasn't an option. Suicidal thoughts however were. Every night before bed I would lash at my wrists and bite my other arm to hold in the screams. The pain was excruciating but it felt good inside. It's like the painful words masked as the physical pain, and the hate drowned out of me through the blood.

They herd past me like a pack of wolves for their prey, pushing me into a muddy puddle in the process. I got up and wringed the water out of clothes and rucksack, before lugging myself home in the pouring rain.

END OF FLASHACK

-Bullied. And she deserves none of it. I understand her pain and I don't want to cause it for her anymore. I need to change now Riker, before it's too late.

Riker pats my back as I wipe a tear from my cheek. This is the first time I've let my emotions out to a member of my family emotionally rather than to myself abusively. Riker agrees to talk to his- I mean our Dad. We shake hands like we're acquaintances, but pull each other into an arm hug.

"It was really good to see you bro" he smiles. "the boys will be glad we found you, especially Rydel" he adds.

"You too, tell everyone I said hi and that I miss them loads" smile

"Will do" he replies before disappearing with the wind.

I sigh with stress rather than disappointment. It's great that, just hopefully, things will work out between our whole family. I cant wait to live like a family again, but then Laura comes to mind. She hasn't got family with her except for Vanessa. I wish I could do something, and I think becoming her friend is a step in the right direction, even if it means sacrificing my popularity.

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