Being You

Chapter 6

"Jeremy!" Ella looked up to see her mum half-running towards her. She reached out gently to inspect the coverings on her face. "What happened to you?" the woman asked, worry in every line in her face, eyes trained on Ella's.

Ella grunted. "Someone was being a dickhead to...Ella and, I dunno, I guess I pissed off Brandon..." Her voice trailed off. Her mum was still looking at her intently. Ella was surprised she hadn't told her off for her colourful language yet. She suddenly felt guilty that she'd worried her mum so much.

"Oh, sweetheart." Her mum surprised her by pulling her into a hug, gently avoiding her aching nose. She whispered, "Don't tell the teachers this, but thank you for defending your sister. Just try not to get yourself hurt, okay?"

Ella allowed herself a small grin. "Sure, Mum. I'll try."

"I love you," her mum said, releasing Ella from the embrace.

"Love you, too."

"Now where's Ella? Is she okay?"

"Um, she copped an elbow to the face, I think, but she's alright." Ella was still angry at her brother, but she wasn't exactly sure why. Maybe it was that he still couldn't defend himself, even when he had her reputation at his disposal. Most students had respected Ella to some degree because of her bold, outspoken character, and didn't start fights with her. But somehow that Amy bitch had picked up on 'Ella's' personality shift, and had honed in on Jeremy's evident weakness. Then again, it was Ella's own fault that she'd tried to use Jeremy's puny body to take on the two class bullies.

She sighed defeatedly and slouched down in her chair, waiting to be called into the principal's office. Jay and Brandon were currently being interviewed, but it wouldn't be long until she and Jeremy were dragged in to say their part. They both knew whose account of the incident was more likely to be believed; the teachers were often inclined to lean in favour of the kids who'd represented the state for sports. Those who were the face of the school were more valuable than the twins with average grades and no outstanding skills.

Jeremy returned from the bathroom. "Mum," he said in relief. Then his face fell. "I'm sorry about all this drama, we didn't mean to start anything—"

"Shh," their mum interrupted. "It's okay, honey. I know you're good kids, and I hate that you got picked on like this. I'll be having a word to your principal." Her expression turned stony.

Ella watched Jeremy nod slowly, eyes down. "Thanks for coming."

The woman hugged him and kissed his forehead. "Anything for my beautiful children."

. . .

Word the next morning at school was that Jay and Brandon had gotten off with a mere two days' suspension. Thankfully Jeremy and Ella hadn't been suspended, though they'd gotten a long talking to. Jeremy suspected their mum was a large part of the reason they didn't even have any detentions. He could just imagine her charging into the principal's office, fiercely saying, "Don't you dare punish my kids when you should have stopped these bullies in the first place!"

Jeremy almost chuckled at the imaginary scene until he realised where he was. He was outside his modern history class, waiting for his teacher to arrive. A minute later the man came to unlock the classroom door, and Mia, Jamie, and Emily (another of Ella's friends) dashed after the young Mr Bridges into the classroom. Jeremy made for the usual seat Ella occupied in this class, but the girls stood in front of the chair, blocking it.

"You can't sit with us," Jamie said coldly.

"Uh, what? Why?" Jeremy inwardly groaned, not ready for another confrontation.

"Because we don't want you hanging around with us anymore," Mia said, shrugging as though his existence was of absolutely no consequence to her anymore.

"You and your brother are too much trouble," Emily told him. "And you're obviously obsessed with each other."

Jeremy raised his eyebrows and scoffed at that last response. "Where the hell do you get that idea?"

Mia sniffed. "You spend all your time together now. You're so boring, Ella. It's like you don't even care about us anymore."

"Well, maybe I don't," Jeremy blurted before he could think.

Mia attempted to look offended, but the other two didn't even try. Jeremy realised that they were all relieved to be able to get rid of him so easily.

"So, you can't sit with us," said Jamie firmly. "Bye Ella." She made a tiny wave to banish him from their circle.

Jeremy suddenly felt lost. These people were the last that had even pretended to be on his side, and now they had washed their hands of him. He nodded, more to convince himself to leave than to agree to their ultimatum. He spun on his heel and found a seat to the side at the back of the classroom. Peace at last, he thought to himself, but he lacked conviction. He was just as alone as he had ever been.