trapdoor//joshler

Chapter 3: Josh

   I was messed up. No one wanted me. No one cared about me. No one even took the time to know me- At least according to B.

   "Gay," one kid said as I walked by. 

   "Ew, look at him," another said. 

   "Hey, dude, shut up." 

   What? I didn't say anything-

   "Make me," the argument continued.

Who was responding?

   "Just stop," they said, I was completely turned around now.

I was surprised enough to find someone standing in front of me, holding his hand out in front of himself, appearing to be stopping the the other boy in front of him.

   "What? You got a crush, boy?"

   The boy had bright red hair, he was wearing all black clothing and had his backpack hanging over one shoulder.

   "No, but you don't need to be picking on this guy."

   Why was he helping me? He'd better stop; I out of all people knew what happened when you stood up to "bullies." It wasn't pretty.

   "Who says?"

   "Me," he swallowed.

                                                  |- /                

   Before I could open my mouth, Red was on the floor. His eye was now swollen from where he'd been struck. The boy walked off. I held out my hand, trying to help him up and see if he was okay without making a scene or stuttering in awe.

   "Are you okay, Man?" I asked anxiously, still in awe of what I'd just seen.

   "Yeah, I'm fine. You okay?" He responded. He reached up to his eyes to touch it, then lowered it back down to his sight to see if any blood had been drawn.

    "Me? Yeah, I mean, thanks... Why'd you do that?"

   "Someone had to," he said shrugging his shoulders, placing his hands inside the pockets of his jeans.

   I didn't know how to respond to his kindness.

   He's just sorry for you. He'll leave.

Thanks B, because I definitely needed you right now.

   "Shut up," I whispered to myself, clenching my fist slightly.

"What?"

   "Sorry, nothing. Uh... What's your name? I'm Tyler." I tightened my grip, you idiot

"Josh, nice to meet you." He sounded excited.

   "You too." Wow, way to be boring, ty.

 |- /

I walked to my next class, surprisingly next to him. I hoped we'd be separated so that he didn't have to stand the awkward silence any longer. But then the next. And the next. And the next... Until I finally reached the last class period. Gym. And to my surprise, Josh was also in my gym class. 

   "This is sick as frick,"  Josh said, walking up to me, "Every single class."

"Yeah," i said, slightly giggling. I lowered my backpack down to get out my gym clothes before entering the locker room, as we were slightly early.

   Finally, the day was over. Sadly, though, Josh and I separated as I walked to my car and he walked he walked to his.