Alex pouted as he walked into school, knowing his friends would pound him with questions. He avoided Derek as best as he could, the only problem is that they share a chemistry class. Alex sighed at the thought and walked up to the lunch table they normally sat at. Lisa gave a huge smile "so how'd it go?". It was obvious he was miserable, from the way he dressed to his body language, she dared to ask anyway. Alex looked away "...He called me a faggot and told me not to go near him ever again..." He mumbled out as he rested his head on the table. Jake and Lisa looked to each other then back at Alex. Lisa pit a hand on his shoulder "I'm sorry Alex..." She said sympathetically. Jake sighed "cheer up, there's tons of other guys you can get with. What about Henry? He loves Chem too! And he's gay!" He said encouragingly. Alex shook his head and sat up "I don't like him like that, I only like Derek" he crossed his arms and looked down. Alex dismissed any of their ideas, changing the subjects as they talked. When the bell rang Lisa and Jake walked off together, sharing a class.
Alex stood up, hesitantly walking to Chemistry and taking his seat at his usual table. He had the perfect view of Derek, looking over ever so often. All Alex could think about was Derek, how his hair was the perfect brown, his eyes were the perfect colour, changing between blue-green to hazel through out the year. He thought about how his stubble suited his defined face. He ended up staring again, realizing when the teacher called his name. Of course, he already knew the material so he was able to answer the question once she repeated it again. Derek gave him a threatening look before writing down notes. Alex cowered in his seat and stared straight ahead at the board as he did so.
-----------later that day----------
Alex walked to the park, avoiding going home. He plopped down in a bench and looked down at his feet. Derek always went to the park after school, usually with Brian. Today he had been there alone, walking around nonchalantly. Derek had noticed Alex came there almost every day, but never said anything. Alex would often get a phone call and cower as the person on the other line yelled for him to come home, running faster than Derek had ever seen. Fridays were usually the days Alex would sit there until night time before deciding to go home.
Alex was too focused on his feet to realize Derek staring over at him from far away. Alex stretched out on the bench and started reading a book. Derek shook his head as he continued walking. Shoving his hands in the pockets of his red sweater they only gave to the football players, everyone else would have to buy them.
