Pretty Eyes & Bow Ties

The Fight

"You had a fun spring break I'm assuming?" Raywood teased, crossing his arms over his chest as he grinned.

Eri smiled sheepishly and touched the bandage on the side of his head that covered his still healing stitches.
"Yeah. Just unlucky I suppose." He shrugged.

He looked to me and smiled wider, giving a small wave. I laughed at his dorkiness and waved back.
"Alright kid, sit down. You missed enough already." Raywood shooed, turning on his projector to start the day's lesson.
-
"How's Everett's arm?" Eri asked, picking at his food.
"As good as a broken arm can be." Karma shrugged, picking at the long scab on her cheek.

"Stop picking at it. It'll scar." Eden fussed, taking her girlfriend's hand in her own to get her to stop. Karma simply rolled her eyes and laced their fingers together.
"How've you been holdin' up Eri? Any brain damage?" Marcus teased.

"Nah. Just a big gash and concussion."
"Concussion gon' make you lose brain cells." Rye piped up, earning a smack on the arm by Benny.

The rest of the group laughed while Eri opted for that quiet little chuckle of his. I had been contemplating about asking Karma if she had started her project for Ms. Pamsey's class when I felt a sensation that I've been deprived of for months. The burn of someone's gaze.

I looked up and met eyes with a girl sitting in the exact spot Eri used to. Dark eyes narrowed as she glared at me from between my friends' shoulders.

"Mary." I whispered.

She had been steering clear of me for months after what happened to her boyfriend. All her so called 'friends' slowly left her for better people and she was left on her own from what I've observed.

She nodded her head towards the door before standing and walking out. I clenched my jaw and stood as well.  "Be right back." I told the group before jogging out of the cafeteria.

"Mar-" I called before a hand clapped over my mouth and another over my eyes, dragging me backwards. I thrashed away and found I had been dragged into a janitor's closet.

"Mary!" I snapped, watching the girl step in front of the door. "What the hell!"

"Shut up!" She hissed. "I want you to tell Eri to leave your friend group."
I blinked at her.
"Why the hell would I do that?" I deadpanned.
"Because I have dirt on you."
"What kind of dirt?" I asked, brow raised.
"You have two dads."
"Everyone knows that."
"I know your real gender."
"No one can prove it unless they commit a felony or I tell them. Which I won't."
Her face contorted in irritation and impatience.
"I know about David Ochoa!"

I felt my cheeks grow cold as my face blanched. Swallowing hard, I made an attempt to compose myself.
"How did you find out about 'im?"
"I have a little birdie that has access to student records."
I pressed my lips into a thin line before speaking again.
"Go ahead. Tell everyone. No one is going to believe you. No one will care. I rather be harassed then have to tell Eri to leave."
"Well we'll just have to see what everyone in school says about Lil Davie now won't we."

I clenched my teeth and felt my nails dig into my palm. She stepped out of the way and allowed me to push past her, my throat burning and eyes stinging. I had tried to make a beeline to Raywood's room but stopped when something snagged my arm.
"Haven!"
"E-Eri." I whispered.
"I was calling you."
"I didn't hear you-"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Nothing." I waved, trying to pull my arm free.
"No. Something's wrong. I can tell."
"It's nothing. I swear."
"Haven!" He snapped, making me flinch. He hardly ever raised his voice.
He at least had the decency to look apologetic right after. The boy curled close to me and dipped his head down to whisper in my ear.
"What's wrong?"
"I-"
He gasped and stumbled back slightly when I launched myself into his chest, wrapping my arms around him. I cried, felt him wrap his arms around and hold me. Glancing over his shoulder, I found Mary watching us, a knowing smirk on her lips.