Boys Are Dogs

Chapter 13 - Collin POV

"I think I'm in love with you and I hate seeing people I love get hurt."

Why did I just say that?

I stand there in shock at myself, while watching Derek's face as he realizes the weight behind what I just confessed.

I don't have time to wait for his complete reaction. Tears are already spilling down my cheeks. I hurry out of the room, only accompanied by my hot tears. I'm not ready to be shunned. Not by Derek.

"Wow, Collin. You've only cried in front of your crush three times today. New personal record!" I scold myself.

I hurry down the hall and hide in a service closet (how ironic, I know). He's bound to follow me. Might as well hide while I can.

Why do I always do this? Why do I always hide from my emotions? It can't be healthy.

I hear him calling my name up and down the hall. It takes every ounce of self control in me to not run out and hug him and apologize.

"Collin, please."

I take a deep breath and sulk back further into the closet (again, ironic, I know).

I hear a thud against the wall outside my hiding place accompanied by heavy breathing.

"Damn it Collin. I'm not mad," Derek says to himself not knowing that I can hear him.

"If only you would stop hiding so I can tell you the truth."

He walks off after this statement, leaving me immensely confused. I hear the door to his room slam shut, making me wince.

I really screwed things up, didn't I?

***

I'm going to school. Let's talk after. What I did wasn't okay and I'm sorry. Just please give me a chance to talk.

I finished my text, and locked my phone. Today was going to be a long day.

Derek: I'm not going. Personal reasons. But yeah let's talk.

I sighed. I ruin everything. And I'm pretty sure I just ruined any chance I had of being with him.

I pulled into the parking lot, but sat in my car for a few minutes. I thought about everything. Derek's face. Malia. My grades.

Speaking of Malia, I hadn't seen her in a few days.

I walked up to the front doors of the school, but they opened before I got there.

I looked to see Malia surrounded by a bunch of thugs. She was obviously the one in charge.

One of the thugs grabbed me by my shirt and dragged me inside. He threw me on the floor, sending me sliding a few feet down the hall.

Malia glared at me before she finally spoke.

"You know, I never wanted you to turn out as a fag. But I've always suspected it. Choosing to be a fag was possibly the worst mistake you've ever made."

By now, a crowd had gathered in the entrance hall.

I tried to get up, but one of the thugs kicked me in the chest, sending me down again. He kicked so hard, you could hear a rib breaking.