Kill them with Kindness

Old and New Friendship

I walked away leaving him watching me confused. I get the feeling that Allen is just scared, confused, and probably going through his own personal hell in his own way. There's no point in running or bullying a bully. Being kind is always the best way to deal with things, no matter how hard. I've been beaten almost to the point of death because people didn't like that I wanted to be trans or the fact that I am gay. But their opinions do not matter to me. I am slowly dealing with my hell. I am who i set myself up to be and I choose to be kind. The world needs kinder, gentler hearts. I hope that someday my examples will spread across the world and help bullies become defenders and help victims. I sat in class thinking about all of these things when Kayla Sanders, Allen's girlfriend, sat next to me.

"Roman I just wanted to say I am so so sorry for what Allen did to you. I miss you. I don't care that you're a guy now I just want my best friend back. I broke up with Allen because he's such a dick. Can we be best friends again please?"

"A-are you serious?"

I tried to hide the glint of hope in my eyes.

"I miss you boo"

I smiled and hugged her tight. I had my best friend back. I know a lot of people wouldn't have forgiven others so easily but I always forgive. Sometimes it can be a curse but in the end I always make the best out of the situation. Mother always says it's better to forgive than miss out on amazing opportunities. I spent the whole morning with Kayla in all of our classes and we even walked to lunch together.

"Rome baby over here!"

I looked up at Jonah and paled slightly when I saw him sitting with his friends on the different sports teams. I'm afraid to go over there... but life was created with challenges. I walk over slowly with Kayla trailing behind me.

"Hey baby" He kissed me and I slightly kissed back, nervously. "You remember the guys right?"

"Y-yeah.." I looked down anxiously. What if they thought I was disgusting..

"It's so great to have you back Ril- uh Roman.. Sorry i'm still trying."

I smiled at Zach and realized that I really missed my name.. I hadn't gotten my name changed to Roman legally yet and honestly I didn't want it.

"Call me Riley." I blushed watching Jonah's face light up in excitement."

"Thank god baby I hate the name Roman." I chuckled slightly.

"Roman was my grandfather's name babe."

I saw his face was super red from embarrassment and laughed but gasped in surprise as all the guys hugged me. In our group we used to be the popular but welcoming. There's Jonah, me, Kayla, and then the twins Zack and Cody. Jonah and I were always the power couple. Then Kayla was single; she didn't start dating Allen till after she found out about me being trans. She's also bisexual. We work at The Pancake House together and we've been friends since fourth grade. I've been friends with Zack and Cody for three years, I met them through Jonah, which we were dating for eight years before the surgery, and the twins were really shy but we instantly clicked and became great friends. I'm so happy to have my friends back. I didn't think they'd ever accept me. After eating lunch together, Jonah and I walked to our next class and I could feel him watching me the whole class period. Afterwards, I confronted him about it.

"Babe why were you staring at me during class?.." I'm afraid that he doesn't like how I look... maybe this was all a prank..

"Because you still have that slight nose twitch that you do when you don't understand what we're learning and you looked so adorable."

"Thank you baby. I love you so much"

"I love you too. Want me to come over after school?"

"Pleaseee."

I watched him smile and kissed him goodbye as I ran off finishing my last two classes of the day.

As I walked to my locker when the final bell rang, I put my books in my locker and shut it. Suddenly I was yanked back onto the floor and whimpered looking up at Allen.

"What the hell did I tell you fag?!"

I felt the tears brim and looked down. "S-sorry.."

"Get the hell out of my school!"

I whimpered in pain as he repeatedly hit me in the face and then kicked me in the stomach. I slowly pulled myself up and limped out the back door so Jonah wouldn't see me. When i get home I quickly shower and cover my face in my mother's makeup so the bruises are unseen. I call Jonah and tell him that I forgot I had a shift tonight and he can't come over right before I call my boss and tell him I'm coming in tonight and made my way to the diner.

"Hey kid, that limp still not any better?"

"No sir.."

I kept my head down and immediately got to work. It wasn't until the end of my shift that Allen walked in with a few guys from school. I slowly walked over to their table.

"M-may I take your o-order.." I winced when he looked at me angrily.

"No I don't like faggots touching my food."

I forced my tears down and limped away. I asked Kayla, who had been in the back during the conversation, to take their order. I sat at the register still fighting back my tears when I heard glass shatter. I looked up to see Kayla had thrown a cup at Allen's table.

"Why the hell are you here?!"

"C'mon babe you know you're better with me than that stupid piece of shi-"

My jaw dropped, I couldn't believe she just punched him in the face..

"You listen to me" She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and he actually looked scared. "You stay the hell away from my best friend because I will fuck up your life so bad. You stay away from him, you stay away from his locker, and if you EVER touch him again I will kill you."

I watched as he nodded and ran out taking his friends with him. What if he hurt her.. What if he just made sure to hit me where no one could see and threatened to kill me if i told anyone.. I flinched when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Riley?"

"S-sorry... I need some sleep.."

I clocked out and walked home. It was getting cold, the wind was blowing slightly every now and then. Suddenly I heard leaves crunching behind me and I felt dizzy. I tried to walk faster but tripped on a raise in the sidewalk and I found it hard to breathe. Next, everything was black.