A Touch of Innocence (BxB)

Chapter 2 (Tommy)

   I thought about Bailey asking about Skylar on the drive home with the others. Did Bailey like Skylar? Was he really going to try to get him? Could he actually get him? These questions raced through my mind. I had liked Bailey since 8th grade. Sure, I had Hayley now, but it was mostly because I believed I could never have him so I needed to move on.
   "You okay, Tommy?" Brian asked "You haven't said a word the whole drive." I pulled into my driveway and parked.
   "I'm fine. Just thinking." I hoped he would just accept that. He gave me an apprehensive look, but thankfully did. He started talking to Kevin about what sounded like a game he's been playing or something. We went inside my house and I went straight for the stairs.
   "Gonna go get high, Tommy?" Brian called from my living room.
   "Shut up, I've got other things to do too, ya know" I snapped back.
   "But am I wrong?" He yelled up.
   "......no..." I answered with hesitance as I shut my door.

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(Bailey)

   I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited in front of the school for my mom to pick me up. I met him. I talked to him. I'm part of the Club. I did it. This was the best I'd felt in what seemed like an eternity. I started thinking about how it was supposed to go in the morning when I get to be an actual part of the Club for their activities. Distribution in the morning. I was so excited. I laid back on my back in the grass field next to the parking lot. When I laid back, I saw Skylar standing over me. I gasped.
   "Jesus f*ck, you scared me!" I sat up quickly and turned around to face him.
   "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just on my way out, and I saw you were still here. Are you okay?" He looked concerned.
   "I-I'm fine. Just waiting for my mom." I said quickly.
   "Oh okay...well, I'll see you first thing in the morning then. Remember, I know school starts at 7:25, but we have to be here at 6 to print and distribute our papers." He said, distantly but informatively.
   "I know. I'll see you there." I said, trying not to let my voice break with anxiety. Skylar then walked away. I watched him walk until I couldn't see him anymore. I wondered if I actually had a shot. My thoughts suddenly dispersed as a chilling, familiar voice called out.
   "Hey guys, look! It's the imp faggot!" It was the same group of bullies from PE. I didn't even know their names, but they've been bothering me since 7th grade. I wanted to run. Maybe I could get away. But I was trapped on two sides by a wall and a fence, and they were cornering me. I couldn't scale the fence in skinny jeans. Out of options, I just shut my eyes and faced away, bracing for the cruelty I was about to face. The main one grabbed my throat and pinned me against the wall.
   "We really lucked out today, boys. I didn't think we'd get a chance today. Let's teach this pixie shit how wrong and disgusting he is." He raised his fist, and I prepared for the worst.
   "HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" A female voice I didn't recognize yelled at them. "Security is still here, ya know! You leave him alone!" The girl grabbed the one holding me by his head and threw him to the ground. She must be strong. He was a pretty big guy, and she wasn't much bigger than me. He got up, his head bleeding where he hit the ground.
   "Alright alright, we're leaving." I heard him mumble "b*tch" under his breath as he walked away. I turned to face the girl. She was probably and inch or two taller than me with somewhat short golden blonde hair and emerald green eyes.
   "Th-Thank you." I choked out. She looked at me and smiled.
   "No problem" she said. "My name's Arlene. What's yours?" I hesitated.
   "Bailey" I said softly. Her eyes widened.
   "Bailey Clarke?" She asked me.
   "Yeah...how do you know my last name?" She seemed excited as she drew her breath to speak.
   "Your mom used to be a Volleyball LEGEND at this school. She's kind of an idol to me." I heard my mom honk to me as she pulled into the parking lot.
   "Well...would you like to meet her?" I asked her.
   "IS THAT HER HERE NOW!? OH MY GOD, YES!" Holy crap, she got excited for this. I walked over to the car and let Arlene talk to my mom. They talked for almost 40 minutes before my mom just offered her a ride, which Arlene happily accepted. They continued to talk the whole ride until we had dropped Arlene off. After she went inside her house and we started to drive off, my mom finally turned her attention to me. I had been thinking about Skylar and letting them talk the whole time, so my mom actually scared me slightly when she spoke to me.
   "So how was your day today, sweetie? You haven't said a word since you introduced me to Arlene? By the way, why haven't you brought her around before? Is she a new friend of yours? Did you meet her today?" Good grief, she was energetic.
   "Yes, mom. I met her today. She...rescued me from some bullies. And other than that, my day was good." My mom glanced at me in concern.
   "Bullies? The same ones again?" My mom looked frustrated.
   "Yeah...I don't even know why they hate me so much...I've never done anything to them..."
   "Well, don't worry about it. They're just angry about their own self image, and they're taking it out on you. But you're better than them. You are an amazing person, Bailey. So, did you make any other new friends today?"
   I smiled. I wanted to tell her about Skylar, but not yet.
   "I'll tell you all about my day at dinner, mom." She smiled.
   "Okay, sweetie. I look forward to it. It's steak night tonight."