Seasons

Chapter 7

I feel my legs grow weak and collapse under me once she and her group of brats were out of my sight. I hid behind my hands and sobbed quietly. Jinyoung and the other boys ran over to me, I noticed the others were bruised and bleeding, at least a couple of them were. All I could do was apologize. “I’m so sorry.” My voice was shaky and broken.

Jinyoung raised an eyebrow. “Sorry?” He paused. “What do you mean? Why are you apologizing?”

“I caused you guys to get in a huge fight with practically every boy at the school, and-” I stopped looking at Jinyoung. “I trusted you, I knew what I was walking into when you stood up for me, but I guess I just kind of hoped that maybe, just maybe, the smallest percent, it wasn’t true. My gut knew, logically I knew that this is all I was to you.” I could feel the tears building and stinging my swollen eyes. The pain was like lighter fluid being squirted into my eyes, but I knew the embarrassment was worse than this. I continued. “Go ahead, make fun of me. But, cut the act, no one here really wants to be here. No one wants to be here sticking up for someone like me.”

“You’re right.” Jinyoung sighed. “No one wants to be here. None of us want to be stopping you from getting thrown off of a rooftop. Not a single one of us want to deal with manipulative bitches who push my friend around.” I froze and looked up at him. “Listen, you have to stop believing everything those snakes hiss into your ear. Block them out, cause when you don’t, it gives them the opportunity to strike.” His voice was so relaxing, yet serious.

I never thought that a day like this would come. I never thought someone would be so honest about something I didn’t think existed in my small world, kindness, friendship, respect. As I was thinking this I felt a hand on my shoulder and seen one of the boys smiling down to me. “Come on, let’s properly get introduced.”

“After she sees the nurse though.” Another spoke up leading the way. This is my new beginning, my new life, my new...me. I felt a warm feeling rise and form a smile on my face. Everything that is happening around me is so weird, but I like it. I feel, happy.

…..

“Well, good news, nothing is broken but you will have swelling and bruises for a couple weeks.” The school nurse smiled cleaning off the rest of blood that was on my face. “If you want I can send you home early so you can have some time to rest.”

I shook my head no and exhaled peacefully. “I don’t think I need to go home, I can make it through my classes the rest of the day.”

She gave me a small nod before popping the question. “Who started it, who did this?”

“No one, I would rather not talk about it.” I spoke in a low, uncomfortable voice. If I keep quiet maybe Jennie will ease up and not hurt me any more than she is planning. “Nothing is broken so it’s all fine.”

“Does this have anything to do with the mosh pit in the cafeteria at lunch?” She raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.

I shook my head no before standing up and grabbing my bag, ignoring her further questions and heading out of the office. When I turned the corner the boys were all there waiting for me. “Let’s get to class.” I gave them a faint smile.

They didn’t budge, not even one of them. I looked at them confused, why aren’t they coming. Do you think I’m in more trouble and they blamed the entire thing on me? Was this all Jennie's idea? Were they just acting this entire time and now I’m going to get it? Oh god, I’m getting expelled! Or worse maybe they are going to beat me up next. There is no way I could survive that, I am dead. I am their next victim!

As soon as I opened my mouth to talk Jinyoung pushed himself off the way with his foot. “Let’s go, we are walking you home.”

My eyes went wide. “No, you guys have to stay at school.”