They Saved Me (boyxboyxboy)

Onto Worse Things

*Noah

I found myself on the bathroom floor the next morning. My surroundings were painted blood red. My wound had closed up overnight. The metal still in my hand. The realization that I could've died tonight hit me. But not as hard as I would've thought. Maybe I didn't mind dying.

I shook the thoughts out of my head and pushed myself up. The blood had dried up everywhere and I was getting nauseous just looking at it.

I quickly washed up and dragged myself out of the bathroom. I pulled on the clothes I'd laid out and tied up my clothes bag. I picked up my black, torn up backpack and made my way out of the building.

The sky was dull today also. The grey coloring promised a day of dread like no other. I should be scared but I was numb. I just wanted it to be later already so I could hole up in my corner with my magazine.

Despite my wishes, my feet had me arrive at school shortly after. I entered the building through the red doors. Nothing happened. I don't know what I was expecting. Why should this day be any different?

I kept walking to my locker. I looked down with my hoodie on. Not wanting to see people or them to see me. Normal people would leave me alone. I wasn't what I would call approachable. Other than how I look, the aura of pity surrounding me should push anyone who dares come away. Except for the jocks of course. That's different. They're here to terrorize me.

I got closer to my locker, silently hoping that i wouldn't see them when I turned the corner. But who am I kidding? When have my wishes ever been granted?

And as I thought, I turned the corner and there they were. The three imposing forms in the center of the hallway.

My head barely reached their chins, maybe right under. It was hard not to cower but I managed. I looked down at my worn sneakers and prayed they would have a change of heart. Holding on to my bags straps, I squared my shoulders and stood still.

"Hahaha," the deep laugh sent shockwaves through me. The bad kind, it there was even a good kind. "Look at our little Mason trying to be brave," they always called me by my last name. I don't think they even know my name. I didn't mind either way. I couldn't mind. It wasn't my choice, I had to accept it.

Gunter, the leader stepped forward. "Where are you hurrying to? Thought you could escape?" He said mockingly.

I kept my head down and kept quiet. I knew how to play this game.

"Look at me when I'm speaking to you!" He snapped. "You know, I'm extra agitates today. I could use a stress relief work out. Good thing I found you in time, right?" My heart started to beat faster. The beatings were worse when he was mad. Usually he's talk me down and push me into a locker. I knew today wasn't going to be like that though.

He pulled me from the collected crowd I'd gotten use to. I was dragged into the boys locker room and thrown into the lockers.

I looked up and saw his shoulders heaving with frustration. His fists were clenched, his hands pulled taught, the veins popping out of his forearms.

Even though this was my life, I had a right to be scared. He looked beastly. His structured, typically handsome face morphed into one of furious disgust. 

"Faggot!" Was his last word before he shouldered me into the lockers.

I heaved our a breath and it hurt like shit. I'm pretty sure my ribs were broken.

He pulled back and started to blindly throw his fists at me. Blows landed on my jaw, against my thigh, near my hips. I was numb by the time he decided I was bloody enough.

I crumbled to the floor as soon as he stepped back, fighting not to make any noise. He was like a grizzly sometimes. He would come at me if he thought I was still able to function somewhat normally. I stayed on the ground as him and goons walked out of the room.

When this happened, I would usually go back home and cry out my pains. It wasn't the best thing, but it was very hard to go back to class and pretend at times like these.

I don't know how long I sat there, but I was sure I'd already missed a few periods. My thoughts were confirmed when the bell for lunch sounded.

The halls were soon alive with chatter, shuffling of feet, and slamming of lockers. A few moments later, the noise died down and I knew everyone had gone to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria. I hadn't eaten since yesterday's lunch. Thinking about food made me realize how hungry I was.

I pushed up against the locker, finally standing. I went to take a caustics step and pain shot up my thighs. I winced and pushed myself, the thought of food helping me through my pain.

Thankfully, no one noticed me as I struggled through the lunch line. Today's lunch was pasta in a plastic container, along with fruits, yogurt and crackers if wanted. I piled my tray, not caring about the looks I got from people around me. I left the cafeteria with my tray and filled my backpack with all the food. If kept properly, this could last me maybe three days. I may not come to school tomorrow so I needed the food. I'd carried out three yogurts, about five crackers, and scored two boxes of pasta when the lunch lady wasn't looking, along with bottles of water.

I must've looked like I was setting up dinner walking out of there but fuck what they think.

I got out of the school with no trouble and limped my way home.

At the entrance to the building, I found a rolled up newspaper and picked it up. I walked to my room and stopped at the door to catch my breath. My body was paining badly but a nights rest should fix that.

When I went to open the door, yellow caught my eye. There was a paper stuck to my door. It read EVICTION NOTICE. The imposing letter burned my eyes until I felt wetness run down my cheeks. Maybe life could get worse after all.

Before I collapsed in the hallway, I pulled the letter off the door and entered the apartment room. It felt duller than ever today. I stood there, confused. Did I have to move now? To where?

I put the note to my face and read the rest of it. It said I had a week to move out or I would be locked out. Actually, I'm surprised I didn't get kicked out sooner. I never paid the endless bills that arrived in my mailbox downstairs.

I pulled my bag down and sat in my corner. I tried to relax and took out my lunch. I could at lest eat first and then I'd have a clear mind to think about what came next.

I stated in on the pasta. I was eating when I noticed the news paper I'd brought in. I picked it up and flipped through it.

The big news of today was of Gunter Hilton winning himself a scholarship. Good for him I guess. Not like he deserved it but what did i know about deserving anything?

At the back, there were advertisements and below them were job offered. I scanned the paper; vet receptionist, grocery store delivery, convenient store cashier, mechanic at KA's Mechanics.

I scanned over that again. It mentioned that someone was needed to fill in for a position. It said minor experience needed. Maybe today will turn out to be a good day after all the bad.

I put down the news paper and ate quickly. I would go check it out later. Right after I fill my stomach.