Take a Break [DISCONTINUED]

-3-

TW: hatred towards LGBTQ+ *COUGH*Jefferson*COUGH*

[Official publish date Feruary 25th]

-Backstory-
I have managed to keep most of my information private from anyone that wasn't a friend.

So why is it that Jefferson kept telling me off about things only my closest friends and family knew about?

How is it that Jefferson is so cunning and caniving that he has access to otherwise personal information?

How is it that he hasn't driven me out of this school yet?

Alex's pov
First day back at school after mid Winter break. Funny, I don't really feel well rested at all. What's the point of a break if you can't rest?

I guess I'm just upset about Jefferson. He's been acting like an ass all year, even if I have Laf and Herc by my side. He always finds a way to make me crumble.

Just last month, he picked on my use of pronouns and stereotyped me. Asked me if I was only doing it for attention. Blah blah blah.

But with John back by my side, I think he'll back off at least a little bit.

I walked to the boring grey lockers and found mine. #1776. 11 to the left, 28 to the right, 6 back to the left. The locker, much like me, was very empty and lifeless. It held a few books, some pictures, and soon my coat and backpack. Unfortunately, John and I didn't have the same hours. But we did have the same lunch again, which made me happy.

I walked the path to my first hour, where Jefferson would promptly be waiting for me. Lately, Madison has been looking like he had that one day last year where he was quiet and sad. But it's only when Jefferson is around.

One time, I found Madison whistling to himself while sitting alone at lunch. I waved at him and he smiled and waved back. It was probably the cutest thing I've seen this year.

But today, he's back to his dark aura. Jefferson got up from his seat as soon as he saw me enter the classroom, and Madison promptly followed.

"Hey, he-she. How come I'm not noticing a difference yet? Aren't you supposed to be a guy?" He spat. I continued to look him straight in the eyes. After this year, I've learned it's better to take it than to fight it.

"How does it feel whenever you have a period? Does it give you the same pleasure as cutting yourself?" Ouch. That's a new one. "Wait, no it doesn't. It just reminds you that you're trapped in that worthless body of yours." He said. Madison tired on his shirt sleeve and they walked back to their desks just as the bell rang.

~~~~

Morning classes went by in a flash. Almost as if they didn't happen. Walking to lunch I couldn't contain my excitement. The game would finally be back together.

I looked for the table Herc and Laf sit usually, but I didn't see John. Probably in the lunch line, it's nugget day.

I sat down next to Laf. The Schuyler sisters sat across from us, minus Angelica. She graduated. They were all happy and talking about their winter break while I was waiting for John patiently. Lafraised an eyebrow at my anxious expression.

"And how was your mid winter break, Alex?" Laf asked.

"Oh, it was pretty nice. John came back and we hung out a lot." I said nonchalantly, watching John exit the lunch line.

"I got doubles today, Alex." John said as he walked to our table. "Now we can both eat."

"So thoughtful." I said dramatically. As I ate from the tray that I didn't buy, I experienced a strange feeling. If you asked me, I wouldn't be able to explain it. I assumed it would just go away and I wouldn't have to worry about it.

Towards the end of lunch, I got up to throw the lunch tray away and Jefferson spotted me. I guess he wanted an excuse to pick on me some more.

"Man, if you're gonna be a guy, at least keep your body under control." He said slyly and pulled my hoodie above my butt, revealing a dark red spot that had probably accumulated during lunch. "I guess those testosterone pills aren't kicking in after all!" He said loudly and laughed along with a bunch of douchebags from different parts of the lunchroom.

I felt the heat rising to my cheeks and bee lined to the bathroom.