Extra Fluff (#Wattys2020)

One Year Prior (Pt. 2)

**TRIGGER WARNING: SCENES OF SUICIDAL ACTIONS, PROCEED WITH CAUTION**

-----

It took well over a half hour for the hog head to be removed from my own head and just as much time for the Winter formal guests to clear out. The sight of both my worried mothers and guidance counselor greeted me when I came to. From what the EMTs explained, I had a mild concussion and delayed asthma. But after the situation of how far south the evening went, mom was ready to press charges then sue the school.

I sat on the stage shell shocked as my mother screamed at the other chaperones. Caya had hopped on the first red eye from New York where she abandoned the opening of one of her restaurants. A new form of surrealism overtook me and I was slowly succumbing to the numbness as a result. Another presence joined me a moment later followed by an arm wrapping around my shoulders.

"Charlie Ramirez was banned from all school functions last month. He's been failing half his classes and in order to motivate him, he couldn't attend any extracurriculars including sports' practices. When you mentioned his invite tonight, I was skeptical. Only, you looked so sure and so happy, I-" she paused to sniffle, "I'm so sorry Lennon."

Her voice eventually faded away. They all did. I just didn't want to hear any of it anymore. I did my best to change and it blew up in my face in the most horrendous way. My bag of tricks finally ran out and I had nothing else to give. I was over it.

Over the bullies.

Over the taunts.

Over the adults telling me it'll past.

Over getting told that it gets better.

Over who I was.

I was fucking over it!

I just...I couldn't take it anymore.

I gave all I could. And I was done.

~*~

The Middleton Twins weren't getting expelled from school.

Despite the evidence against them and my prior involvement with the girls, all they were getting was suspension, community service, and ban on all activities for the remaining of the year (including cheerleading and prom). Caya was quick to make the comment about their race being a prominent factor in the decision; if it was a black or Latino kid who pulled such a heinous prank on me, they'd get expulsion and a juvie record. I guess it helps to have a rich daddy that donated frequently to the school.

But the way my mothers saw it was if they can't go after the girls then they'd go for the next semi-best thing: the school. At least with the school they had some sort of chance. To be honest, I really didn't care anymore.

In the mean time, the majority of my break was spent between doctor's checkups and hiding in my room. Both of my mothers were extra attentive, but I was too numb to acknowledge them. Elizabeth would spend most of the days with me in my room watching Netflix while Caya would pop in with snacks and other goods. When one was at work, the other would stay with me. They had the perfect system.

Till New Years that is.

There was this exclusive party happening in Baltimore that Caya was invited to three months ago and even had a wait list. They originally accepted thinking their seventeen year old daughter could be left alone for the night (like usual) but considering recent events-

"Clea, baby, there is no way we can both possibly go out tonight!"

They were arguing. Again.