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"Are you sure it's not too much?" Elizabeth Jensen and Zach Dempsey stood in the hallway, staring at the banner hanging that said 'Happy Birthday Alex!'. Alex hadn't told them, but they knew anyways.
"Are you sure you shouldn't go to court today to support your brother?" Zach lifted an eyebrow as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"He told me not to come." Elizabeth shook her head. She noticed Jessica and Alex walking towards them. Elizabeth looked up at Zach and smiled.
"Wait, is it your birthday?" Zach laughed as he patted Alex on the back.
Alex turned the corner, and a look of confusion spread across his face. "You guys got a banner made?" He looked embarrassed.
"It was a group effort." Jessica shrugged. "I made the design, Clay ordered it online, and Zach and Elizabeth put it up."
"Well, it was mostly Zach who put it up." Elizabeth chuckled as Zach wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I just watched."
"Wow. That's- uh-" Alex looked over at his friends and smiled. "That's really nice, you guys."
"Awww." Elizabeth Jensen froze as Bryce Walker placed his hand on Alex's shoulder. "Happy birthday, buddy."
"Sweet banner." Scott Reed chuckled as he looked up at the banner hanging in the hallway. "Is your mom bringing cupcakes later?" Elizabeth stepped closer to Zach, almost standing behind him.
"I hope she brings enough for the whole class." Bryce smiled as he leaned against Alex.
"Maybe you'll get a new cane this year, too." Scott spoke before him and Bryce slapped Alex's shoulders.
"And some new friends." Bryce added as him and Scott began to walk away.
"Fuck you, you fucking rapist!" Alex shouted as he watched the two leave. Bryce stopped in the hallway. After a couple seconds, he continued, taking Scott with him.
Zach turned to Alex. "Dude, shit like that doesn't do anybody any good."
"Yeah?" Alex scoffed as his eyes were still locked on Bryce. "Well, it felt good to me." Alex finally turned to Zach. "Maybe if you stopped defending him all the time."
"When have I ever defended him?" Zach responded, moving closer to Alex.
"Every day." Alex shook his head. "Every day that you hang around him and play baseball with him you choose his side." Alex turned to Jessica and Elizabeth who had huddled together. "Tell him."
