Reagan was understandably concerned, repeatedly ask if I was okay and if it had ever happened before. I almost felt guilty looking her in the eye and telling her this wasn't even near the worse of it. At least I got lunch out of it (she felt so bad she bought me lunch.)
Sheppard must have made it to the football coach because half-way through the day he texted me and told me he'd be staying after school for 'try-outs'. He also asked me something I didn't need to ask for an explanation.
Shep: #
I knew he meant how many people hassled me.
Me:1 and a swift punch to the gut
Neither of us would be saying anything to Mom or Dad. We agreed to only tell them about the bad stuff.
I'd met Riley, who, although more peppy and energetic - I don't know how- was similar to Reagan. she gave me a big smile when I sat down next to her and talked my ear off the entire period. It made me wonder why their brother was so...mysterious.
Both Riley and Reagan invited me to the end of summer/beginning of school year party someone was holding from the school. Why anyone would throw a party on the first day of school when everyone has to wake up early again the next day is beyond me.
Mom was hesitant to let me go, pulling the 'you just met them' and 'remember last time' cards. But when I told her they were the neighbors, I think she felt a little better. Plus, Sheppard was going with some kids he had in class and football.
I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, gazing at all the makeup for too long. I liked getting more full glam for parties and dances, but Mom was right. I was very new here, I didn't have an understanding of the atmosphere enough. I hesitate and text Reagan, who gave me her number at lunch.
Me: What are the chances of me getting jumped if I wear semi-full glam?
Reagan: Hhmmm. I'm going to say you'll have a 7/10 chance of survival. Plus, if we need to, I'm sure I can convince Rey to beat some shitheads up if they mess with us (Insert tough-arm emoji)
I chew on my lip, re-reading. Did she really think her brother would defend some weak gay boy who just digs himself deeper? I couldn't assume he'd help me, even if Reagan said so.
Me: Screw it. I'm wearing glam. I'll be at your door in a minute with my shit
Reagan: Can't wait!
I put what I think I'll need in one of my makeup bags, tell the parents bye (who immediately remind me to be back before midnight since it's still a school night) and head out.
It's not cold out, even for a fall night, but the star looks beautiful in the dark sky, and the cricket's song is entrancing. I knock on the door, smiling lightly at the familiarity of it.
"Hey boy! Welcome to the Dyke household!" Riley throws her hands in the air and I laugh at her childlike manners.
"Hey, girl," She ushers me in and upstairs to Reagan's room, past two other doors one of which I assume was Riley's and the other Rey's, that's already full of girls getting ready. Was this party that big of a deal?
Reagan smiles at me from her vanity, and Kendra and Heidi wave at me from their spots on her bed.
"Is that all your makeup stuff?" Reagan points at my bag.
"Some, most, yeah. I don't get to wear it very often. Just the basics," I sit on the floor with Riley and pull out some of my pallets.
"Damn, I suck as at makeup," Kendra's eyebrows are up as she glances at my stuff, "If you're as good as you seem, I'm hiring you for all school dances, TBH."
YOU ARE READING
Crown-less Kings
Teen Fiction'Overly gay' Barkley Bush has moved to yet another small town. Jumping for joy, Barkley enters his final year of high school at a new school with new people and new challenges. Uninterested yet sadly hot, the neighbor boy gives Barkley a fake name...
