Caught

Chapter 16

HARRY

      I drag my feet across the ground, dreading the day ahead of me. I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t think I’m strong enough. The only think that is keeping me from cutting is knowing that Louis is being strong too.

As I turn the corner, down the hall I see Tyler and some of his friends. I doubt he’s mad at me.

I walk quickly towards him, relieved to see him.

“Hey T.” I say.

He turns around and faces me. At first he looks startled to see me, then he gives me a blank stare. His friends stop talking and they stare at me too.

“Hey look, it’s the wannabe faggot boy.” One boy laughs.

My head starts to spin. I hope Tyler says something.

“What do you want Harry?” He says, coldly.

What does that mean?

“Can we talk?” I ask.

I can feel my cheeks turning red as I hear the boys behind Tyler start to snicker.

“I guess.” He says, rolling his eyes. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

He turns towards me and starts walking ahead of me.

“What was that? Why didn’t you defend me?” I ask.

“Because I don’t want to get my ass kicked Harry. You know you’re my best friend and I care about you, but I can’t be seen with you.” He says.

I don’t believe what I’m hearing.

“So you’re just going to let me stand alone while everyone hates Louis and I?” I spit.

“That was your fault. You should have been more careful. I tried to tell Ella to keep her mouth shut but she didn’t want to listen. Try not to pick guys who have a crazy ex.” He says, walking quickly ahead of me as someone passes by us.

“You’re my best friend. One of our best friends is gay!” I say.

I’m starting to get frustrated. How could he do this?

“I’m sorry Harry. I don’t know why everyone is so mad. I just can’t be apart of this. I’m trying to fit in myself. Plus, Syd is my cousin, I have to stick by her.” He says, stopping and turning to me.

This is unbelievable. My own best friend is saying he can’t be seen with me because I’m with a boy.

“Did you even support the way I felt? I bet you didn’t even want me to come out. Did you?” I say, starting to get really mad.

He looks away.

Look, people in this school always need someone to make fun of. I don’t need that. I have a hard time fitting in as it is. Just wait and things will die down eventually. Try to stay away from the other guys, they aren’t too happy.” He says, as he starts to walk away.

I can’t say anything. I don’t know what I should say. I just want to cry.

I watch him walk away. All I can ask myself is how this could be happening.

How is it different for Syd and Zayn? Nobody even blinked twice when Zayn came out. No one bothers Syd. Why us?

I continue to walk to class while trying to fight back the tears.