Things Change

Leaving For America & First Day Back

"I'm gonna miss you." I sighed, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. He hugged me tight, his hands on my waist.

"I'll miss you too." he said, with a smile.

"It's only a week, you'll be fine." he assured, and I shook my head.

"What about school?" I asked anxiously.

"You have Kat. Just stick close to her, don't let them get to you. For all the lessons that I'm not in, just pretend I am. Do what you would normally do." Leo explained, and I bit my lip, lowering my gaze to the floor.

"Okay, thanks." I replied, giving his hand one last squeeze before he bent over to pick up his suitcase.

"I'll Skype you when I can." he promised, and I nodded.

Then I went over to Charlie.

"I'm gonna miss you." he said, and I hugged him too.

"I'll miss you more. Just...have fun, okay?" I whispered, and his smile faded slightly.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright at school?" he asked.

"Yeah, yeah. I have Kat, and I'll just...make new friends. Like a normal person." I assured, a laugh tagged on the end.

"Call me if you feel down." he said, before also picking up his suitcase. I sat down on the plastic chairs in front of the massive windows. I saw multiple airplanes lined up, people getting on and off.

The boys went to say a final goodbye to their families, and then we waved as they walked away to board the plane with Blair behind them.

I sat there for a few minutes, possibly over thinking the school situation. I'd never really gotten bullied before, people just said stuff and occasionally shoved me. Now, though, it was sure to get worse.

"Taylor? Are you coming?" I heard Victoria ask, I looked up and her and Karen were looking at me. I nodded and followed after them.

I texted Kat when I got back.

To; Kat

Just got back, they're on the plane now Xx

From; Kat

Aw, I bet you're missing them x dreading school haha

I replied and we texted a couple more times before I decided to watch a movie before bed.

It was school tomorrow.

"Aren't you going to finish your toast?" my mum asked, as I tied the laces of my school shoes.

"Um, yeah...I'll take it with me." I said, grabbing the leftover slice and picking up my school bag. I left with a simple goodbye, and walked down the road to Kat's so we could walk to school together. I took a few bites out of my toast before feeling sick, so I just threw it into a litter bin on the way. I knocked on Kat's door, and her dad answered.

"Sorry, Taylor. Kat isn't well today and she won't be coming to school. I thought she'd texted you." he apologised.

"Oh." my face dropped. "Um, that's fine. Tell her I hope she gets better soon." I said.

"Will do." her dad smiled before shutting the door.

I ran a hand through my hair, carrying on down the street. So, first week back and Kat wasn't there. Yay.

The first face to greet me at school was one of the main flirters, Samantha. Everyone just calls her Sam.

"So, Taylor, where's Leondre?" she asked, in a sickly sweet voice.

"He's...gone away for a bit." I told her stiffly, and glared at her.

"Oh, well, I guess that means there's no one here to protect you. Not even that little loser Kat." she taunted, stepping towards me.

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists to stop myself from doing anything.

"I bet Leondre's glad to get rid of you. I mean, why would someone as gorgeous as him want someone like you?" she laughed, and I froze. There was truth in what she was saying...but I couldn't let it get to me.

"I bet even Charlie hates you." she added, and I snapped. I pulled my arm back and my fist shot forward - connecting with Samantha's nose. She gasped, holding a hand to her nose.

"You little..." she began, grabbing my arm and trying to bend it back. I kicked her in the stomach, and she doubled for a mere second before straightening up again. She was one tough cookie for someone who cried when their false nails broke off. She hit me in the jaw, so I hit her back right above the eye.

I was just about to jump at her when a pair of strong arms held me back. I struggled to get free, but it was no use. I looked behind me to see who it was. It was my art teacher. Then, holding onto Samantha, was Miss. Wood, the head teacher. I sighed, she was the only teacher that I liked and now she'd hate me.

"You two. Inside. Now." she ordered, and we slowly trudged inside, the two teachers right behind us. She took us into our office, and sat us down on two chairs.

"Care to explain what happened?" Miss. Wood asked, glaring at us both.

"Um..." I trailed off as Samantha shifted around. She was warning me. I couldn't tell.

"Taylor just started hitting me. I was just going to ask her what lessons we had today and she jumped at me." Samantha explained, acting surprised. Miss. Wood looked at me, she didn't look convinced.

"Taylor? Is this true?" she asked, and I reluctantly nodded.

"Uh, yeah...I was just in a bad mood I guess. I'm sorry." I lied, looking down at my feet.

"Well then...I'd like you to apologise to each other since you both did some damage, I'll get you cleaned up and you can go to class." she said.

"Sorry." I snapped, not looking Sam in the eye.

"Sorry." she said, a smug little smile on her face.