Tracob: Senior Year

2

Math class was fifth period and Troye sat one seat up and two rows over from Jacob. When it was time to go over homework, the teacher called Troye to the board. Troye's eyes went wide.

"Didn't you do your homework, Troye? That's not a good way to start off in a new school."

"I tried," Troye said softly. "Well then show me," the teacher responded.

She walked over and looked at Troye's notebook. "Where are you from, kid?"'she asked.

"Australia," he answered.

"Do they do math there?" She laughed. "Come on Troye this is easy stuff."

Troye bit his lip and the class laughed. Eric, the football player loudly whispered, "Guess he isn't just a fag, he's a stupid fag."

Jacob dropped his eyes to his desk feeling really awful.

"I expect last nights' homework to be done along with tonights' homework, Troye," the teacher said as she moved to the front of the classroom. Jacob watched as Troye sunk into his seat looking absolutely defeated.

Jacob snuck his phone out from below his desk.

Jacob:
Angie- you probably need to hire a math tutor. Things didn't go so well in class today for Troye.

Angie:
This is why I asked for your help, Jacob. I can find a tutor, but I certainly couldn't do so at 8:00 at night.

Jacob:
I'm sorry.

Angie:
Whatever, Jake. It's not your problem, remember. Don't worry about it.

Jacob's eyes were nearly glued on Troye for the rest of class. The boy looked like he wanted to cry as he attempted to follow along. It didn't help that Eric and his friends spit out rude comments every chance they got.

The class seemed to last forever, but finally the bell rang and Jacob sprung from his seat. He lingered in the hall to watch Troye walk outside, and sit at the picnic table just as he did during lunch the day before. Only this time, he buried his face in his arms on the tabletop.

Hari creeped in next to Jacob. "How's operation pop star going?"

Jacob sighed, "Mrs. Lang gave him a hell of a time in math today. The entire class laughed at him. I actually feel bad."

"So, go talk to him," Hari said.

"No!" Jacob nearly shouted. He then considered Angie's text and realized he could have stopped this from happening. After a deep sigh he walked outside and sat across from Troye on the bench.

After about a minute he realized Troye didn't notice him walk up, so he cleared his throat. Suddenly the brightest blue eyes he had ever looked into met his own. "Ya?" Troye managed to get out.

"Can I, ummm, help you with your math?" Jacob asked.

Troye scoffed. "Fuck it. I'm not coming back here tomorrow anyways. That's it. I'm done."

"Don't be like that," Jacob said, "let me help you."

"Why would you even want to?" Troye asked.

Jacob sighed, "Because it's important to my sister, Angie."

"Ugh," Troye groaned. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hi Ang, can I please come home now?"

"No some giraffe boy is here saying he's your brother and that he wants to help me, but I can't do this."

Jacob laughed at the description Troye gave of him.