With You

Chapter 17

This chapter contains bullying and some offensive language

Gina's POV

Today was Ricky's first back at school. He was nervous because it was obvious he lost weight. Although he was slowly gaining weight it was still noticeable that he lost weight. This weekend was a rough one for Ricky. He'd thrown up his food after stopping doing it. It was a minor setback but Ricky can and will overcome this. Nini and I were going to make sure he ate his lunch. He didn't have to eat all of it but he had to try. E.J. had a tournament today so he was out of school. He had called me last night to tell me keep an eye on Ricky. I was going to do that anyways but I told him okay. E.J. knows I'm not afraid to kick anyone's ass.

I was standing in front of Ricky's locker, waiting for him and Nini to come.

"Hey Gina," Big Red told me. I didn't even see him approach me.

"Hey dude," I told him.

"I'm worried about Ricky. I'm just hoping he catches a break and has a good day," Big Red admitted to me. I agreed with him. Ricky did deserve a break.

"I know everyone keeps saying it's not my fault but I feel bad. I knew, I figured out he wasn't eating and I saw his dad hit him and I didn't do anything. He could've got help quicker," I told him. I felt so guilty. I couldn't sleep sometimes because I felt so bad. I felt worse for E.J. because he was on FaceTime right before Ricky ended up in the hospital. I can't imagine nor do I want imagine what E.J. heard.

"It's really not your fault Gi," Big Red said hugging me. "You were doing what Ricky wanted."

"Hey is Ricky here yet?" Carlos said seemingly appearing from nowhere. Seb was with him their hands intertwined.

"No not yet," I told him.

"We're beating anyone's ass who messes with him right?" Carlos asked. That shocked me. Carlos didn't seem like the type to be violent.

"Hell yeah we are," I told him high-fiving him.

"I got Ricky this bear," Seb said. "His name is Franklin. It's a gift like a congratulations one for the progress he's been making."

"That's so cute," I said. Ricky really had good friends. I really hope nothing ruins his day.

"I was thinking though, we shouldn't mention anything to Ricky. Like nothing that about how he looks because that set him back and nothing of that nature." Seb told us. We all agreed and told Ashlyn and Kourtney when they joined us.

Finally the time came when Ricky and Nini got to school. The pair was laughing without a care in the world.

"Well if it isn't my favorite siblings," I told them. I hugged Ricky before giving a hug and kiss to my girlfriend.

"Hey Gina don't do that to my little sister," Ricky joked. Nini rolled her eyes.

"Ricky, I'm only 2 months younger than you," Nini said.

"So? You're still my little sister," Ricky said before greeting the rest of our friends.

Once the bell rang we all went our separate ways to class. Finally it was time for lunch. I waited outside of Ricky's class to make sure he didn't try and skip lunch.

"Hey, you," I said when he got out of class.

"I can't believe I have my own escort," Ricky joked. We joked and laughed all the way to the cafeteria. We were about to go in before this football player, who totally had a crush on Ricky but was terrified of E.J., started talking to us.

"Is it true you have a eating disorder? Isn't that like for girls who want attention?" He asked Ricky. Ricky just ignored him and tried to go in the cafeteria. "Did your eating disorder make your boyfriend leave you?"

"When you play football do you get hit in the head a lot or are you naturally this stupid?" I asked. I was mad at this guy for insulting Ricky. No one was going to insult Ricky while I'm around. The football player looked shocked for a moment.

"And who's talking to you dyke?" He asked me. I wasn't going to let his words phase me. He was trying to hurt me.

"It's 2020 and we're still using derogatory terms? Nice one," I said. The football player just ignored me before putting his arm around Ricky.

"Now that your boyfriend is gone, how about me and you go on a date. I'll make you not wanna starve yourself," He told Ricky. This guy was really pissing me off and my words weren't getting me anywhere so I punched him. He got off of Ricky but I hit him again. Then I puncheon's him in the nose and I heard a satisfying crack. I turned around to go to the cafeteria with Ricky but he was sitting with legs being held by his arms. The poor boy was shaking.

"Fuck," I muttered before calling Nini. I didn't know what to do.

"Hey babe, I was just about to call you. Where are you and Ricky?" My girlfriend's cheerful voice came through the phone.

"Come outside the Cafeteria right now. It's Ricky and I don't know what to do and I just really need your help," I told her.

"Be right there," She told me. True to her word she was outside the cafeteria a few seconds later.

"Hey Ricky, I'm gonna call my mom's yeah? They'll come pick you up. I think you should go talk to Dr. Boasen." Nini said while already dialing her moms. "They'll be here in ten."

"Ricky I need you to watch and follow my breathing," Nini said. She started taking slow and exaggerated breathing. "Gina can you get my inhaler out of my bag please."

Nini went back to breathing with Ricky and it calmed him down. When his breathing was under control she gave him the inhaler.

"What's going on Ricky?" I asked gently.

"I just freaked out when I saw you hit that guy. It reminded me of being at home and it just brought back memories," Ricky said. I felt bad. I didn't even think about how Ricky felt.

"I'm sorry Ricky," I told him.

"It's not your fault. I just freaked," He said.

"And it's okay to freak. I really think you should go to Dr. Boasen. It sounds like you could be suffering from PTSD," Nini said.

"Great now I'm even more of a basket case," Ricky muttered.

"You are not a basket case Ricky," I told him. It was true. He's not a basket case. It may sound a little extreme but I'd die for Ricky Bowen.