Rich and George: The Power Couple

Rich's POV: Henry and the Gay Kid

That Monday, I was dreading going back to school. I stayed on the phone with James for a while, which I guess helped a little bit. He told me that he would be there for me and that he would stand up for me if anything happened.

I walked into school with my earbuds in listening to Get Your Heart On, my favorite Simple Plan album. I was wearing a grey hoodie and jeans, hoping I would just blend in with the crowd. I could feel everyone staring at me.

I sat down in homeroom next to Maximillian, and he asked me if I was doing okay. He seemed a little off, which I guess I expected. I knew he was more expressive with his emotions.

"Are you okay?" he asked me.

"I'm terrified," I quaked. "I haven't seen Henry at all today, I'm so scared of what he might do to George." Maximillian's eyes widened. "What?"

"I can't believe what you just said to me." I raised an eyebrow. "You just got outed by your brother after being in the closet since sixth grade, and your number one priority is making sure your homophobic friend doesn't hurt George."

"Why is that hard to believe?"

"It's not, I just thought you were the one who's ass was on the line."

"It is." I paused, taking a deep breath. "But Max, I love George more than I love myself even, and I'd put him before myself any day."

"Wow, that's really admirable," Maximillian remarked. "George is so lucky to have you."

"I hope he remembers that after today." I sighed hopelessly as the bell rang.

I skated by easily for most of the day, avoiding the glances I got in the halls. The final bell rang, and I was eager to leave school and get myself a cup of coffee to calm me down. But, I wasn't so lucky.

"Hey, fag!" I didn't turn around. "Davis, over here!" I looked at Henry, annoyed, as I put my books back in my locker.

"Look, I don't care what you do to me, Henry. Just promise me you won't hurt George."

"Why did I even let you hang around me? You're so gross! You're probably going to kiss me right now, aren't you?" He made a gagging motion, then burst out laughing as Isabella decided to join in the fun.

"I told you he was a twink, Henry!" she exclaimed. "Are you gonna kick his ass or not?"

"I was planning on it, Iz! God!" Hastily, I ran outside the school, hoping to get away from him. When I got outside, he stopped me. "You're not going anywhere, Davis. You're disgusting."

"Oh really?" I shot back. Bad choice. He shoved me to the ground as Isabella cheered him on. He punched me repeatedly in the face, and I could feel the pain radiate through my head. I knew better than to fight back, he was a lot stronger than I was. I felt tears streaming down my face.

"Hey!" I heard someone shout. I looked up and saw a red lamborghini in front of the school, and a man standing next to it. George's dad. "What do you think you're doing?"

"He's a faggot!" Henry seethed. "There's something seriously wrong with him!"

George's dad didn't say anything for a moment, but walked over to me and helped me stand. "You obviously don't know who I am, do you?"

"No, of course not. I've never seen you before."

"Well it just so happens that you've been attacking my son for years on end, and now you have the audacity to go and attack his boyfriend for no reason." Henry froze in fear.

"Oh, um... I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't know that George, uh... that he--"

"Save it. He's in the car, and right now you're going to go up to him and apologize for what you did to him." Henry looked dumbfounded, and I would've laughed if I wasn't in so much pain. "And by the way, Rich has nothing wrong with him. He's been nothing but affectionate and caring to my son, and he's the best thing that's happened to him in a long time. So go to him and apologize."