Future Favorite Regret (Jalex)

23: You Won't Break Me Down; I'm Not Afraid

Title: Break Me Down by Sleeping With Sirens

We walk into the courtyard and sit down when Awsten runs over. He hugs me. "I didn't get a chance to hug you for the good news," he says. "About court, I mean."

I nod. "Well, thank you," I say. He sits down. Lisa and Justin walk over. They sit down, still engulfed in their conversation. 

Vic runs into the area, carrying Kellin on his back. He sets Kellin down. "Hello, fellow humans," Kellin says and sits down. "We have news," Kellin says, his cheeks turning red.

Vic smiles and pulls Kellin in for a kiss.

The entire table goes insane. "I told you Kellic would happen this month!" Lisa says, pointing at Justin. 

"Jesus Christ, none of you can keep it in your pants," Justin grumbles and puts $5 onto Lisa's palm. 

Awsten's phone buzzes. Then a string of buzzes goes over the table. Everyone goes to grab their phone. 

Jenna dashes over and plucks my phone out of my hand. "Don't," she says breathlessly. Awsten pales.

I lean over to see if Jack has whatever it is pulled up. Instead, he clicks his phone off and slams it against the table. 

He stands up and marches over to Trace. He grabs Trace by the shirt collar and presses him against the wall, shouting. 

I stand up and rush over. "Jack, what the hell is-" My heart skips a beat. "Someone show me," I shout. The group exchanges a look before showing me the photo.

I gasp and glance at Trace. Jack gives me a sad look. 

Everyone gives me a sad look.

Pity.

Lisa reaches forward but I turn and run. I hear shouting and footsteps. "Alex," Jack shouts from down the hall. 

"Serves you right," a lady sneers. I look up and see Mrs. Wick. "Treating my Trace so badly. I plan on failing you this year. Enjoy repeating a year while your friends move on."

"W-what?"

She laughs. "Trace is my nephew. And he's told me about your bullying and constant nagging," she scoffs.

I back away, but her hand grabs my wrist and she pulls me forward. "Fags like you don't deserve a life," she grumbles before releasing me.

I dash down the hallway and into an empty supply room. I shut the door and fall to my knees. I sit down and cover my face with my hands. 

This is stupid. This is so stupid. This-

"Lex?" A voice echoes through the room. "Lex, I know you're in here," Jack says softly. "I'll leave you alone if you want, but you need to tell me."

"J-Jack?" I ask, my breathing quickens. "I-"

The door opens and his eyes widen. He falls to his knees and holds me. "Lex, hey, hey, it'll be okay. Principal Wentz already got it taken down. It was only up for a minute."

"P-people still s-saw," I mumble, tears cascading down my face. He lets out a sigh and pulls me tighter. 

"It's alright, Lex. We're going to get through this," he mumbles softly. "Principal Wentz was dragging Trace to the office when I ran off. He'll pay for this, okay?"

I nod and lean against him, trying to catch my breath. He pulls away and sits down before lifting me up and setting me down on his legs. "I can't go back out there," I mumble.