The Secret (DreamNotFound)

3

TW's:
-Mentions bullying

I ran to the other side of the school and sat down crying again. It didn't take long before Clay ran towards me.

'George, here. Eat my sandwich. I'll stay with you.'

'I d-d-.'

He grabbed my hand again and his thumb rubbed over it. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. 'Keep calm.'

'I don't want you t-to see me c-cry. I'm w-weak.'

'You're not weak, bullying is really hurtful.'

'You s-saw me cry t-twice.'

'So? You have a reason to.'

'I'm just weak.'

'You're not.'

'I'm scared to go to the next class.'

'It's not obligated so we can just go home.'

'Really?'

'Yeah. Come.'

'I have to c-call my mum.'

'Sure, I'll wait.'

I tapped on the number of my mum and started calling her.

'Hey, George.'

I sniffed a little. 'Hey, I eh- c-c-can already g-go home.'

'Have you been crying?'

'N-n-no.'

'What's wrong, sweetie?'

'Do you want me to tell her?' Clay offered.

I nodded. 'Please.'

I gave my phone to Clay and he started talking.

'Hello, I'm Clay. I met George today. He isn't feeling very well. The next class isn't obligated, so he would rather come home. We wanted to chill together, so if I could get a ride too.'

'Clay, nice to meet you! What's wrong with George?'

'He eh- got bullied.'

'Not again,' I heard my mum whispering.

Clay looked at me and wrapped his arm closer around me. 'I helped him.'

'Thank you so much. Did they bully him because of his stuttering?'

'Yes, they did.'

'I'm so happy you helped him.'

'Of course, I don't see what's wrong with his stuttering. When he is with me he almost doesn't stutter at all.'

'Really? What did you do?'

'Nothing actually.'

'I tried everything, but he couldn't stop. It's the first time he ever stopped stuttering in his whole life then.'

'I feel comfortable around h-him,' I said.

Clay blushed a little and smiled.

'That's good, sweetie. I will come and pick you guys up. Did you eat already?'

'No.'

'I made you your favourite sandwich.'

I felt tears coming up again. 'They threw it on the ground.'

'Oh sweetie, I will be there in fifteen minutes.'

She hung up.

'Clay?'