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I watched the two girls exchange my books and homework as people filtered around us. And for a few seconds, I didn’t pay attention to the snickering. To the stares. To the whispers and the gossip fluttering around us. The only thing I paid attention to was how willing these two girls were to help me. How they coordinated my schedule, right there. In front of me. Trying to figure out ways to make this day less painful on me. Trying to figure out ways to lighten the load I had to carry.
I slowly looked up at Mike and found him grinning at me. A knowing grin. One that said, ‘welcome to my world.’
Holy shit, I liked his world.
Rae sighed. “All right. Let’s get you to homeroom, big guy.”
Aly pointed down the hallway. “I’m going to go turn in his prior English homework. Mike, I’ll see you in homeroom?”
He smiled. “I’ll save you a seat.”
Rae looked up at me. “You ready to go?”
And as I lost myself in her eyes, I nodded.
“I’m ready to go.”
The three of them walked with me until we had to go our separate ways. Despite people talking about us, they never wavered from my side until they had to. And it didn’t take me long to understand why Rae had been friends with Mike and Aly for so many years. They were unwavering. Unfaltering. They didn’t care about what those around them said. Or gossiped about. They were trustworthy. Steadfast. Willing to help at the drop of a hat.
I could get used to this.
More than I had ever gotten used to being around Roy and Marina.
23
Raelynn
I sighed. “I wish I had homeroom with Clint.”
Allison linked her arm with mine. “Well, homeroom with me will have to do.”
“You know that’s not what I meant.”
“I know, I know. But I’m still trying to cheer you up.”
“I’m just worried about him. I mean, what if he needs help?”
“He’s a big boy. He’ll get around on his own today.”
My lips downturned. “He shouldn't have to.”
Allison nodded. “I know. But it is what it is and you can’t keep dwelling on things you can’t change.”
But I did.
All throughout homeroom, I wondered if Clint was all right. If kids were still whispering about him. Or, God forbid, picking on him. I wanted to be by his side, helping him through his classes. I wanted to be there, holding his hand and propping his arm around my shoulders. I kept imagining him lumbering down the hallways. Trying to get to his classes on time and still walking in late because he simply couldn't keep up with that kind of a pace from class to class.
At least we’d all have lunch together.
I leaned over. “Hey, Allison. Can I ask you something?”
She nodded. “What’s up?”
“Is there any way you can help Clint get to lunch?”
“Oh, I already told him I’d help him.”
I paused. “Wait, you did?”
