Page 47 of This is Me

“It’s just… that’s what friends do, Pete,” Leroy replied bluntly, before shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. I’m going to get our bags, and when I come back, you better have an answer.”

With a smile, Leroy turned and began walking away as the final school bell echoed through the grounds.

“What the fuck,” I whispered under my breath.

Why had Leroy gotten his back up at the mention of him staying at Andy’s house? I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, considering Leroy had been acting strange recently. Not just since he’d gotten a girlfriend, before that, too. This was what happened when you noticed the little things about someone. You saw everything. Something wasn’t right with Leroy, but I knew better than to pry. Hell, I had my own problems, I didn’t need to be worrying about his, too.

Still, the way he flipped from joking to being cold and blunt then back to normal was concerning. Maybe a quick talk with Andy would clear it up. Though, if Andy knew anything, I doubt he’d tell me. Good friends were like that sometimes.

I pulled myself out of my thoughts and looked around, noticing that everyone had begun making their way toward the carpark. Turning, I saw Leroy walking over to the side of the field with the rest of our P.E. class to get our bags.

Sighing to myself, I contemplated if I should go to Leroy’s house or not, sadly, that was cut short as Donny stepped into my view.

“Oh, hey, Kidney,” Donny drooled, and I raised my eyebrows.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Kidney. Your last name is Stone,” Donny explained, looking prouder than a parent watching their child walk for the first time.

“Oh… clever,” I said slowly, moving to get around him, but he grabbed my arm. My heartbeat quickened.

“How are you going?” Donny asked, smirking.

“Wonderful. Slightly terrified, I have to admit. Still mad about your sister? Or is this about the party? Because I thought you were reinvited? Personally, I remember talking to you about it. Did you ever show up?”

“Have I ever punched you?”

My mind raced at his words, and I tried not to freak out at the thought of getting my ass kicked.

“Well, that didn’t answer my question,” I said stupidly, trying to wiggle my arm out of his grip, but to no avail.

“I don’t think I have.”

“Answer my question? No, I just said that.”

“Punched you,” Donny said, widening his smirk, and I shrunk backward.

“I know, I know. But we wouldn’t want to ruin that perfect record now, would we?”

I did my best to keep my voice level and to stop it from breaking. Considering the situation, I did a pretty good job.

“A slip up wouldn’t hurt.” Donny’s smirk grew, and I could feel my heart beating faster, threatening to leap through my chest.

“It would definitely hurt one of us.”

“Let him go!”

God, that voice was music to my ears, I didn’t even have to look at who spoke before the thought ran through my mind.

“We’re just chillin’, man.” Donny let go of my arm as Leroy moved in beside me.

“Oh, thank God,” I mumbled, rubbing where Donny had been holding me. That shit hurt.

“I think you should apologise, Donny,” Leroy pointed out, and I shook my head.

“Nah, it’s fine. After all, we were just hanging out!” I laughed and nudged Leroy.

If we stood and made Donny apologise, the next time he got a hold of me, I felt there would be a lot less talking involved.