Page 86 of This is Me

I snorted at Trent’s words, and Cooper’s jaw dropped, while Trent laughed.

“Well, at least he has your interests at heart,” I said, and Cooper finally joined in on the laughter.

I had no idea that it would be so easy to feel comfortable talking with people I barely knew, or how quickly time would go by while I was with them. After we finished laughing, our conversation turned into random things, from games to school and sports. There was barely any mention of each other’s personal lives, and it was so easy. So calming.

Maybe this could be the new normal.

Too soon, the bell signalling the end of lunch rang through the grounds, and everyone began making their way to their next class. Cooper, Trent, and I all got to our feet and making sure we had our bags, we joined the other students.

Sadly, we were all in different years, and as we made our way to our classes, we said a quick goodbye before splitting up.

Hitching up the one strap of my bag that was on my shoulder, I looked around the hall I had walked into, and I saw Leroy through the crowd of students, looking back toward me. I felt my stomach swirl inside me, but I ignored it. I didn’t care. I had to learn to push that feeling away because as soon as he caught my eye, he quickly turned away and disappeared into the crowd.

Sighing deeply, I readjusted my bag again, trying to keep it from falling off my shoulder but failing miserably. Just before it managed to slip down my arm, I felt someone grab the strap and pull it back up for me, before moving around behind me and settling on my left side.

“You do know that there are two straps for a reason?” Donny’s voice drifted into my ear, and I turned to look at him.

“Yeah, I was, uh, just trying something different,” I muttered.

If I hadn’t been shocked the other day when Donny defended me, I was definitely shocked now. The person who had tormented me for most of my high school life was acting as if we had been friends for ages.

“I can sense a ‘badass’ vibe coming from you,” Donny stated with a laugh, and I shook my head, praying that this wasn’t some ploy to gain my trust then beat the shit out of me.

“I wasn’t really going for that, but I’ll take it.” I forced a smile as we both continued to walk down the hall together.

Suddenly, someone else grabbed my shoulder and pulled me away from Donny. Turning to see who it was, Mitchell’s eyes greeted mine.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Mitchell said with a smirk, and my heart made its way into my throat, making it very difficult for me to find any words.

Thankfully, Donny had moved with us and spoke for me.

“What the fuck did I say the other day, Mitch,” Donny growled, and Mitchell turned to look at him.

“Didn’t think you’d seriously stand up for this fag—”

In a split second, Mitchell was doubled over as Donny’s fist planted itself into his stomach, and I felt myself being pulled away from him as Donny dragged me down the hall.

“You don’t have to deal with shit, Pete,” he snarled, and I could hear the anger in his voice.

After walking a little more down the hall, we came to a stop in front of the classroom I assumed he needed to go to.

“Look, can I apologise to you?” Donny asked, no more anger in his voice as he looked down at me.

I always forgot how tall he was as I tilted my head up to look at him properly.

“I, honestly, don’t care what you do. But, uh, thank you for yesterday. And just now. I’m not sure what would have happened,” I said truthfully, shuddering at the thought of what Mitchell would have done.

“Oh, yeah, anytime.” Donny gave me a small smile before looking toward the ground.

I had never seen him like this before. His face was not the usual hardened, glaring, most evil-looking thing ever, but instead soft and… caring?

“I know I’ve treated you pretty shitty over the past few years,” Donny continued, still avoiding looking into my eyes. “I’ve been a dick over something that wasn’t any of my business, and I’m sorry.”

“Are you only apologising now because you know I’m gay and that’s the reason I didn’t date your sister?” I asked, raising my eyebrows, trying to get him to look at me.

I wasn’t too sure on where I got the confidence from to say that, but I was glad I’d managed to get some. Still… it was still fucking weird to say that I was gay out loud in front of people. But I couldn’t deny it now, could I?

“No! I mean… maybe,” Donny muttered, clearly unsure of what to say, but either way, the thought was welcome. I think. “It’s just… after I saw the video, I spoke with Georgie, and she said that there were no hard feelings and I don’t know, man. I don’t know why I was a dick, but I am sorry.”

“Thanks, Donny. You don’t need to apologise, though. Life moves on. It’s fine,” I said, and Donny finally looked at me. “Plus, you keep standing up for me, so I can’t really stay angry at you.”

“Well, my cousin is gay, and he went through a lot. So, I’m here for you. Honestly, it’s the least I could do.” Donny smiled again and held out his hand, which I took. “New beginnings?”

“Why not.”

After shaking Donny’s hand and letting my arm fall back to my side, I looked back to where we had come from and saw Mitchell stumbling down the hall, holding his stomach.

I guess the new normal had some kinks. I just hoped that I could work them out before they became a problem.

Nodding once more at Donny and watching him walk into the classroom we were standing outside of, I continued making my way to my math’s class, hoping I didn’t run into anyone else who shared Mitchell’s ideals.

Thankfully, I didn’t, but as I reached the class, I saw Leroy standing at the door, and I realised I still had other problems to take care of.