The yellow paint came first, and then the feathers. He stood there, shocked. Something like this… it just wouldn't register in his brain. There must be some mistake, this can't be happening. And he was wearing the suit, the suit that his mother had made him. She'd be so angry, he just knew it. So disgusted by him. He'd just wanted to make them all proud.
And then kissing Emma, after everything. It was stupid, and he knew it.
"I thought you loved me," he mumbled.
But how could anyone as beautiful as her love someone like Rick? It was impossible, and he was aware of it, somewhere in his heart. No one, no one, would ever love him, and he was sure of it now.
When Rick came home that night, his first thought was suicide. No one was home, and it wasn't like the neighbors would care. Really, he didn't think anyone would even hear.
But he decided against it, eventually. Why go out by himself, where no one could see? Sure, maybe some would be sad, once it leaked out a week or so later. Maybe Toby would miss him, but it wasn't enough.
No, not for Rick. He would go out with a bang, and they would all remember him. They had to feel his pain, and know how he felt.
They had to die.
Spinner.
Jay.
Alex.
Emma.
And God, who knows who else. Maybe they should all feel it. All of Degrassi.
Feel what they did to him.