~*~*same day*~*~

After school that day, I decided to catch up with Marco.

"Hey," I said, running up to him in the hallway. His face was pale. "Something wrong?" I asked.

"No," he said quietly.

His walk soon turned into a quick pace, then I soon found myself running after him.

"Mar-Hey-wait up!" I finally caught up to him, but he had stepped into a dark classroom.

"What's going on??" I yelled, shutting the classroom door behind me. "What is wrong with-"

"Listen Ellie, I have to tell you something." Marco's lip began to shiver.

I saw a tear run down his face, and I drew silent. I nodded my head.

"Those guys - you know, the ones that bashed me?"

I raised my eye brows, "you mean, when those guys beat you for your dance shoes?"

He looked down, "that's not the reason, el. They bashed me. because I'm gay."

"But Marco why didn't you tell-"

"Ellie I couldn't! I was scared I just - I don't know . I'm sorry okay?? I just couldn't trust anyone ever again . not after Spinner ."

I didn't know what to say. All I could do was see the horrified look on his face. He continued to tell me about it .

". that's what happened." He finally finished, sitting down at a desk. His eyes were watery, and his face had tears running down them. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"Why are you telling me now?" I asked, confused.

"They're here. Ellie-they're here!!" He said, shaking. "They were outside the school this morning, and they saw me. I outran them. I don't know what to do. They're out there!! I can't leave the school. They know I'm here."

I thought about it. "Why don't you tell Mr. Simpson or something? He could call the police-"

"Ellie NO!"

"Alright, alright." I shook my head. "We could walk back with Jimmy . maybe Spinner too. If we're in a group, they might not come to us."

"Yeah, I guess. But please, not Spinner. For all we know he could join the bashers ." Marco sighed heavily.

My eyes widened. "Marco that's it!" I walked out of the classroom, leaving Marco confused.

I caught up with Spinner and Jimmy in the hallway. "Hey," I said, as sincerely as I could. Believe me, it was hard to forge a smile in front of Spinner. "What's up?"

Jimmy was getting his books out of his locker, and neatly placing them into his backpack. "Too much homework, that's what's up."

"Got that right," Spinner said, trying to twirl a basketball on his finger. He failed.

"Oh, well, me and Marco were just about to leave. You guys want to join us?"

Jimmy and Spinner looked at each other. "Sure," Jimmy said, putting on his backpack.

"I'll pass ." Spinner said, rolling his eyes.

"Why? You won't die if you are in a ten foot ratio of Marco." Jimmy said, taking the basketball from Spinner's hands.

"Oh grow up man," Spinner said.

Me and Jimmy exchanged glances.

"Fine I'll come. Jeez - don't have a cow. And the only reason you're going is because Ellie's coming. Oh boy, you got it baaaad." Spinner said laughing. Jimmy froze in place, and Spinner took the ball away from him

I raised my eyebrow and stared at Jimmy.

"Shut up," Jimmy finally said. "You need to grow up, not me." He saw me staring at him, and I turned my head. I sound like a total prep right now, but I kind of thought it was cute. Ahh!! Hanging out with Paige has affected me, I suppose. OK I'll stop using excuses and continue.

We found Marco at his locker.

"Fixing your hair?" Spinner 'joked'.

"Not now Spinner," Marco said, shutting his locker. He started to walk away, but I grabbed his shoulder.

"Hey, me and Jimmy will walk back with you. Oh, and Spinner." I said, giving Marco a 'just do it' look.

He finally accepted, and off we went. We decided to go to Marco's house first, because it was closest. I wish Spinner's house was closer, but 'eh, it wasn't such a bad walk. Until IT happened. Hoo boy .

((what happened?? Please R&R and I will continue!! Thanks))