Chapter 2

(Evan's PoV)

Walking to school today was a longer distance that usual, it seemed. Jesse was the only thing on my mind at the moment. The school popped into view and snapped me out of my imagination. The "cool kids" were hanging out by the side of the school. They were most likely getting high.

As much as I tried not to, I noticed one nod in my direction. They all started following Mick, the leader of the gang.

"Hey, faggot! What's wrong, scared of us? Why don't you go into the library like the nerd you are and read gay books on how to be gay?"

I rolled my eyes and tried to move past them.

"What's wrong? Gay got your tongue?"

I sighed heavily, "Not at all. As a matter of fact, I'm going to the library right now. And...I'm not gay..."

Mick scoffed, "Really?" He pushed me up against the side of the school, restricting my breathing, "'Cause I'd beg to differ. What are those gay books that 'ya read?"

My books fell out of my hands when they stopped me in the first place. One of the gang members picked up my book and flipped to a few pages.

"Mick, they look pretty gay! Poems? Really? How gay can you be?!"

I'd had enough, "Guys! I'm not gay! Leave me the fuck alone. I'm tired of your bullshit!" That got their attention. Mick let go of me, but kicked me to the ground, "What did the little faggot say?"

"Hey! Leave him alone!" I heard a familliar voice call. Jesse. Oh no! I can't have him see me like this!

"What do you want with this gay, Jesse? He's just a useless faggot!" The names never really cut deep. But now...they're really starting to get to me. Jesse chuckled deeply, which was very hot.

"I think you're mistaken. He's my friend, and it would be in your best interest to back away from him before you get hurt."

"Ooh! I'm so scared! You're actually friends with this guy? I can't believe you!"

"Well, you better-!" Jesse was stopped by a fist connecting to his left eye. He was sent backward a little bit before retaliating. Jesse's arm swung and hit Mick in the jaw. Mick tried to hit back, but Jesse dodged. He kicked open Mick's legs and knee'd him in the groin. Mick went down hard, groaning and crying. Jesse grabbed his head and brought it down to his knee roughly. Mick passed out, I'm sure.

"Go on! Get out of here, all of you!" Jesse waved his hand towards Mick's buddies. They all scurried off. Jesse wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead before extending his arm to me. "Need some help? Looks like they got you pretty good!"

"O-oh...Me? No, I'm fine. B-But...your eye?"

"Naw, I'm OK. Do you wanna skip 1st hour and go to the library? I heard there were some new arrivals coming in today. Wanna wait to see what they are?"

"U-Uh...S-Sure...Why not?" Jesse helped me up, and we headed inside the school building.

That day, I was no longer a loner. I had an actual friend.