Note: RENT ain't mine. Sadly, there is no Angel in this chapter, but this chapter is very very important to understand Collins' noggin. Can I stress how important it is one more time? It's important, kiddies. And look out for Benny's first appearance. I really worked on making this easier to read, please let me know how I did.
The three boys walked through the hallway slowly even though they knew the bell was going to ring at any moment. There was no worry in their eyes, only comfort. They had made their stance known, no one made fun of gays around them. It was just off limits. Half of the school was terrified of Roger. Rumors were going around that he had stripped his rabbit of its skin just for fun and then ate if for lunch. Although he wasn't sure, Collins assumed that Roger, himself, had started the rumor. At least, he never ever refuted it. Mark was just Roger's nerdy sidekick in the students' eyes. But they knew that if Mark was around Roger wasn't far behind. Collins himself had gotten some rumors spread around him as well. Of course most of them were about him sleeping with absolutely every male student, faculty member, and custodian in Scarsdale high. But the one that really amused him was a rumor that he tackled those who pissed him off in the night. It kinda made him into a football super hero or something. Collins also had his suspicions that that rumor was also started by Roger. Whenever it was mentioned the blonde would start to laugh hysterically. So if he didn't start it, he certainly loved the person who did. One person who he didn't seem to love however was his girlfriend April. At least Mark and Collins were convinced he didn't love her.
She spotted them as they walked, "Hey Roger!" She waved to him her dangly star earrings jingling as she did. April Erickson was definitely a girl who fit in with Roger's school image. Her lips were painted black and her whole entire wardrobe consisted of black with stripes of pink and the occasionally fishnets.
"Oh hi." Roger said with a lack of enthusiasm as she came. April stood on her top toes to kiss him lightly. She completely ignored Collins and Mark who were forced just to watch their friend attempt to brush off his girlfriend.
"Hey April. I'm gonna be late for class I better go," Roger said pointing to a room that wasn't his. Collins held back a snort, he loved Roger. But he did not love the way he treated April. It was obvious the little girl was in love with him. Roger, however, couldn't be bothered. His interest had even diminished since he had met Mimi.
"Oh c'mon baby." April said holding on to the inside of his leather jacket, "We could go in the back and smoke a few cigs and…let nature take over." She said with a big smile. Collins saw Mark look away.
"Sorry April I would love to but I got class." The bell rang making Roger's point.
April raised her pierced eyebrow, "Since when do you care if you make it to class on time? That's how we meet remember? I was ditching home ec and you were ditching world history 2 with Ms. Castel. I remember it well." While April played with Roger's coat and smiled, Roger stood unaffected and frowned.
"April…I…I gotta go. Mark likes getting to class on time." Roger said pointing to Mark whose jaw dropped. The filmmaker threw his hands in the air and walked towards the classroom unwilling to be Roger's scapegoat. Collins sighed and started to follow him when he caught sight of Robbie coming at him.
"Ok guys let's go now." Collins said taking April's hand and walking to class. The girl had a confused look on her face, and she glanced behind them. When she saw him she snapped her head back and sped up her pace. Roger didn't even have to look back to know who it was. There was no one that Collins wouldn't face now. His confidence level had risen so high from when they first met him. All were simple obstacles, except Robbie.
"Cohen!" Robbie called out. Mark ignored him looking on the ground until Sid, another jock, stood in front of him and pushed him. The filmmaker wasn't expecting it and fell onto the floor. Sid and Robbie laughed as they closed in on either side of the group. Another boy popped into view, although he stood far away from them. He looked down the hallway and called out to Robbie.
"It's all clear, Rob." He said. When he spoke Collins recognized him immediately. Benny was a wanna-be that used to hover around the jock lunch table. Apparently since Collins' fall from grace Benny had been admitted into the elite club. Collins balled his fists, there were times he and Benny got along well. Sometimes he even thought they were friends. Now he knew where the boy stood.
April jumped after hearing Benny and hung onto Roger who actually put his hand on her back gently. Collins went to Mark and helped him up. When Mark was on his feet Collins turned to Robbie and said, "Just let us go to class, man."
Robbie laughed, "You hear that Sid we're just gonna let this…thing go to class. Sure your friends can go. But you Tom…we have to have a talk. It's long overdue don't you think?" Collins looked to his friends, "Go guys."
Mark shook his head, "And let them beat the crap out of you? I don't think so. I'm staying." Mark pulled out his camera and started to tape the jocks right away. Collins opened his mouth to tell him to leave. Out of all of the three of them Mark was physically the weakest and he just wouldn't be able to take a beating. But Collins saw the determination in his eyes. This was what he never got to do for Angel. He never got to defend her in the hallways from those who hurt her daily. Now he had the chance. Collins nodded to him.
"April, go to class ok?" Roger said quietly to her. Sid walked over to them playing with her fishnet gloves. She pulled away from him and slipped behind Roger eyeing Benny carefully.
Sid grinned, "If you talk girly-" Roger jumped into his face his face turning beat read, "Don't you dare threaten her. She is of no concern of yours." Collins watched Roger closely. Did he really care for this girl? One minute he was pushing her away, the next he was defending her honor. April cowered looking around the hallways for a way out. Sid actually backed down, apparently the rumors had gotten to him. Roger turned to April.
"Go April. Tell anyone you want. I'll call you later." Roger said looking back at Sid. Roger's girlfriend gazed at him for a moment before running as fast as she could towards the office.
"So you're here for the ride too Davis?" Robbie asked cracking his knuckles.
Roger looked at him disgusted, "I don't desert my friends like other people do."
Robbie laughed bitterly, "This was never my friend." He said looking at Collins crossing his arms.
"Don't refer to him like that." Mark said firmly. Sid came up to him and pushed him in the chest saying, "Oh really and what are you gonna do about it, geek?"
"Guys-" Benny called out walking towards them hesitantly.
"What is someone coming?" Robbie asked looking rather annoyed.
"No…I just…" Benny said looking down at the carpet, "I don't think this is a good idea." Robbie laughed, "So you side with the queers, Coffin? I gave you an opportunity to be one of us. But if you are gonna side with them you're out. So what's it gonna be Benny boy?" Robbie asked putting his arm on Benny's shoulder, "You gonna be a fairy too?"
After a few silent moments, Benny shook his head and returned to where he was standing before. Collins closed his eyes, it was such an opportunity and it was wasted.
"Good choice." Robbie said laughing at Benny's near martyrdom. "Now that we have that out of the way," Robbie said moving closer to Collins, "We can get down to some fun." Collins looked at him in the eyes.
"Is this the way you wanna play it?" Collins asked not being afraid anymore. Yes, Robbie could hurt him, but he would never take his pride. Or his dignity. "You want to beat up your old best friend cause I'm not afraid to be who I am? Because you want to beat the underlings? So you can feel superior? Or is it a way to keep me quiet?" Collins asked getting closer and closer to Robbie. His old friend pushed him away.
"Get the hell away from me." Robbie said brushing his shirt off as if Collins had infected him. It took Robbie a moment to recover from what Collins said to him, he looked oddly shaken. But then he found his resolve again and said, "It's because you're wrong. You're evil." Roger came up to Robbie and punched him in the face. The quarterback fell to the ground and touched his nose which was bleeding.
Roger stood over him and pointed to him as he said, "The only thing evil around here is you and your treatment of every kid in this school." Robbie almost growled and jumped up to tackle Roger to the ground. Before Collins could pick them off of each other Sid jumped behind him and got him into a headlock. Mark dropped his camera and kicked Sid in the shins. The thug groaned and leaned back to smack Mark across the face. The filmmaker collided with the wall, having the wind knocked out of him.
When Roger saw Sid smack Mark he managed to get away from Robbie a moment kicking him in the ribs. While the quarterback was down and holding his stomach, Sid tightened his hold on Collins' neck who was now gasping for air. Roger ran to Sid and punched him in the side of the head. Sid winced but wouldn't let go of Collins. Robbie got up and pulled Roger away from Sid.
Mark gathered his breath and picked up a math book that Collins had dropped. He thrust the sharp corner of the book into Sid's side which finally made the boy drop Collins to the ground. Sid ignored Collins and now went to attack Mark who was now holding the book as a shield.
Robbie and Roger were punching each other back and forth as if it was a boxing match. A liquid was falling out of Roger's eye and Robbie's nose was bleeding all over his shirt. Collins panted on the ground struggling to find his breath so he could use his muscles that he was given. But he never got the chance.
"Hedlow! Dr. Hedlow!" Benny called out running out of the building before even making sure to see if Robbie and Sid got the message. They did. Sid bolted for the door grabbing his side and taking Robbie's arm, "C'mon Robbie she'll expel us!" Robbie seemed reluctant to go off. So reluctant that Sid shook his head and hobbled away on his own.
"What's going on down there?" A strong female voice screamed into the hallways. Collins looked up and smiled, she was one of the few teachers who was a hard ass but loving at the same time. She would nail Robbie without mercy, and she would show understanding to the trio.
Robbie looked to the door and started to back away wiping his nose. He looked down at Collins who was still on the ground with a look of regret. Not regret that he didn't get to hurt him…but regret that he'd hurt him. Mark stooped down next to Collins. Robbie's eyes still on his form. Collins blinked a few times and then looked Robbie in the eyes and said, "Bye, lover."
Robbie's eyes went wide and all of the color flew from his face. Roger and Mark looked at Collins very confused.
"What did you say?" Roger asked breathing in and out deeply.
"What is going on down there?" Dr. Hedlow screamed coming into view now.
Robbie gave one last look at Collins and ran out of the building looking like he was going to puke the moment he was out of view. Dr. Hedlow saw Robbie leave.
"Robbie Kinsman?" She asked putting her hands on her hips, "I'm not surprised." She helped Collins up with Mark's help. "You three…I don't care if it was self-defense you know how our school policy is on fighting. And you know my policy on it I believe Mr. Cohen." Mark dropped his head having had the women for English two years in a row. She sighed and put each hand on Roger and Collins' back. "First to the nurse." She said, "Are you alright Mr. Cohen?" Mark picked up his camera. A few pieces had broken off went he dropped it to help Collins.
"Mr. Cohen?" Dr.Hedlow called again. Collins looked back at Mark and frowned mouthing "sorry" to his friend. Mark just shrugged and followed them, "Yeah I'm fine." He said quietly.
The trio stayed deafeningly quiet as they were checked out by the nurse. Dr. Hedlow had informed them that they would be suspended for the next few days and that their parents would get phone calls from the Principal. They didn't even try to defend themselves. Mark didn't even try to give her his film as proof. They just sat silent and took the punishment that was handed to them. Roger held an icepack to his eye and watched Collins with the other one. He hadn't looked at Roger or Mark since they came into the nurse's office. His gaze was always off into the distance or down at his hands. Mark lay down on the bed in between Roger and Collins. His focus was almost as disjointed as Collins. But he did meet Roger's good eye for a moment and nodded.
"Nurse Hailey!" A girl practically screamed, "I think I'm gonna puke!" The nurse sighed and said to the boys, "I'll be right back…" She walked over to the girl who apparently was a regular "girl who cried puke." The two started a heated conversation while Roger, Mark, and Collins were left in complete silence again.
Roger dropped his ice pack of a moment and looked over to Collins, "You ok man?" He asked. Mark glanced at Collins as well.
Collins didn't raise his eyes from his shoes, "I guess." He said simply.
Mark licked his lips, "When you said…when you called him your…your lover…what was that? A way to get to him?" Mark asked although he was pretty sure that that wasn't the answer.
Collins smiled bitterly, "I wish." He wiped his face and looked at his friends. Just like how they were that first day at ShirelyNanetteGarret, they were open. They didn't know what was about to come out of his mouth, but he knew that whatever it was, they would still love him.
"There was no outing moment." Collins started to say, "I didn't tell Robbie I was gay. We just knew. We were together for a year. I barely remember how it started…I think maybe it was just us randomly kissing. I wanted to come out about it. Finally explain to the rest of our friends why we would just randomly disappear after football games. Be out together all of the time. Sure we would be ridiculed…but the two of us could see it through it together. After all the two of us mister one and mister two in the whole school...they'd have to give us their blessing." He coughed lightly and rubbed his neck, "But he didn't want to. Said that he wasn't gay. That being gay was disgusting and vile. He wasn't gay he was just…with me." Collins shook his head realizing for the first time how stupid of him it was for him to stay with him past that day he said no. "So we stayed together for a while longer. Kept it quiet. Then after football season…I was so sick of lying. So I told him that I was coming out to everyone and if he didn't want to he wouldn't have to. He thought I betrayed him. How…I don't know. To get back at me…he told Lydia head cheerleader and gossip queen I was gay. And that I confessed to him the night before. She spread it without a question to him." Collins quieted for a moment and then laughed, "I lost my virginity to him. Some first time huh?" Collins asked coughing a bit more. The weight was finally off his shoulders. He had admitted that he just didn't loose his friends when he was forced out…he lost a lover.
Mark scooted over to Collins' bed and put his hand on his friends back rubbing it gently. Roger frowned and leaned over, "Why didn't you out him?" Roger asked.
Collins smiled lightly at Mark and turned to Roger, "So he could be lonely and bitter? No Roger, I'll let him live in his fantasy. He thinks that he's straight. He's living that life. I know in the end…that dealing with himself is going to be ten times harder than him dealing with society. Robbie's one messed up guy. What he said back there, he believes it. And he was saying about himself as much as he was about me. One day he's gonna have to deal with that, it's not gonna be pretty."
Roger shook his head in confusion, "But look what he just did…he wanted to beat the crap out of you. He beat me up and his friend almost funkin strangled you. Smacked Mark upside the head. Shout to the sky that he's gay. Then he can get the same shitty treatment that you got that day. Except no one will be there to catch him. Fuck internal issues. A jock strap in the face. That's what that asshole deserves. A reality check." Roger hissed in frustration. Mark frowned at him, being pissed off at Collins wasn't going to make this easier.
"It's not my place Roger." Collins said to him, calmly, shaking his head.
Roger looked away tears almost in his eyes. Collins cleared his throat, "I think we scared him…he doesn't know I won't spread the truth. He'll leave us alone…I think." Mark rubbed his back and whispered to him, "If not we took him once we can do it again."
Collins smiled lightly, "I cannot believe that you used my math book!" Mark chuckled and shrugged, "It was the only thing in grabbing distance and you've poked me with that thing by mistake before so I knew it hurt!"
Roger let out a slight laugh, "Smooth, Cohen, smooth." His anger was slowly fading. With one nod to Collins he let him know that he would respect his choice although he didn't agree with it. He would let it be.
"Thank you guys…I mean it. Thank you for standing by me." Collins said truthfully, "I really couldn't have better friends."
Roger shrugged getting up from the bed, "What type of friends would we be if we didn't get suspended with you?"
"Not very good ones." Mark agreed.
Post: So you shocked? I know I was. Next chapter: Angel and Collins goodness, while shopping! What more could be asked for?