Chapter 4

Dodge ball. Of all the fucking activities in the fucking world of physical education, it HAD to be fucking dodge ball.

DAMN IT!

I sat on the bench in the boy's locker room staring at the ground while everyone changed. I practically begged the coach to let me sit out, but he just wouldn't listen to me without an excuse slip. I could have taken a couple of pain killers, but they wouldn't kick in for a while. My best bet was to avoid the balls at all cost. That, or try to get out as soon as possible with the least amount of contact with the ball.

"You want to explain to me again why you wore your gym clothes to school?" Stan asked, pulling his t-shirt off. I looked up and shrugged, my eyes thoroughly examining his chest when his face was turned.

"I told you already Stan. I figured it would take less time. A-and it did." I muttered, feeling my face heat up as he discarded his pants and bent over to pick up his gym shorts.

"Whatever dude," he replied under his breath while pulling on his shorts. "That's pretty dumb."

"Yeah I know…" I said, forcing myself to look away. Stan was becoming a true athlete. He had a six pack, toned legs, and he had a nice ass to top it all off…

GOD DAMN IT BAD THOUGHTS BAD THOUGHTS!

I got up a little too fast and stood by the door, my back to all of my changing classmates. What the hell was wrong with me?!

Stan's my best friend! I shouldn't be checking him out!

"Out of the way, Jew." Cartman growled, pushing past me to get to the door. He shoved me right where I was sensitive. I cried out audibly, clutching the doorknob. Cartman looked back at me when I did and raised an eyebrow. "Jesus Kahl, don't be such a pussy."

I just groaned and went out to the gym as fast as I could. I couldn't let them think something was wrong with me…

"Mr. Broflovski, front line of defense." The coach said and blew his whistle, motioning for me to stand at the front of the red team.

Damn it…

I took one of the red scarfs from the coach's hand and tied it around my wrist, picking up a dodge ball. The rest of the guys and girls filed in, Wendy and Bebe included. I noticed Bebe's tank top was extremely low, revealing a lot of cleavage and rolled my eyes. Such a stupid tactic- trying to distract all of the guys with her boobs. I wasn't gonna fall for that stupid shit. I noticed Stan walk next to me, a red scarf around his ankle. Yes! He was on my team!

"Awesome Stan we're on the same team. Listen. I know I usually do all the catching, but I'm going to need to switch off with you just for today." I said, smiling at Stan hopefully. He waved his hand at me.

"Yeah, okay cool." He said nonchalantly and waved at Wendy who was on the blue team with Bebe, Craig, and Butters. She waved back as I tapped Stan on the shoulder.

"Pay attention Stan, this is really important. You catch today and I dodge. Got it?" I explained, getting nervous. He looked at me blankly.

"What?" he asked. I smacked my forehead as the coach blew his whistle for the game to begin.

"I said you-" I got cut off as Wendy smashed a ball into Stan's face. My mouth fell open as he rubbed his head.

"You're out Marsh!" The coach exclaimed.

"Oops… Sorry Stan." Wendy giggled as she and Bebe high fived. Stan just stood up with a lovesick smirk on his face.

"That's okay Wendy." He murmured and went over to the benches, shooting an apologetic glance my way.

"DUDE!" I yelled in aggravation, but I felt a strong hand abruptly yank me backwards. It was Cartman who was also apparently on my team. A dodge ball narrowly missed my face. I blinked a couple of times and he shoved me behind him slightly.

"Get your head in the fucking game jew! I'm not gonna lose to some stupid fucking GIRLS because of YOU!" he snarled at me and caught the ball Bebe threw at us. She flipped off Cartman and stomped away.

"S-sorry!" I yelled back, flinging a ball at a very distracted Kenny. It hit him in the arm as he was watching Bebe's boobs bounce back towards the benches. He shrugged and followed her so he could sit next to her and look down her shirt. I smiled, feeling accomplished.

"On your left Kyle!" Token called as he attempted to catch a ball Butters threw at Cartman, which was headed straight for me. I tried to dodge it, but it brushed past my ankle and the coach signaled me out. I tried to hide my relief! I was going to get out of the game for the rest of the period! No more danger!

As I walked towards the stand, I saw Stan's face contort and he pointed behind me. Before I could turn, I felt the ball smash into my side. The pain damn near blinded me. I fell to the ground, hugging my torso and trembling in agony. I heard Cartman laughing behind me.

"Hahahaha! That's what you get Kahl! That's what happens when you betray your team!" he exclaimed. Ah. So Cartman threw the ball at me. Why was I not surprised?

"Cartman you asshole! He didn't betray us!" Stan roared, going over to me. I couldn't think. I couldn't breathe. All I could feel was the pain from last night…

'THIS is what happens when you disobey me, Kyle! You get punished!'

"Well he should have been playing like he always does! He didn't have his fucking head in the game!" Cartman retorted.

'Why can't you do anything right?!'

"Hey Kyle… Kyle are you alright?" Stan asked, placing his hand on my shoulder. I flinched at his touch. The coach blew his whistle to stop the game and walk over.

'You act like worthless gahbage! Why can't you be more responsible?!'

"Kahl stop being so dramatic! I didn't even throw it that hard! Jesus fucking Christ!" Cartman spat. I felt the coach start to turn me over.

'Why can't you be more like IKE?!"

I slapped the coach's hand away and forced myself up, my body screaming in protest. Everyone was staring at me as I grabbed my bag and ran out of the gym. The bell rang in the halls as I flew up the stairs and pushed past kids that were heading into the lunch room. I headed into the boys bathroom and locked myself into the last stall. The toilet was filthy, but frankly I didn't give a flying fuck. I slammed the toilet seat down, hugged my knees to my chest, and for the first time in years I cried my fucking eyes out. Her words echoed in my head as I muffled my sobs with my sleeve.

'At this rate, all you'll ever be is second best.'