"Blood On The Ground" – Part 6

Summary and additional notes in part 1.

Author's Note: So, the promo was a bit depressing. Decided to upload another chapter tonight. It's not very long but it moves the plot along.

Disclaimer: Do NOT own Degrassi!

6-

Monday morning Adam walked into Degrassi with his head down. He was embarrassed about what happened and didn't want to be here. His parents insisted that he go and made sure Drew travelled with him. He skipped waiting for Fiona and headed straight to his locker, wanting to just blend in. It was no use. He couldn't escape the stares and perceived looks of pity.

"Hey man," Eli said as he came to stand beside his locker. "Shouldn't you be waiting outside?" he questioned.

Adam shook his head. "Not today."

"Adam," Eli started.

"What?" he asked in a clipped tone.

"No one thinks less of you," Eli told him quietly. It had to be said.

Adam scoffed. "Yeah, right."

Eli frowned. "Seriously, Adam. Owen ganged up on you. Everyone knows it wasn't a fair fight."

Adam shook his head stubbornly and grabbed a textbook from his locker. The damage to his face was proof that he was too weak to defend himself. "Don't."

Eli furrowed his brows. "Don't what?"

Adam sighed heavily. "I already know the score, alright?"

-oOo-

Once he got to Social Studies, Adam went directly to his seat. Alli sent him a look of sympathy, which he promptly ignored. He kept his head down and adjusted his beanie further.

"It doesn't look that bad," he heard her say.

Adam snorted and waited for class to begin.

"Sorry I'm late everyone. I got held up in the main office," Mr. Perrino explained as he placed his briefcase on the desk. He picked up a piece of chalk and wrote today's lesson on the board. When he turned around to face his students, he spotted Adam and frowned.

"Mr. Torres, you know the rules. We don't wear hats in class," he scolded him.

Adam felt even more self-conscious as everyone turned to look at him.

"Well?" Mr. Perrino said impatiently.

Adam muttered a silent curse before pulling off his hat. He heard a few gasps. Without the beanie to hold his hair in place, more of his bruising came into view. He saw Mr. Perrino wince.

"Are you alright, son?" the teacher asked concerned.

Adam shrugged. "Yeah. You should see the other guy," he offered meekly.

Mr. Perrino cracked a small smile. "Well then, just keep it on ice as often as you can," he advised. "Alright everyone, turn to page 387."

-oOo-

"I feel like a leper," Adam grumbled. Eli shot him a look. "I know, I know. 'It's not so bad!'" he mimicked.

Eli smirked. "You're a ball of sunshine and happiness today!" he teased.

"Well, getting the shit beaten out of you does wonders for the soul," he quipped.

Clare frowned at him as she sat down. "Adam," she said in a warning tone.

"What? Truth hurts?" he retorted.

Clare and Eli shared a look. They were both at a loss with what to do about Adam's mood.

"Hey Adam," Sanjay Chowdhury said in a cheery voice as he approached their table.

"Hey," Adam responded. The freshmen walked over and gave him a hug.

"Battle scars," he reminded Adam as he pulled away. As Adam knew, the boy was no stranger to being bashed. They had bonded over their experiences in GLBT club. Sanjay wanted to remind his friend that he was still a hero to anyone who had been taunted, bullied, or marginalized.

"I suppose you're right," Adam said with a small smile. With that one gesture his spirits had lifted considerably.

"See you after school?" Sanjay asked. They had a club meeting today.

Adam nodded. "Yeah."

.

tbc