Chapter Text
Leaves fall from trees as I walk. I found it calming when I heard the crunch of a leaf under my feet. It saved me from thoughts of what was going to happen today.
It was the first day of school. It was a chance for me to change. But I didn't.
I still dressed the same, my name was still Theodore, and I still acted the same. The only differences I have between now and then is my height.
Maybe if I changed a few things I wouldn't be bullied this year. I could dye my hair blonde, dress in stupid Nike tech clothes, or cut my hair even shorter. I could even change my name to Brian or something.
Whatever, it didn't matter anyway. Nothing was going to change the scars on my wrists, my sexuality, or even my fucked up family.
It's like anything matters.
When I stepped onto the first step of the school campus I felt immediate dread. It was like the feeling you get when you did something wrong and someone called you out for it. I wanted to sit on the wet steps of the school and cry. But I shouldn't. Boys don't cry.
I stared down at the wet leaf covered ground for a few seconds before finally forcing myself to go inside.
The school was cold upon walking inside. The halls were full of students. Some students were staring at me. Maybe because of the bandages covering my arms.
My mom knew about my scars. But instead of feeling bad for something she was disgusted. She forced me to cover my arms in bandages wherever I went.
The stares continued until two kids walked into the school, play fighting with each other.
I recognized the first kid, Julian. Julian was my bully in middle school, one of the reasons for my scars. But next to Julian was a boy whom I didn't recognize.
The boy next to Julian had fluffy long brown hair, grey eyes, and olive skin. The boy was also covered in freckles. It was like stars on his skin. Maybe he was a star.
"Ezra, look!" Julian snorts, "that fag is staring at you!" Julian points at me.
The boy, Ezra, looks at me. But for a short moment it's like his eyes lightened up when he saw me. Like he just saw the most beautiful art piece ever.
It confused me. How could somebody look at me like that?
I looked away and began walking to class.