Chapter Text
I am hiding in the toilet until it is safe to walk to class. I don’t want to run into Fred, Steven and Jason. Those three have got it in for me. It started by mocking my voice, laughing and calling me names but things have gotten worse now. They take my bag and empty it on the floor and kick my stuff around. They push and shove me in the hallways and laugh at me. All kids see it, but they say nothing. Most of them laugh because they believe I deserve it.
I was in the auditorium for the election speeches. I hope Charlie Spring wins it. He used to be like me, someone everybody looks down upon, but became the rugby captain’s boyfriend. They are quite the couple at school and everybody seems to accept them. He talked about ending the bullying culture at Truham. Everybody listened when he talked and I hope I can feel safe at school.
I am gay. I have known since I was ten years old but try to keep it a secret. Of course, everybody suspects I am, but nobody knows for sure. I admire Charlie so much, I wish I was more like him. He is so strong, takes shit from no one and is one of the popular kids. He and Nick kiss openly, and no one says a thing! He is the only openly gay kid at school and I wish I had the confidence to come out as well. I am a coward though. I’m afraid Fred and his friends will become even worse.
Charlie has won! 61% of the school voted for him. Just to see someone like him out there gives me hope that one day I can be myself at school. I tried talking to him once and approached him between classes, but when he looked at me I bolted! Such a stupid thing to do, I heard him call after me but kept on running. He must think I’m a right idiot.
Two days ago Fred, Steven and Jason had taken my bag and were throwing it around when three rugby lads stepped in and told them ‘to knock it off’. They warned them if they’d see them bully me again they would take action, whatever that means. Fred and his mates ran off like a couple of cowards. One of the lads, Otis, told me to come to them if they bothered me again. He is a friend of Nick’s, but I see him hanging out with Tao too and he is a close friend of Charlie.
Things are changing? Maybe I’ll even like going to school? Maybe I can stop hiding in the toilet? One minute before the bell rings. I open the door and head for my next class.