I’m running late. Miss West kept me after class to discuss my poetry piece. I smile as I think about the look on her face when she told me she’d like to share it with the rest of her classes. It took me by surprise, but I’m…flattered. And excited.

I hop off the last step and turn into the hallway. My smile instantly falls as I see Adam and Christian. My head automatically drops until my chin is practically touching my chest. I keep my eyes glued to the floor, attempting my invisibility trick. I have a fifty/fifty chance of making it down this hall without them messing with me.

As I pass by them as quickly as I can without being obvious about it, I hear their shoes squeak on the overly waxed floor. And I know. I know they’re coming for me.

“What’s up, Faggot?”

Faggot. How original. Still, I feel my cheeks grow hot and I know I’m bright red. But I don’t stop. I can’t. I don’t know what I’ll do if I look at them right now.

“Hey, we’re talking to you, Homo.” This is Christian. Loved by all and nearly worshiped by this school for his wonderful ability to throw a football.
He’s an ass.

“What the f*ck did you just say?”

My head snaps back in surprise and my eyes fall on the new kid. I've seen him in passing, but he’s usually surrounded by morally corrupt females, so I haven’t spoken to him yet.

“What, are you a little faggot too?”

Seriously? He could at least use some creativity and change up his insults a little.

The new dude lets his backpack slip from his shoulder, landing loudly on the floor. Then he grabs Christian by the collar of his polo shirt and slams him into the lockers. I’m pretty sure my smile has just returned, but I can’t be positive because I’m still in shock.

I press my lips together as my defender shouts right in Christian’s face and Adam stands by, allowing it to happen. I almost laugh. This is the best scene I've ever witnessed. I’m carefully taking note of every sound, every breath, every word. I want to memorize this moment, so I can relive it later when my heart isn't beating so erratically.

The new dude turns around, scoops up his bag, and just walks away like what happened is his typical Tuesday routine. I hurry after him because I realize my first impression of him was so very wrong. And he needs to know. There’s no way he can understand what he did for me. I’m sure I’ll pay for it later, but screw it. I’ll take whatever Adam and Christian can dish out because now I know the truth. Deep down, they aren't badass. They’re really just scared little boys in men’s bodies.

And that’s just so… It’s so… I shake my head trying to find the right words.

“That. Was. Awesome.”

New guy glances at me and we grin at each other like idiots. “He f*cking deserved it,” he says breathlessly.

I nod, my cheeks hurting from smiling so much. “Yeah, he did,” I agree. “For a lot of reasons.” It’s not just my life Christian’s determined to make hell.

I ask him to sit with me and the band at lunch and he jumps on the invitation. We move through the line and I bounce on my toes, possibly getting too excited when I see chili cheese fries. But seriously, they’re the best food ever invented.

I turn suddenly when I remember I haven’t introduced myself and I still don’t know his name. “I’m Guy,” I say. “And thanks.”

He smirks as he extends his hand. “Mason Patel. And no thanks are necessary. Putting assholes in their place is kind of my greatest joy.”

My thoughts flip instantly to Hope. That’s her favorite pastime as well. And now all sorts of ideas are swimming around in my head.