Would You Still Be There

I walked down the hallway with Austin, trying to control the nerves running through my body. I'd never liked someone this much after meeting them. It was almost intimidating.

It turned out Austin and I had music together. I was ecstatic but I hoped I wouldn't embarrass myself as usual. Music was one of those classes I had no friends in, not even acquaintances. No one there really liked me, the truth is I was the laughing stock of the class.

I didn't want Austin to know, though. I wanted him to like me, there was no way I'd let him see how much of a joke I truly was. All I could do was hope they left me alone today so Austin didn't find out.

We reached the classroom fairly quickly, considering it was literally a few doors down. We walked into the class and I instantly became tense. To my misfortune, Austin seemed to notice, giving me a questionable look. I pretended I didn't notice and sat near the back, Austin following suit.

I spent the entire class secretly admiring Austin, getting caught up in studying every inch of him. I knew I must have seemed like a stalker but he just seemed so perfect. I couldn't find anything wrong with him.

To my luck, I'd only gotten a few snickers from the other boys in the class, and Austin couldn't have been more oblivious.

I glanced up at our teacher, finding that we weren't doing anything particularly interesting. Although, Austin seemed to have his eyes fixed on the board with his complete attention. I didn't know what was so interesting to him.

I decided to actually listen and try to understand, but I soon got distracted again by Austin. He seemed so amazing, there had to be something wrong with him.

I began to wonder if Austin was gay, but I doubted it completely. And even if he was he'd never go for me.

I sighed heavily, laying my head on the desk until the bell rang.

It turned out that Austin had math and I had history so we had to go our separate ways.

"So.. I guess I'll see you at lunch?" I asked hopefully.

A grin appeared on his face as soon as I asked.

"Definitely." He answered, waving to me as he headed off towards his next class.

To be honest, I was relieved Austin didn't have history with me. It was the class I got bullied in the worst. It was a blended class, so the teacher was almost never there, making it an easy time to target me.

I forced myself up the stairs and to the class, trying to mentally prepare myself for the impending abuse. I took a deep breath before entering the room.

"Well, would you look who it is. Ashley."

I heard the immediate snickers from my usual bully, Derek. I felt my blood start to boil, ever since eighth grade Derek and his friends would taunt me with that name, it had gotten old a long time ago.

I ignored them and sat down, immediately feeling something being thrown at the back of my head. I clenched my fists, still trying to ignore them the best I could.

I heard them saying crude comments about my weight, and even though I knew they weren't true I couldn't help but feel tears start to form.

"Aww is Ashley gonna cry?" Derek sneered.

"You're so fucking pathetic Ashley, I don't know why you don't just kill yourself. You'd be doing us all a service." Derek's friends laughed and agreed with him. The rest of the room stayed silent.

"Fuck you, Derek." I said under my breath, moving to wipe away the tears.

"What was that?!?" He yelled, his face changing into a look of anger.

I froze, immediately regretting what I said.

"N-nothing." I stammered, hoping he would let it go.

"That wasn't nothing you fucking piece of shit!" He yelled, promptly grabbing me by my hair.

Derek dragged me out of the room, followed by his group of friends. There was nothing I could do except take it.

Derek threw me against one of the lockers, motioning for one of his friends to hold my body down before they started beating the shit out of me.

I yelled out in pain as I felt their shoes digging into my side over and over, tears spilling down my cheeks.

I didn't think they'd ever stop until suddenly I heard someone's voice from down the hallway.

It sounded faint, everything seemed to have slowed down. I briefly wondered if I was about to pass out. I could barely make out the words Derek was saying, and my head was beginning to spin.

Suddenly I thought I saw the flash of a familiar face.

"Austin?" I said weakly, trying to lift my head to get a closer look. He smiled at me sadly before gently pushing his hand against my head to keep it in place.

"Don't move. I don't want you to hurt yourself." He said in a soothing tone.

A thought occurred to me.

"Wh-where did Derek go?" I asked in a panic.

"Don't worry I took care of him. He won't be bothering you anymore." I couldn't read the look on Austin's face.

"Come on, let's get you to the nurse." He said gently, helping me up.

I nodded, following him fup the stairs.

I was so grateful that Austin saved me but I couldn't help but wonder what had happened.

Notes

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