Chapter 3: Help

The next following days went as flat as a pancake. My days were tranquil. Some students tease me and make fun of me since I'm always alone. The truth is I don't have any friends here. I tried, though, but it's hard for me to socialize. My interests in other people here are different. Since I live in a city, most people here prefer going outside and hanging out with friends.

I was once told I'm a nerd since I love reading books and watching shows. They even say who even reads books these days. I mean, duh, I do.

"Okay, class, it's Friday today, and you know the rules!"

The girls moaned in torment while the guys cheered and did a high five. Damn, for the first time, I relate to somebody. Why did I disregard it's Friday today. Meaning? We have to do Physical Education. I grunt at the thought, more like physical abuse, torture, and pain. Every time we play sports, some way or another, my classmates find their way to make a monkey of me. If we are going to play volleyball, they see me as their net. If basketball, I'm the ring. If dodgeball, ha! I'm the unfortunate student they continuously target at first.

"Go to your lockers in the Gymnasium and shift to your P.E uniform." Mr. Brown, our subject teacher and coach of the varsity team announced. He even used his whistle to blow it right in front of us.

I talk in an undertone, so he couldn't know I'm torturing him multiple times now. The whistle isn't mandatory. He feels almighty as his deadly implement is his whistle. As if he can take over the world by using it. I rolled my eyes subtly, then went outside and my classmates changed pants. I do not get it. I'm already a graduating student. We shouldn't focus on minor subjects such as physical education, but I keep in mind I have missed different minor issues some time recently in my lower years. I'm taking it now to graduate and leave this place.

I can't wait to travel outside the country and be with someone I will fall in love with. I suddenly stop in my tracks with my thoughts. It's my first time thinking about things like this.

Guess I have been all alone for the past years.

I disregard the thought and kick them in the trash can. There is no room for drama here. I heaved a sigh then proceeded to walk straight into the Gym. I can feel my heart beating so fast like a drum because I don't know what sport we will play today. It sucks to be an irregular student. But can you blame me? I really don't have time before because of my errands. I have to cook, clean, do groceries, and work at night for my living.

I saw some other students, mostly guys, playing basketball. They ran back and forth, and I followed by a look. I somehow pictured them as hungry beasts fighting over their sustenance. The winner gets the prize. I will never understand sports. I have never been fond of it. Or maybe because of the trauma I received? Well, I'm enjoying my life anyway.

"Listen up!"

I heard the annoying sound again. We gathered up together in a small circle in front of coach Brown. When he's done whistling, he puts his hands over his hips then looks at us one by one. His eyes are scanning as if he's scaring us away.

"Today, we are going to play a sport that you haven't played before."

"Oh boy," I said in glee.

"In this sport, you need to be fast. Your body must be strong. Most of all, you need to use this." he pointed to his head.

Someone raised their hand, and Mr. Brown looked at the kid.

"But sir, there's nothing inside your head."

I felt my jaw hang open like a cannon that aimed a fire. Mr. Brown just got burned, roasted, flickered, ignited, and turned into dust. I wanted to laugh, but I restrained myself. Some of my classmates almost choke on their saliva. Others are cheering. I shook my head in disappointment.

"One-hour detention!" Mr. Brown was fuming mad. The kid happily left the Gymnasium. Oh, that sneaky kid is so lucky for not doing P.E today.

"All of you! Shut up, or I will mark your grades an F!"

I stood on my spot like a statue. I gulped when he inspected us again. He put his hand behind his back then walked closer to us. I did my prayers because I didn't want to fail on his subject.

"Change of plans. You're going to play a difficult sport."

"Oh, that Sebastian is so lucky. I'm going to beat him like a pulp." I heard a guy beside me murmur. I'll send regards to that Sebastian guy.

"Now, I'm giving you five minutes to change into your P.E uniform! Once you don't come back and you're late even for one second, you're all going to fail!"

Before I could process what was happening, there was a stampede. My classmates are pushing themselves to go to their lockers. I was moved and stepped on from the ground. I coughed in pain, but I didn't mind it because time was ticking, and I bet the lockers are full of girls by now.

I stood up and hurriedly went to the lockers. My hands were shaking as I did my combination. I can hear the panic in my classmate's voice. I can't blame them. Thanks to Sebastian's stunt earlier, Mr. Brown is now strict and not in the mood.

When I opened my locker, I took my P.E uniform then proceeded to the bathroom. I yelped in surprise when I heard someone knocking on the door.

"Open this! I was here first!"

I gulped and didn't listen to her voice. I wanted to pass this subject, so I hung my clothes on the door and started to remove my clothes and hung them beside my uniform. I reached up on my P.E uniform, but I couldn't feel my clothes on my hands to my horror. I looked up then I realized my clothes were gone. All of it!

"Hey! Who took my clothes?!" I yelled, but all I heard were laughs coming from a group of girls.

"That's for not letting us use the bathroom even though we got here first!" I heard a familiar voice exclaim.

"N-no..." I can feel the overflowing of my blood rushing down quickly to my whole body.

"Please! give me my clothes back!" I almost kneeled in front of the door, but all they said were their goodbyes to me. I tried calling for help, but it was no use. I can't go outside because I'm stripped, and I don't want others to see me like this, looking so helpless.

I cried in silence. I hugged myself in shame as I felt the cold air brushing.

  I remained within the bathroom for god knows how many hours. I know I can't stay here any longer, but I am naked and cannot be seen like this. I can't help but choke back a sob again. I am once again a target of bullying. I thought they'd leave me alone for good this time, and it turns out I was really wrong. I feel the cold breeze of air brushing through my substance. I embraced my knees so tight my nails were burrowing deeper. I don't know how many minutes, likely, that turned into hours I have been stuck here.

I know it's way past time now at our school since I heard the bell ring outside. I hurled out a loud sigh then removed the tears on my cheeks. It's futile to remain here all night, but what choice do I have? A few freaks might see me meandering within the boulevards at night looking like a potato that's been chimed. Okay, my thoughts are inching me out, and I need to do something.

I stood up and combed my hair with my fingers. I opened the entryway and stepped outside on the cold white tiles when I gasped in shock to see what's happening before me. Blood flowed quickly on the surface of my face. I can feel my cheeks getting red because of humiliation. Why didn't I hear them?! In front of me is Nathan making out with a random cheerleader that he must've dragged away!

I was about to rush inside the stall again since they should not see me looking like this when it was too late. They halted mid with their making-out session then looked at me. I can see the perplexity and beguilement simultaneously, asphyxiated since somebody hindered their moment. Adrenaline surged through my veins, and the first thought I may think of was to cover up, but I felt something damp on the floor. So rather than going inside the stall to hide, I felt my butt landing on the desensitizing ceramic tile. I winced in pain, and a roar of laughter rang in my ears.

"Oh god! I know you! You're that lonely kid who doesn't have any friends to talk with. What's your name again?"

I can feel their presence next to me. I was as well embarrassed to look at them within the eye, so I covered my face with my hair to hide it. I know she got to see at my features for seconds, but she quickly identified me. She's a cheerleader. I know she bullied me, and they know all of their casualties.

"Oh, I can't wait to post this in the media." she took out her phone and swiped on her screen. I can feel my hands shaking, and my heart is beating so loud I can't even hear anything anymore aside from it.

I need to stand up and cover myself, but I'm paralyzed on the floor as if a tremendous tidal wave slapped me on my face, and I couldn't recoup from the injury that had hit me. My tears were already forming in both corners of my eyes. Why can't I move to save myself from this humiliation? Why am I letting her?

"Stop that."

Then suddenly, Nathan stopped her. I looked at them. Nathan was holding her hand, gripping it tightly, making her grimace in pain.

"You're hurting me!" her high-pitched voice reverberated all through the comfort room but Nathan didn't flinch on his spot. He instead took her phone and tossed it on the wall. My jaw hit the ground as the pieces of the phone scattered on the floor. The cheerleader was too shocked to speak.

"Now, get out of here." Nathan threatened her with so much menace in his eyes that I even gulped the knot of my throat. He looks terrifying to look at that even sends a chill on my spine. I suddenly remembered my dream. The same expression.

"You're going to pay for this!" she removed her hands away from his grip, then she strode out. She was covering her face with her palms as tears started to roll off on her cheeks. I kind of feel bad for her but when I remember she's about to post my nakedness in the media, I immediately regret it.

Nah, she deserves it.

"Hey."

I felt something warm that wrapped around my bare shoulders. Now that I am back to reality, I abruptly recalled that I was not wearing anything and saw my nudity. I look away from him while holding firmly on the coat he offered.