that's just the way it goes

Alex sat on the bench of the park, waiting for Jack. It was the day before their Freshman Orientation at Dulaney High School, and they were going to get the supplies they needed.

Jack and Alex’s relationship at this time, was odd. They would hold hands, and be closer than other people would consider normal. They got teased a lot, and called Gay, but they didn’t seem to mind. Alex definitely had strong feelings for the other, as did Jack, but they were too afraid to admit it.

As Alex waited for Jack, a group of guys that tormented the two were walking by. They stopped in front of
Alex, and teased him.

“Where’s your boyfriend, Gaskarth? Or should I call you, Gayskarth?” The oldest of the group, Zack, sneered, flicking Alex on the forehead. Alex ignored him, looking down at his feet as the boys laughed at him. “Here’s the thing Alex. you have potential to become one of us. We’ll stop tormenting you and your boyfriend.” The boy said, sitting down next to Alex. This got his attention. He looked up hesitantly, turning to the older male.

“Y-You will?” He asked. Zack smirked.

“Sure, you just have to do one thing. You have to beat him up instead. If you do that, we’ll leave you alone.” He said, turning to the rest of his group smiling deviously up at them. Alex thought about it for a moment, and then nodded.

“Fine.” He said. The boys howled with laughter, and ran behind one of the nearby bushes. Alex sat, waiting for Jack. He wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into, but he didn’t want the older boys to taunt them anymore. As Jack rounded the corner, Alex jumped up. Just like any other day, Jack wrapped Alex in a hug, but this time Alex shoved him off. Jack fell to the ground, with a surprised look on his face as he climbed over him and started wailing on his face. Alex could here the sniggers from the older boys in the bushes, and he stopped. Jack scrambled up from the ground, a scared expression on his face, and then turned and ran away. The older boys climbed from the bush one by one, patting Alex on the back.

“See, that wasn’t that hard.” Zack said. Alex looked up at him, anger swelling on his face.

“Now you have to leave us alone. I did what you asked.” Alex muttered, making the group erupt with more laughter.

“Oh, stupid child. I didn’t mean once. You have to do it every day, until you graduate high school. You can’t be friends with him anymore, because he’s your new punching bag. If you don’t stick with this, then we’ll come after the both of you.” Zack threatened, clapping Alex on the back. “Well, see you around kid. Don’t you tell nobody about this.” Alex watched as the group disappeared down the sidewalk, and when they were out of sight he started to cry.

Notes