Chapter 3 Help

The next few days went as flat as a pancake. Everything felt quiet, almost dull. Some students still teased and laughed at me for always being alone. The truth? I don't have any friends here. I've tried, but it's hard for me to socialize. My interests are just... different. Most people here like hanging out, partying, or going out after class, while I prefer staying home, reading books, or watching shows.

I was once called a nerd because of that. Someone even said, "Who even reads books these days?"

I wanted to roll my eyes. Duh, I do.

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

The girls groaned while the guys cheered and high-fived each other. For once, I actually relate to them-because I'd forgotten what Friday meant: Physical Education. Ugh. Or as I like to call it, physical torture. Every time we play sports, my classmates somehow find a way to make me the joke. If it's volleyball, I'm the net. If it's basketball, I'm the hoop. And if it's dodgeball-well, I'm the first target.

"Go to your lockers in the gymnasium and change into your P.E. uniforms," Mr. Brown, our subject teacher and varsity coach, announced, blowing his whistle right in our faces.

I muttered under my breath, low enough so he wouldn't hear me. That whistle isn't mandatory-he just likes feeling powerful with it, like it gives him control over the world. I rolled my eyes and walked toward the lockers as my classmates chattered and changed.

I honestly don't get it. I'm a graduating student. Why are we still required to take minor subjects like P.E.? But then again, I missed a few minor ones in my lower years. I need to pass this class to graduate-and finally leave this place.

I can't wait to travel out of country someday and maybe fall in love with someone. The thought made me pause mid-step. It was the first time I'd ever imagined something like that.

Maybe... I've been alone for too long.

I shook the thought away and mentally tossed it in the trash. No time for drama. With a sigh, I continued walking toward the gym. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum. I didn't even know what sport we'd be playing today. It sucks being an irregular student-you never know what you're walking into.

But can you blame me? I've had no time before. Between cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and working nights to make ends meet, I could barely attend classes.

Inside the gym, a few guys were already playing basketball, running back and forth like wild beasts fighting for their prey. The winner gets the prize, I guess. I never understood sports. Maybe I just hate them because of all the humiliation tied to them. Either way, I was fine staying on the sidelines.

"Listen up!"

That annoying whistle blared again. We gathered around Coach Brown in a circle. He rested his hands on his hips, scanning us with that stern "I own you" look.

"Today, we're playing a sport you haven't tried before."

"Oh boy," I muttered, half excited, half nervous.

"In this sport, you need to be fast, strong, and most importantly, use this-" he tapped his temple "-your brain."

Someone raised their hand. Coach nodded at them.

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

My jaw dropped. Coach Brown just got roasted. Some students choked on their laughter while others cheered. I wanted to laugh too but restrained myself.

"One-hour detention!" Coach barked, his face red. The kid smirked and left the gym, clearly pleased with himself. Lucky him-he just escaped P.E.

"All of you! Shut up, or I'll fail your grades!"

I froze like a statue, swallowing hard. When he started pacing in front of us, hands behind his back, I silently prayed. I couldn't afford to fail.

"Change of plans," he said darkly. "We're playing something difficult today."

"Oh, that Sebastian is so lucky," a guy beside me muttered. "I'm gonna beat him to a pulp."

Poor Sebastian, I thought. He'd started a war.

"You have five minutes to change into your P.E. uniforms! Anyone late-even by one second-fails!"

Before I could even blink, chaos erupted. Students rushed toward the lockers, shoving and tripping over each other. Someone stepped on my foot, and I stumbled to the floor. I coughed but pushed myself up, ignoring the pain. Time was ticking, and the locker rooms were probably already full.

I hurried over and spun my locker combination with trembling hands. Panic buzzed around me like static-no one wanted to be late after that threat. When I finally got my uniform, I headed for the bathroom to change.

But just as I was about to close the stall door, someone banged on it.

"Open up! I was here first!"

I ignored the voice, trying to hurry. I hung my clothes over the door, quickly undressing. But when I reached for my P.E. uniform-it wasn't there. My hands grasped nothing but air. My stomach dropped.

My clothes were gone. All of them.

"Hey! Who took my clothes?!" I shouted. Laughter echoed outside.

"That's for not letting us in first!" a familiar girl's voice yelled.

My blood ran cold. "No... please! Give me my clothes back!"

Nothing. Just more laughter fading away.

I was trapped-stripped, humiliated, and helpless. I couldn't go out like this. I hugged myself, trembling. Tears burned my eyes as I sat on the cold floor.

Hours must have passed. The bell rang outside, signaling the end of classes. I wiped my cheeks, but it was useless. What choice did I have? I couldn't stay here forever. But I also couldn't walk home naked. The thought made me want to disappear.

I took a deep breath, combed my hair back with my fingers, and slowly opened the stall door. The cold air hit my skin like ice. I stepped out-only to freeze in horror.

Right in front of me, Nathan was making out with a cheerleader.

I gasped, too shocked to move. Why didn't I hear them come in?! My first instinct was to rush back inside, but it was too late. They both turned and stared at me.

Nathan's eyes widened, then narrowed. The cheerleader covered her mouth in shock before smirking.

"Oh my god," she said, standing up. "I know you! You're that loner kid-what's your name again?"

I looked away, hiding my face behind my hair. She didn't need to remember my name to know who I was. She'd bullied me before. They all had.

"I can't wait to post this online," she sneered, pulling out her phone.

My heart pounded so hard it drowned everything else out. I wanted to move, to grab something to cover myself, but I couldn't. My body wouldn't listen. Tears welled in my eyes. Why can't I move? Why am I letting her do this?

"Stop that," Nathan said suddenly.

His voice was calm-but sharp. I looked up just as he grabbed her wrist. His grip was tight enough to make her wince.

"You're hurting me!" she cried, but he didn't budge. He yanked her phone from her hand and hurled it against the wall. It shattered instantly, pieces scattering across the tiles.

My jaw dropped. The cheerleader stood there, speechless.

"Get out," Nathan said coldly. His tone sent chills down my spine. For a second, I saw something dark in his eyes-something that reminded me of the nightmare I'd had before.

"You're going to pay for this!" she shouted, snatching her hand away. Tears streamed down her face as she ran out, covering herself in embarrassment.

For a moment, I felt bad for her. Then I remembered she was about to post a picture of me naked.

Nah-she deserved it.

"Hey," Nathan said.

Before I could respond, something warm draped over my shoulders. I flinched and realized it was his jacket. My eyes widened. I'd almost forgotten I was still completely exposed. My face burned as I clutched the coat tightly, turning away from him.

"I'm sorry about that. You must be-"

I ran away from him.