10 10-Acceptance (1/2)

Zayne isn't at school the next day, he technically isn't suspended because the school is afraid of a lawsuit, but the principal and his parents agreed he needs a few days away from the people at school

I walk into Physics and am shocked to see Conrad and his bandaged nose sitting in his seat.

”What are you doing here?” I ask fighting the urge to hit him.

”Well most teenagers come to school five days a week in an effort to learn, so I thought I'd take part,” he gives me a smug smile.

”You treat someone like crap everyday for four years and you still aren't even suspended? You still dare show your face after the well deserved ass kicking you got?”

He gets up and gets in my face, ”You got a problem with me Notes?”

”You know what Conrad? I do, I really do. Zayne did nothing to aggravate you, he did nothing to deserve your shit, but you still made his life a living hell. I do have a problem with you!”

”What do you care about that freak? He brought this on himself when he decided to be a disgusting fag!”

I grab his shirt, ”Don't call him that! He's twice the man you are!”

Conrad looks scared for a second, but once the flip switches in his head, I know I've fucked up, ”Wait a second,” he smiles, ”Are you... And Cupcake... No way.”

His voice is low as I stare at him, seeing nothing but red.

”Conrad I will say this once. If you treat Zayne or anyone like that ever again I will kick your ass so hard you'll need a hospital. I've seen you walk the halls like you own them for far too long. Your reign is over.”

His eyes get dark and I feel him shake a little as I drop him and head to my seat. I look up and see Mr. Roe watching from outside the classroom, he comes in and acts like nothing happened.

He starts teaching and I just stare out the window. Today is Friday. Tomorrow is Saturday. Today needs to end faster.

Conrad looks back at me halfway through class, I elect to pretend I don't notice. I know it's a very real possibility I might get outed before lunch. At this point though, I don't think I care.

The day drags on, and Conrad keeps his mouth shut for all of it. Now he's the one alone at lunch, even Tempe ditched him. It feels good seeing him get a taste of his own medicine.

I dart through the day so I can get home and prepare for tomorrow. I brief Arriana on what's happening and ask her to cover, she agrees and says she'll tell mom and dad that I'm with her and Tempe. Tempe has moved on from Conrad back to me, so we're certain she'll tell people she was with me if she's asked.

I spend an hour on the phone with Zayne telling him to be ready by ten tomorrow morning, that we're borrowing his dad's car and going on a small trip. He begs to know what's going on but eventually gets tired and goes to bed.

By ten thirty I've followed his lead. I go to bed, and pray my plan works. It has too.

I wake up to the sound of Arriana rummaging through my closet.

It's eight in the morning, ”Can I help you?”

She straightens up and turns quickly, smiling, ”I want to help you get ready! I'm thinking the red dip dye shirt and your black jeans.”

”Arriana it's not a fashion show,” I climb out of bed and she starts fussing with my hair.

”I know but it is still really important. You should try to look nice, maybe shower,” she cringes at my messy hair.

I smirk and push her hand away before laying back down. I fall asleep again easily enough even with her babbling on about my clothes.

After waking up again an hour later I finally pull myself out of bed. I can hear Arriana in her room next to mine, our two rooms share a bathroom so every time she does any part of her thirty part morning routine, I hear it. It's part of why I wake up later, I just shower and I'm done, I don't want to wait and listen to her for an hour.

I see she had a field day with my closet, as now all my clothes are folded, on hangers, and organized. I actually don't mind.

Hopping in the shower, I can't stop smiling. Today is really important, it could be a really big stepping stone for Zayne and helping to accept himself and let go of all the pain he's holding.

I step out of shower to grab my jeans and find my sister on my bed.

”Holy shit!” I put my hand over my heart to keep it in my chest after her sudden appearance, ”Ever heard of knocking? You're lucky I'm wearing a towel.”

She smiles wide, ”Zayne called, he's ready whenever you want to go get him. I emptied your backpack and filled it with snacks since you guys will probably be gone all day. Get dressed! You got to get going!”

”Arri, we don't need to be there until eleven, if he and I leave in half an hour we'll still get there with time to get breakfast,” I grab my clothes off the chair by my closet before locking myself in the bathroom again. I quickly toss the clothes on and come out to grab my shoes.

”Are you ready?” Arriana takes my hand and smiles at me.

”I'm so much more than ready. So much is riding on today going well.”

I slip on my shoes and grab my bag, running down the hall to meet Arriana in the yard. I give my mom a kiss and wait for her to go inside before mounting my bike and leaving.

I make it to his house by nine twenty, his parents are already there with Zayne and the car keys.

Mrs. Daveen is talking to Zayne in the car while his dad waits for me to approach. I lock my bike on the stairs before I stride over to see them.

”You scratch my car and I'll beat you. Here's $50, make sure he eats and call us when you're on the way back. We'll wait up for you two.”