Page 30 of Tis the Season to be Bullied

For the first time since I arrived at Saint Amos, I’m relieved when the bell gongs for lunch.

I don’t bother trying to find Jasper—he made it clear he’d rather stick a fork in his eye than spend any more time with me than he has to. I head for the first open seat I see.

As luck would have it, I recognize the boy sitting opposite me a few minutes into my meal of sausages, gravy, peas, and mashed potato. He doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere, so I might as well get some answers.

“You’re Jasper’s friend,” I say, pointing at the kid with my fork.

He leans back from me as if he’s worried I’ll reach over and stick him with my cutlery. “Yeah, so?”

“So what’s his problem? I mean, is he genuinely just a prick, or did I do something shitty to him in a previous life?”

Jasper’s friend watches me with owlish eyes. “He…he doesn’t like girls.”

“No one in this place does.” I stab a stray pea and shove it in my mouth, bursting it between my teeth. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

His friend shakes his head, and then ducks down.

I’m all hot and cold inside. I so badly want to thump my fist into the table and make his friend look me in the eyes. I’ve got a bad temper sometimes, but I never let it show back home. I’d rather suppress it until I’m alone.

Things are always easier to handle when you’re alone.

“What’s your name?” I ask, switching to a softer voice.

Jasper’s friend glances up at me, and then shifts in his seat as if even that question makes him uncomfortable. “Perry.”

“Perry…I’m going to level with you.” I put down my fork and place my palms on the table, spreading out my fingers. It helps me keep calm, and Perry can see I’m not palming a switchblade or something. “I’ve had a horrible few weeks. I…”

Why is this so difficult?

Come on, Trinity. Just open your mouth and?—

“My parents died. Recently.”

Perry’s eyes go even wider.

“This place is all I’ve got left. I’m not picking a fight with anyone. Why would I? That would just make my life miserable.”

Perry nods a little.

“So why is Jasper treating me like his enemy?”

Perry picks up a pea and presses it against his lips, but he doesn’t eat it yet. “Because you’re a girl.”

“Bullshit.”

Perry shrugs.

“So he just straight-up hates all girls?”

I sit back. Perry looks relieved as he pushes the pea into his mouth and swallows.

“How can I show him I’m not a bad person?”

Perry shakes his head. Eats another pea. I pick up my fork, toying with it. “Nothing, huh?”

“I guess…”

I sit forward. “Tell me.”

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