Page 44 of Boys Like You

“Cece,” she finally says. “Are you and Max friends?” She avoids eye contact with me. Maximus squeezes my leg hard from under the table.

“Yes, Maximus and I are good friends.” Luckily the science lab has bench tables. Knowing he’s uncomfortable, I place my hand on his. “Well it was nice meeting you.”

“Um yeah, you too.” She takes one last look at Maximus realising he isn’t looking up at her and leaves.

“She is gone.” He exhales. “Do you not like being called Max?” He shakes his head no. “I can tell her that.” He shakes his head no again. “Okay,” I say, not pushing him any further. “Let’s go to lunch, I’m starved. I’ve been thinking about all the food Mr Cole packed.” I grab my bag and swing it over my shoulder. “Also, I hope you’re a good tutor, because I had absolutely no idea what we had to do today.”

As we make our way to lunch, Cindy and her friends block our way. I remember her from the bowling alley.

“Look, it’s the mute, and he has a friend.” Her words make me snap. She is a lot taller than me but I don’t care.

“What did you just say?” I demand, squaring up to her.

“And he has a guard dog, isn’t that cute?” Her friends laugh.

“Leave him alone. What has he ever done to you? If you want a punching bag, I’m right here.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist; Maxy knows I’m just playing around.” Her perfectly manicured fingers reach out and touch Maximus’s arm. I look at her and then to him. He’s gone pale. I don’t think, I just step forward and push Cindy with everything I have. She stumbles backwards, her friends rushing to her side.

Maximus is sitting on the ground, rocking back and forth. I grab his headphones from his backpack and place them on his head. His rocking slows slightly.

I try something, not knowing if it will make him worse. I walk slowly behind him and place my hand on his shoulder. I tell him it’s just me, he is okay and safe with me. He doesn’t freak out, so I slide myself down beside him, pulling him close, copying the way Levi had this morning. Being so short, I wrap my arms around his waist and my legs either side of him, my head resting on his back.

“Just breathe, in through your nose and out through your mouth,” I say, remembering Mercer’s words.

I feel a crowd gathering around, but I block them out and focus on Maximus. I manage to get my phone from my bra.

“Hey Google, call Levi.” I’d thought it was silly when Rory set it up for me, but I’m glad he did. I still have issues using it but luck is on my side, Levi’s name pops up on the screen.

“You need to help; Maximus is having a moment. I don’t know where we are but look for the massive crowd of nosey parkers not being helpful.” I end the call when I notice the crowd parting. The guys and what looks to be a teacher come closer, telling the crowd to move on. The rocking has stopped. Levi bends down in front of Maximus while I’m still attached to his back.

“You’re safe, we are all here now, keep breathing.” I feel him nod, his breathing evening out.

“What happened?” Levi snaps. I know he’s worried, so I don’t take it personally.

“I think it started in Chemistry when Cece shortened his name, and then he was a bit off walking here, but it was when we ran into that bitch Cindy. She called him a mute and also shortened his name, but when she touched him, he just went down.” Rory’s face drops and he storms away.

“Miss, you need to come with me,” a balding man says, looking down on me.

“No.” I keep myself wrapped around Maximus.

“I wasn’t asking. You assaulted a student,” he states.

“And said student is a bitch who was bullying my friend, so when she took it too far, I stopped her. If you don’t mind, I’m busy.”

Rocky snorts and tries to cover it with a cough.

The teacher bends down towards me, and I see it as if in slow motion; his arm reaching for mine. Before I have a chance to move, Maximus grabs his arm. Rocky, Mercer and Levi step beside Maximus. Clearly confused at Maximus grabbing a teacher when he doesn’t touch anyone and also having his back in case the teacher does anything.

“Do not put your hands on her or we will have a problem,” Mercer states, coming to join the guys in their stance to show this teacher they mean business. The teacher visibly swallows, realizing his mistake.

“Well it seems Maximus is fine now, so we can go have that chat,” I say with a smile, but he doesn’t find it amusing.

“All five of you to the office, now.” He pulls his arm from Maximus’s grip. He turns and walks towards the main building, Mercer walks directly behind him along with Rocky. Levi walks just ahead of Maximus and me.

Maximus takes a hold of my hand as we walk. Once we get to Mr Turner’s office, baldy tells us to take a seat.

My leg bounces up and down. Anxiety plagues me, the ramifications of my actions now sinking in. What if I get kicked out my first day? Bile rises in my throat as a voice sounds in my head.You’re good for nothing, useless. Why does he even keep you around?

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