Nauseous - Skephalo

P R O U D - C H A P T E R N I N E

TW: Bullying, homophobia, transphobia, getting beaten up, self-hatred, offensive language, child abuse, blood, panic attack.

~~~ZAK'S POV~~~

The drive to school was silent. Dead silent. No one spoke a single word the whole way, and I just looked at my feet, thinking.

'I should have never accepted, even with my dad.' I grimace as I think. I glance up at the front seats to look at the other two boys, who had most likely ruined my life.

Vincent wore a sly grin, most likely proud of his actions. Proud of his successful prank.

Darryl on the other hand, wore a frown, his eyes filled with guilt and regret, he stared back at me for a second, but then quickly swiveled around.

'Huh, he can't even look at you.'

'He... can't. You're right. Maybe he hates me...?'

'He does.'

I hum in agreement, staying quiet for the rest of the drive.

Timeskip-

I quickly jump out of the car, since I really didn't want to be near Vincent and Darryl and we were almost late to class. I snatch my backpack out of the seat and dash to the stairs as fast as I can, quickly clambering up them and running into the doors and to my class. As I run, I hear the bell ring, and I slowly stop running. Maybe if I walk, I can come up with a good excuse for being late?

I was horribly wrong. By the time I got to my class, only a minute had passed, and I had no excuse. I hesitate, my hand hovering over the door knob for a few seconds before I opened it. As I walk in, my ears fill with soft giggles and laughter. I look over the classrom, seeing my classmates pointimg at me as well.

'Why...?' I think, confused.

Then it hit me.

The photo.

That stupid photo. Why did it have to exist? 

"Zak," My teacher cleared his throat. "You're late."

"I-I'm sorry, I-I was... feeding my dog?" I reply, trying to focus on the teacher.

The teacher looked around the room before looking back at me and nodding, guilt in his eyes. "You... You are excused. You're luckily I haven't taken roll call yet."

I silently walk to my seat, trying to ignore everyone around me, but it was hard considering everyone was laughing, staring, pointing and talking about me. 

Timeskip-

I hesitantly leave the classroom, knowing in the halls, I wouldn't be safe. There was hardly ever a teacher in the hallway, much less one that would care enough about me getting bullied or beat up to stop it.

"Ooooh, Zakkky!" I hear a voice call me from my left. I look over fearfully. It was Kale and his two goons.

"We saw your picture. I must say, you look cute in a dress," Kale teased, laughing as he walked up to me. He pushed me into a locker, making me yelp as he held me there.

"Now, I wanto you to answer me truthfully, Zak, and maybe, just maybe, you won't get hurt. Are you gay? Maybe trans?" Kale scowled into my ear softly, his goons chuckling.

"N-No," I reply softly. 

"Now, now. That's a lie, Zakky. I asked you not to lie," Kale called his goons over, and they each held one of my arms as I thrashed trying to get free. "Now, you're gonna pay."