Alex stays with me until the end of the day, just talking in the nurse's office. I didn't participate much in the conversation, I've learned my lesson on opening up to people. But he kept trying and trying, and I decided to reward his efforts with a little tidbit of my life. I told him about my parents, my pets, and a little bit of my pre-highscool days. When the end of the day bell rings, he offers to give me a ride home. I decline, but before I can turn around and go, he wraps me in a warm hug with his powerful arms. "Don't worry about those assholes," he says softly "I'll handle it." And with that he let's me go and waves goodbye. I feel a fluttering in my chest, but instantly stomp it down,  telling myself that I can't do that again. I leave the school and walk home, trying to get the thoughts of Alex out of my head. I walk into the house and head straight to my room, not bothering to talk to my family. As soon as I close my door, I fall against it and start crying. Today was the worst it's ever gotten with my bullies, then gorgeous Alex...it's just too much. I cry and cry and cry until I'm a sniveling mess. My phone pings, and I open it up to a text from an unknown number

Hey, are you ok

Um...who is this

Oh yea sorry😅it's Alex

Oh hey😅and yea I'm fine

Are you sure? You were banged up pretty bad

Yea😂I'll be fine

Well...tomorrow's Saturday...do you wanna do sum?

I think about what he just asked me. It brings back a flurry of unwanted memories and I throw my phone, not caring if it broke. Then I climb into bed and go to sleep, with my clothes still on.