I walked into school the next day, keeping my head down to avoid any interactions. But that wasn't good enough.

Before I could register what was going on, I was slammed against the lockers. Max and Jackson stood there with smug looks on their faces.

Why can't they leave me alone?

"Leave me alone," I said in annoyance; I'm tired of this.

"No," Jackson smirked and kneed me in the side.

I gasped out from the impact; my ribs were still sprained. Tears of frustration and pain whelmed in my eyes.

"Leave him alone!" Mr.Ajayi shouted as he stormed over.

Jackson let me go causing me to fall to the ground. I watch as they back away from the teacher and run off.

"This bullying is still going on?" Mr.Ajayi asked.

"Yeah. You're the only teacher who seems to care." I got up, rubbing my side a bit.

"If you ever need to, you can hang out in my classroom. To avoid them, I'll try to talk to the principal." Mr.Ajayi told me.

I smiled in relief. I hugged him and let go before it got too awkward. "Thank you so much."

"You don't have to thank me." Mr.Ajayi assured. "Go sit down in my classroom." He motioned over to it.

I nodded and walked over to the classroom. I sat down and pulled my knee close. I knew this was going to be my safe place in school.

***

I didn't know when I had fallen asleep. But Mr.Ajayi's voice woke me up.

"Okay, Nick, you can work on your art project here. I'll be right back; I still have to talk in the office." Mr.Ajayi said.

"Okay." Nick shrugged.

Nick put his bag on the table and grabbed his project.

I sat up, awkwardly fiddling with my sleeve. Nick hadn't noticed I was here yet. He was the one who stood up for me the other day. I knew I was safe, though; he didn't seem like the bully type.

"Oh!" Nick said in surprise as he noticed me. I waved shyly, not sure what else to do.

"Hi," Nick said softly.

"Hi." I managed out through nerves. "Thanks for standing up for me the other day." I make sure to tell him.

"No problem," Nick assured.

I nod and fiddle with the ice pack Mr.Ajayi gave me earlier.

If Nick was so friendly, why was he hanging out with Harry Greene? Maybe he was one of them and feels bad for me. I should still be careful around him.

"Are you good at art?" Nick asked, looking over at me.

"Uhm, I think so?" I say more as a question. I got up and walked over to where Nick was sitting.

I snorted as I saw his drawing. It was a poorly done portrait of himself. "You look like a blob." I tease.

"Hush," Nick whined. "I just need help with the shape of the face." He explained.

"Okay," I assured him and took his pencil, beginning to draw on his paper.

"What happened to your side?" Nick asked and poked at it. I swatted his hand away.

"Jackson and Max," I say with a casual shrug. I was used to it by now.

Nick stared at me in surprise and sighed, "I'm sorry you are going through that. I'll try to get Harry to back off, at least."

I smile in relief. Nick was excellent. At least I didn't have to worry about him. "Oh, my god." A laugh appeared, causing us to look up. I froze a bit, and Harry stood there with Jackson and Max.

"They told me that You," Harry motioned to Nick. "We're in the art room with Charlie, and I didn't believe it. I had to see it for myself."

Nick got up with an awkward laugh and walked over to them. I sunk into my chair a bit and looked down. Nick was nice, yes, but he would instead fit in; I understand.

Nick nodded at me with sorry eyes before leaving the room. I look down at the poorly done portrait and put it aside. I don't have a chance with Nick even just as being friends if he hangs out with Harry, Jackson, and Max.