When lunch ended, I couldn't stop the deep sadness that filled me when I had to say good-bye to Angelina. She had made me smile in those twenty minutes more than I'd smiled in a few weeks. Not to mention the fact that the smiles she brought to my face were real smiles. Not the fake ones that I gave everyone else. 

Fifth period was boring, per usual and I couldn't wait to leave. I was looking forward to P.E. We were starting the volleyball unit and I was excited about that. I wasn't the best a volleyball, but I was pretty good. I really wanted to show off my abilities, but a lot of people at this school saw volleyball as a girl's sport. However, now I could do it without judgment because it was required. 

Being judged was one of my biggest fears. I hated when people stared at me and made assumptions based on the way I looked or who my family was. I'd joined the basketball team to try and get over that fear. It had worked a small bit, but I still felt anxious during the games when everyone was staring at me. I suppose we all feel like that during the games, but I can't help but think that my anxiety is worse. 

When the bell rings, I am the first out of the classroom. I race to the gym for my sixth-period class. I dressed quickly and was the first one in the gym. I stood in my usual spot, awaiting the rest of the class.

Everyone else began to filter into class and I saw Angelina walk in. She walked towards me and I gave her a smile and quietly said 'hello' before Mr. Embersling walked in. 

He introduced Angelina to us all and I could see the look of relief on her face when he didn't make her stand in front of the class to talk. 

"We're starting a new unit in P.E. today! Volleyball! I'll be pairing you into teams of four. You will have these same teams for the remainder of the unit!" Mr. Embersling announced. 

I smiled in excitement and anticipation. 

I felt bad for Angelina because we weren't on the same team and I knew that she didn't know many other people. 

At least it gives her a chance to meet new people, I thought. 

The two of us ended up on opposing teams and so I found it my personal duty to tease her. 

"You're going down Angelina," I said with a smile. 

"Watch what you say, I might have a hidden talent playing volleyball," she replied, smiling as well. 

I laughed and then turned away to strategize with the rest of my team.   

Mr. Embersling walked around the room and gave the two matches a ball and when he blew the whistle we began to play. 

As we played, I noticed that Angelina really did have a talent with volleyball. However, I also noticed that at all times she stayed as far away from Samuel as she could. Samuel was the captain of the football team and a total asshat, but as far as I knew, the two of them had never met. Yet, Samuel was staring at Angelina like owned her.

Maybe that's why she's staying far away. She doesn't like the looks he's giving her, I thought. 

We continued to play until the game was scored 15-14, my team being the losing one. There were only a few minutes left until Mr. Embersling would excuse us back to the locker rooms and I was determined to win. 

15-15 and only a minute left until we had to leave. 

I had the ball and I was preparing to serve when I saw Samuel reach out to grab Angelina's wrist. She tried to push him away, but he wouldn't let go. 

Instead of serving the ball as I had planned to, I aimed it straight for Samuel. It hit him right in the back of the head. Letting out a yelp of surprise and pain, he let go of Angelina who hurriedly stepped away from him. 

What was he trying to do? I wondered. 

"Alright, everyone! I'm coming around to get scores on the games! Once I have your score you need to go back to the locker room!" Mr. Embersling told us. 

Eventually, Mr. Embersling made it to our portion of the court and excused us to the locker rooms. Once inside, I found myself being pushed against the wall with a glaring Samuel standing in front of me. 

"What the hell was that for man?" he yelled out. 

"What do you mean Sammy?" I asked with a smirk, intentionally trying to annoy him. 

"You damn well what you did and I want to know why!" Samuel yelled, pulling me away from the wall only to push me against it again. 

"If you must know, Sammy boy, I did it because I didn't like the way you were treating Angelina. She was clearly trying to get away from you and you wouldn't let her," I replied with a sneer. 

"Let me tell you something Connor," Samuel growled. "I own her and there is nothing you can do about it!" 

With those words, boiling hot anger filled me. I pushed Samuel away from me and proceeded to punch him in the nose. 

Blood spilled from his nostrils. I ducked out of the way as he lunged at me. However, he never hit me. Instead, he collided with the wall he had previously been pushing me against. 

Containing my laughter, I raced to my locker, quickly changed my clothes, and slipped into Mr. Embersling's office. 

I watched as Samuel glowered at me from the locker room. He knew that as long as I was with the teacher, I was safe. 

"Can I help you, Connor?" Mr. Embersling asked, concern evident in his voice. 

"I just need you to explain one of the plays for me again. You know, for the game tonight. I'm pretty sure that I've got it right, but I need some clarification," I lied without missing a beat. 

Mr. Embersling happily obliged and let me leave without a fuss when the bell rang signaling that I needed to get to seventh-period math class. 

"Thanks again!" I shouted to the P.E. teacher and made my way across the campus. 

I looked around for any sight of Samuel, but I couldn't find him. 

I better watch my back. He's definitely gunning for me now.