When I get to class I notice that the class is like, two thirds of what it was yesterday. The teacher seems to sense this and closes the lesson planner.

"Well, due to circumstances. I'm going to call this class a free period." The cheers from the class made up the numbers ‍. We all run out of the classroom and take up the hallways. Chatter quickly fills up the silence. Other kids come out of the classroom.

"Kat!" Calls Leah

"Omg! Hi Leah!" I waved her over

"Can you believe they let us out?"

"Nope"

Then two new voices pop up.

"Hey Kat and Leah" said Ace

" yo Leah and Kat" said Marcus

Leah breaks into a big grin and I smile.

"Mah baby girl is growing up" I mock cry. Leah is so confused and so are the guys.

" Never mind. Ace, would you come with me?" I say

"You made a move?" Marcus teases.

"With this guy? Joke of the century" I reply. When Ace and I are out of Leah and Marcus's view. Ace asks

"What was that?"

"A new ship" I reply.

"Seriously" he says

It's quiet for a moment. Then I realize something and laugh.

"What?" He asks confused. Which only makes me laugh harder. When I finally stop laughing I say.

"What happened to the big bad bully I knew?" He grins slyly

"I didn't realize you liked guys like that." He says coming in closer.

"Nah, I ain't interested in dating. Seems like unwanted drama" I say in mock annoyance. I see a flicker of emotion... sadness sadness? But it's gone so fast I thought I imagined it. He steps back.

"Well, we should get back to Leah and Marcus." He says

Then I say in mock terror.

"Oh my gosh! What did he do to her!"

He grins. We walk back to them to find Leah as red as a tomato on the ground and Marcus panicking frantically asking if she is okay.

"Do you see what I mean?" I ask Ace

"Yes," He says. Trying not to laugh. I understand. I'm trying not to laugh either. To the point where I grab Ace's shoulder to stop myself from falling down. He stiffens from my touch and backs away and I admit it hurts. I stop laughing and get up. Looking away from his eyes. I guess he still thinks I'm a freak. The word echoes in my head. Freak freak freak freak.

"Kat?" Ace's hand is in front of my face. I swat his hand away.

"Get away from me" I say coldly. He seems taken aback.

"What?" He says dumbfounded

"You heard me" I say trying to keep the tears from my eyes. I walk away and take Leah, dragging her.

"H-hey what? Kat?"says Leah. I ignore her because I'm trying not to have a meltdown right there and then. Once we reach the girls bathroom I let the tears run. In a few minutes I go full on crying.

"What's wrong?!" Asks Leah

I'm trying to gulp air while I speak.

"T-th-this is w-what I get f-for caring." I take the first thing I could grab(a wad of paper towels) and throw it against the wall.

"What?" Leah asks alarmed. I take a few shuddering breaths and say.

"Ace still thinks I'm a freak" she gasps

"B-but you were getting along so well!" She says, I laugh bitterly.

"I guess it was an act". I tuck my knees in and put my head in. Curling up into a ball. Silently crying except for a few shoulders. Leah just stands there. Watching, not knowing what to do. I hear her take out something and her fingernails clicking. Is she typing?

I look up and she seems to be texting. Fine let her not care. I'm just going to cry. Have a self pity party.