As we approach the double doors and the school's main exit, I can feel myself shaking with anticipation. If Nathan gets discovered and outed today, that’s going to make me feel just so incredibly awful!

I should have just let Barry beat me up!

“Matt,” Nathan whispers as I push the door open. “Hold my hand, please.”

Walking out into an empty school courtyard, I feel Nathan put his hand in mine and grip tightly. I look down to my side and he’s there smiling at me. He looks incredibly nervous. Even more nervous than the first time I introduced him as my girlfriend.

“Barry thinks I’m your girlfriend….,” Nathan explains, pushing himself up against me as I walk. “Remember?”

I grip his hand tight. I’m not going to let go for anything!

“Guys...,” Jade says quietly to the group. “Look at the main gate. They are waiting for us, but at least the rest of the crowd has gone home.”

I look across to the gate and she’s right. I feel a chill go down my spine as Barry and more of his goons wait for us to appear. I can tell Nathan’s worried. His hand is seriously sweaty!

“Oi oi oi!” Barry shouts at me as I come into view. “Where’s your little friend, Jerkwad!? Too chicken to fight me like a real man!?”

I don’t say anything, trying my best to ignore them all glaring at me. As we all approach the gate, Barry’s gang of guys stand and block our path. Kayleigh is also with them, hanging out just behind them.

“A real man?” Lara huffs in derision, squaring up to Barry. “Do you mean…., like you….? The guy who needs all his friends to beat up one timid little boy?”

I feel Nathan nervously shifting and shaking as I hold his hand. I put myself between him and Barry to make him feel better.

“Shut it, Lara!” Barry spits. “I’m not talking to a frigid nobody like you. I mean… look who you're hanging around with now! No one important wants to be your friend anymore!”

Barry’s goons all laugh at his insult. It makes me angry.

“That’s not nice, Barry,” Jade complains, standing directly behind Lara to back her up. “Now…., let us pass.”

“Sooooo…., you’ve made up now…., huh?” Barry mocks, pointing at Jade. He then leans in toward Lara, who looks away in disgust. “I thought you said Jade was the worst human being you’d ever met….?” Barry teases with a sinister smile on his face. “Seems you got over the need to push her off a bridge….eh, Lara?”