9. Brave

9.

I wake up sore and hurting all over.

It was 7am, and I had to get ready quickly.

I'm not surprised my mother didn't wake me.

She's probably hiding. Too ashamed to show her face to her only child who she can't protect.

It's alright though. I should protect myself. It's just harder than it sounds.

I take a quick shower and dress into a navy blue shirt and some dark jeans.

I towel dry my hair the best I can, but I end up putting an orange knit beanie over my head.

Looking at myself in the mirror I see my bruised cheek and black eye. My lip is not too swollen anymore.

Before I leave my room I look at the closet. I look down in thought and I felt like crying.

"I miss you." I whisper into the empty room.

I make it out the door without seeing anybody and I start my walk.

When I get to school I take out my schedule. Science, I will make it to you today.

I decide to head over since I have less time to spare. 

I try to find Luke or James. They are no where in sight.

What I do notice is the amount of looks I am getting.

I walk pretty fast and I am almost there.

I make it to the classroom and it is open. I walk in and I see a woman wearing a hijab. She looked really young, but not young enough to be a student.

"Good morning!" she waves her arm in the air gently.

I smile.

"Take a seat, take a seat!"

I look at the back of the classroom.

"Can I give you some advice young sir?"

I look at her waiting.

"Be brave." she says.

Did she say this because I looked beat up, or did she say this because she wanted me to sit at the front of the room?

I sat in the corner front seat. She smiled at me.

"You weren't here yesterday right? One of the kids who got suspended?"

"Yes." I do not make eye contact.

"Well I'm Ms. Robins. I hope you have a better day today. You made a wise choice on the seat." 

I look up and smile, "Thank you."

When the classroom filled I was the only one in the front row after all.

There was a girl in the back that I glanced at who kept coughing 'terrorist'. A lot of the class laughed.

I'm surrounded by idiots.

I stayed behind a little after class to push in some chairs. I thought I owed it to Ms. Robins since my generation sucks.

I looked at her and she bowed her head in thanks.

I bowed back and headed to my next class.