Not My Hero

Maybe we can become friends?

He’s a lot bigger than me, and the bullies will leave me alone then.

I’m still in two minds as the truck reverses down the driveway. Colton glances to his right, then to the left. His eyes skim over me and then instantly dart back, and the truck jerks to a sudden stop.

Not wanting to annoy him, I dart forward. Opening the door, I’m careful not to step on Colton’s bag as I climb into the cab.

Sitting next to him, a familiar feeling of apprehension slithers down my spine as I mumble, “Morning.”

Maybe this is a mistake.

“Morning.” Colton checks the road, and as he reverses onto it, he says, “Put on your seatbelt.”

I quickly do it and then stare at the street ahead.

“Did you sleep okay?” Colton suddenly asks.

I nod. “Yeah.” There’s a pause before I ask, “And you?”

“Yeah.”

The atmosphere feels so awkward it makes my neck and face heat.

Colton must notice because he asks, “Are you okay?”

I nod and swallow hard before I explain, “I’m just awkward around people.” I dare a glance in his direction and see the corner of his mouth lifting.

Is he going to laugh at me?

“Me too.”

His words stun me, and I end up staring at him. “Really?”

“Yeah.” A grin forms on his face, and he doesn’t look as scary anymore. “People tend to suck.”

Maybe we can be friends, or at least get along like Aspen and I do.

Feeling hopeful, the corners of my mouth lift, and I don’t feel so uneasy anymore.COLTONI was surprised when I saw Brie waiting at my house. Yeah, I said she can ride with me, but I didn’t think she would.

When we walk into school together, it feels like all eyes are on us. Brie falls back a couple of steps, and I wonder if she doesn’t want to be seen with me.

Glancing over my shoulder at her, I joke, “Too late to worry about your image now.”

“What?” she gasps and shaking her head, she catches up to me. “I was worried about your image.”

I let out a chuckle. “I don’t care what everyone thinks.”

“Damn, you should,” Sully says from behind us. He shoves Brie hard, making her stumble.

Turning around, I shove him back. “Don’t touch her.”

Sully lets out a burst of laughter and manages to not lose his balance. “So, it’s true?” He shakes his head. “I thought everyone was talking shit, but you’re really into her.”

Brie scurries to her locker, and as I walk by her to get to mine, I snap, “You really need to start standing up for yourself.”

If she doesn’t start defending herself, they’ll never stop, and it makes me so damn frustrated.

I grab my book for English as Brie darts down the hallway and disappears around the corner. A sigh escapes my lips, and I shake my head.

“So, are you really into Brie?” Sully asks as he leans a shoulder against the locker next to mine. “Because you’re wasting your time with that one.” A bunch of girls passes by us, and he points at one. “Get someone with an ass like that.” He bites his bottom lip as he checks the girl out.

I slam the locker shut, and glaring at Sully, I growl, “Stay away from Brie.”

“Or what?” he laughs.

I glare darkly at Sully until he becomes uncomfortable, and an uneasy smile forms on his face. He rams his shoulder against mine as he walks away.I’ve lost count of how many times Brie was bullied today.

It’s infuriating.

Once we’re driving down the main road, I grumble, “Why do you let them push you around?”

When she doesn’t answer, I glance at her. There’s a frown on her forehead, and she’s nibbling her bottom lip. She looks as frustrated as I feel.

Finally, she mumbles, “What am I supposed to do?”

“Fight back,” I snap.

Her gaze darts to me, and for the first time, I see something close to anger flash over her face. But it’s gone as quickly as it came.

“They’re bigger than me,” she states the obvious.

“Yeah, but they’re only picking on you because you allow it,” I argue. “Tell them to go to hell.”

“It doesn’t work,” she mutters.

“Then report them.”

She lets out an annoyed sigh. “I’ve tried that, and nothing gets done.”

“So you’re just going to take it?” I ask, exasperated.

She doesn’t answer me, and I shake my head, not happy at all. I wish I knew how to get through to her.

“I’ll walk from your house,” she says, and it makes me wonder whether she doesn’t want her mom to know that she rides with me. I don’t ask, and the instant I bring the truck to a stop in my driveway, Brie scrambles out. “Have a good night.”

My eyes go to the rearview mirror, and I watch until she’s out of sight before I get out.

With a heavy feeling in my chest, I walk into the house. I’m frustrated and… scared. It looks like Brie’s already given up, and it feels like I’m running out of time to help her.