My Secret, My Bully, My Mates by Miss L

“That’s almost 30 hours of combat training a week. You do that on top of school and everything else.” He’s looking at me like he’s never seen me before and I look around at the rest of the group and their looks aren’t much different.

“I’ve never done the math before, so I’ll take your word for it, but yeah, I guess.” I stammer out, looking back to the fire and start to feel uncomfortable with all of the attention. I shift a bit and try to look smaller, if that’s even possible. Like it will stop all their staring.

“Aren“t you like the top student in your grade?” Cameron asks me.

I know you’re in my English

weird.” Sierra jumps to my aide after coming out of her own shock and pulling me in for a hug. I let her pull me to her side, but I keep my focus on the fire or the ground. I was doing so well

all.” Sam says, wrapping his arm back around my friend, sliding down behind her and

yourself, no inadequacies here.” Oliver laughs and

competitive, I’d put money on you attempting to hit 30 hours of training next week.” Sam laughs back at him. Oliver doesn’t respond but takes a large gulp of beer, telling me Sam is probably right and I will see more of Oliver in the coming week. I can’t decide if I like the idea or not. Training was my oasis from all of the crap going on behind the scenes at school, which they are a part of. I am not going to pretend like this little show of friendship is going to last. They have never acknowledged me before today and Kaley made sure everyone at school stayed clear of me on the threat of physical punishment and my dad made sure I wasn’t involved in any leadership training that