"I used to go through the same thing. Sometimes, I still do. I don't know how bad it is... But I understand you, Travis."
I watch his every reaction, and I could see the hurt in his eyes as he processes my words.
"Yeah um... I think Travis does." Larry replies, glancing over at me. "Why?"
I stare blankly at the wall, everything clicking together like a puzzle that I thought I would never be able to solve.
Travis Phelps.
It's so obvious now. Why couldn't I figure it out? Why did it take me so long to realize even when I know what it's like? How could I not see it?
"No reason." I shrug, forcing a small smile as Larry stares at me for a moment before eventually going back to his painting. He doesn't believe me, but I don't care. Not right now.
"No." Travis shakes his head, moving away from the wall, moving away from me. "No, you're wrong."
"You kept it hidden so well... But it all makes sense now." I step away from him to give him more space, and I watched as he tugged on his hair slightly, making me frown under my prosthetic.
"You- Why you?! Why-" Travis shakes his head, and I watch as he swallows, his adam's apple bobbing.
It hurt to watch him break like this, and I wanted to comfort him, but I knew I couldn't. It would just hurt him more.
"I should've never spoken to you in the fucking bathroom." Travis fumed, his hand leaving his hair to cover his face.
"Why do you have to be so persistent? Why do you have to notice every little detail that normal people wouldn't give a shit about?" His voice cracks, the light from the lamp above the door illuminating his face, and I could see the tears in his eyes.
His hand drops to his side and he looks down at me, a tear falling down his cheek. "Mention this to anyone and I'll kill you." He whispers, shaking his head as he suddenly shoves past me, walking down the porch steps and around the house.
The look that was in his eyes before he left made my heart drop.
~~~
It's been a few days since the party happened on Saturday, and Travis hasn't even looked in my direction unless it's on accident, but he acts like it never even happened.
I mean, there would always be the occasional shove or something just to not make people curious, as in people, I mean Larry, but... It's weird.
Travis starts to open up to me, but then he stops himself, and then he flees. Then he acts like nothing ever happened. I get that it's hard, but I just wish he'd realize that I'm not his enemy, not like how he believed I was.
Another thing that's weird about this whole thing is that... I can't stop staring at him.
I keep finding myself watching him. It's almost like I'm drawn to him. That night when he punched Larry, I should've stayed with Larry, but instead, I snuck away when Ash was looking at Larry's jaw.
I don't know why I'm so interested in my bully.
I shouldn't care about him. Hell, I should hate him. But I don't.
There's something about him that I just... I can't help but be drawn to.
Am I gay for Travis Phelps?
No way.
I glance over at Todd, eating his lunch silently while listening to Ash and Larry argue and bicker over something I could care less about.
Todd meets my gaze, a puzzled look on his face. "What's up, Sal?"
I open my mouth to respond even though he couldn't see it, then I stop. "Nevermind." I shake my head, my pigtails moving with the movement of my head.
I glance back over at Travis, and my heart skips a beat when he's already staring at me.
Oh my god.
I have a thing for Travis Phelps, the most religious boy in the town, and the boy who refuses to warm up to me.
How long have I liked him... Without noticing?
Travis kept my gaze for a moment longer before he turns to reply to something Phillip said, a small smile spreading across his face, a smile that made my face flush.
I've never been more glad to have a prosthetic than now.