Earbuds

-Kathrine Andrews: (Song of the chapter: Heathens by Twenty one pilots)

I rode my motorcycle to school, just like I do every day. The wind hit my face as I revved the engine, a sense of freedom washing over me.

My parents had bought me the bike for my birthday, even though money was tight at the time.

My brother, on the other hand, had Nancy drive him to school.

She had her own driver, thanks to her rich family. It was strange to me at first—how she never seemed to look down on us, like everyone else did.

And then, to top it off, she started dating my brother. It was especially surprising because Nancy was Alex King's sister.

As I parked my bike and swung my leg off, I couldn't help but glance up.

My eyes met Glyndon's, standing with her boyfriend Alex and their clique, the usual smug expressions plastered on their faces.

I could already tell from the way they were looking at me that they were disgusted.

Not that it bothered me; I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I had a pretty good idea—some homophobic joke or comment about how poor I was.

I shook it off and started walking toward the school entrance, my backpack slung over my shoulder.

First period was biology, then I'd head straight to the locker room for some team workouts.

The hallways were filled with the usual whispers and stares.

I plugged in my earbuds to block out the noise, focusing on getting to my locker.

I typed in my combination, gripping my backpack tightly as I loaded what I needed.

But before I could even close it, the door of my locker was slammed shut, the sound so loud that it probably caught the attention of everyone nearby.

Not that I could hear it over the music blaring in my ears.

I sighed mentally. Same scenario, day after day.

I zipped up my bag, preparing to leave, when I turned and saw him—Alex, leaning casually against the lockers, Glyndon tucked in his arms.

They were surrounded by their usual group. I tried to ignore them, but they stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

Before I could react, Glyndon ripped my earbuds from my ears, her hands cold and mocking as she held them up, dangling them in front of my face.

"Hey, lesbo" Alex said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "There's a party tonight. Want to come? Maybe you can find a girl kind enough to date you—just as a charity case."

His group burst into laughter, the sound echoing around the hallway. Some students even joined in. It wasn't funny.

I looked at Glyndon, who was still holding my earbuds with a smirk on her face, thinking of some way to snatch them back without making people think I'm out control lesbian that wants to touch every breathing thing with a vagina, before turning my gaze back to Alex.

I kept my voice steady, giving nothing away.

"No, thanks. Not really a party person. Can I get my earphones back?"

Glyndon tilted her head, the smirk never leaving her face.

She slipped my earbuds into her skirt pockets, then turned back to me with a taunting expression.

"You'll get them back at the party. Those are expensive, huh? Did your dad work overtime just to buy them for you?" she said, her words making everyone laugh even louder.

Seriously? Was this really happening?

I stood there, expression blank. I wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me get upset.

"You know," Alex said, pushing off from the lockers and stepping closer to me.

His friends moved aside, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You're really a lesbian, huh? A woman will never be able to satisfy another woman. Let me show you how good sex is. Maybe then you'll understand why it's Adam and Eve, not Eve and Eve. A strong, masculine guy like me could take you to heaven with my dick." He said while gripping his clothed cock.

If I were a lesbian already, I would be now after seeing this gross sight.

Another round of laughter erupted around us.

It was the same as every other day—their voices blending into the background like canned laughter in a bad reality show.

I glanced down at him, watching his cocky grin fade as I stepped closer, using my height to my advantage.

I could see his smirk falter as I leaned down as if I was talking to a kid and whispered, my voice smooth and cool.

"Can you reach my vagina from down there? You're gonna have to stand up, Adam… Oh, wait. You already are."

His face turned a deep shade of red, a mix of anger and embarrassment.

I could feel the laughter bubbling up from the people watching us—some of his friends, some random students. They couldn't help but snort or chuckle at his expense.

Alex, now seething, shoved me roughly.

My back slammed into the locker, the impact sharp, but I hid the pain.

I didn't flinch. I just stood there, watching him walk away, his group trailing behind him.

Glyndon tried to catch his hand, but Alex yanked it away, his face twisted in frustration.

She shot me a glare, her eyes filled with anger, but I just smirked and winked at her, enjoying the way it pissed her off even more.

For a moment, she froze, staring at me in disbelief. Her breath quickened, her chest rising and falling faster than normal. What was that about?

Then, as if snapping out of it, she rushed after Alex, her friends following close behind.

Well, that was the morning bullying session done with.

I could finally focus on studying, maybe even think about the party I had to go to tonight.

After all, I needed to get my earbuds back. Those were a gift from my twin brother, he bought them with his first paycheck for me.

They meant a lot to me.