For most teens waking up on a Saturday is relaxing. Not because we get to wake up when we want - though of course that's apart of it - but because we can leave behind the stress of school until Monday. Unless there's homework of course.

As I wake up rather than feeling relief that its a Saturday I feel tense. Last night helped though I know it will take awhile. Last night when I went to bed I sat lying awake analysing the previous day. Atlas' punches, Noah's accusations and my absolute breakdown. Not particularly my style, after all I normally solve problems with a bit more grace. Everyone has their off days I suppose, but now it's left me in a state of confusion.

So I decide to follow Dad's advice: Take it one step at a time. First things first, I'm gonna go on a walk, stewing over everything in my room all day isn't a viable solution, I've already tried that before.

Picking up an apple from the kitchen counter I head out while simultaneously texting dad where I'm going.

As I walk along the path I put in my earphones blocking out the distant sound of car horns from angry adults who are probably late to work. The trees seem to wave at me as I enter the park as the sun appears from behind the clouds. Dogs barking and children playing can be heard as I walk along the stone path but aren't that loud compared to the classic rock currently blasting in my ears.

I then turn the corner and see one person who for once I actually don't mind seeing. Zoey Harper... In jeans and a hoodie? Normally I'm all about hoodies but even I know seeing Zoey wear one isn't normal, all popular people seem to thing less clothing is better - an opinion I've never shared. Her long blonde hair is tied up in a messy bun, her grey eyes trained on her book. Wait book?

"I've always loved Wonder myself. It's amazing to find out about August's year in his and others perspectives."

She jumps and looks over at me, which draws me to her blood shot eyes, "Raven... What are you doing here?"

"I live five minutes away, you live on the other side of town." As I look at her I sympathetically add, "I'm assuming you wanted to find somewhere new?"

"...Yeah I suppose you could say that." She looks away, "Word's travelling fast about what happened yesterday."

I don't necessarily appreciate what she changed the topic to but surprisingly I see the worry in her eyes so I give her the benefit of the doubt, "Ah really? It happened after school on a Friday. How did that work?"

"Your track buddies were angry at Atlas and spread the word, they seem to really like you considering you hate talking to people."

"I think you and I know more than anyone that we've changed this year for the better. Don't think I haven't noticed the fact you're being nicer to me." I joke as we share a small smile.

"I suppose I have, haven't I? Anyways, how are you doing? I know that you didn't want to see anyone so no one knows what state you're in, you actually don't look too bruised."

"A good concealer does wonders."

"Fair. I didn't know you wore makeup."

"I don't, but it has its uses, including hiding bruises. He got me good."

She pats the space on the grass beside her, "You never told me how you were."

I decide to lie down on the grass and she follows, "As fine as I can be I suppose. Taking things one step at a time. Your turn."

"My turn?"

"To talk, even if you don't want to tell me specifically what's wrong you can talk about something else. I'll listen."

She looks at me, "What normally happens when someone isn't straight and they come to you?"

I can instantly tell where this is going, I've had this conversation many times after all. It's basically what most of the school knows me for, "Well first of all comes the hardest part: starting the conversation. For most who speak to me they don't have anyone else who will listen, that makes starting a bit nerve wrecking I suppose. Then we talk about whatever the person wants, there's no real script."

"But to be not straight what would you be?"

"There are many answers as there are many sexualities. But for each person there's one or maybe more options."

She sighs, "What if I don't know?"

"Then you've got an entire lifetime to figure it out - you don't need to have all the answers now."

"My mother wasn't very happy."

"Are you happy?"

"With the fact that my mother isn't happy? No."

"That's a fair point though not what I meant. Are you happy with yourself?"

"I could be a bit nicer I suppose."

I laugh, "Well you're already working hard to fix that, the effort is most appreciated."

She laughs with me, "I'm glad... How did you know?"

"Other than the fact I had two gay dads? As soon as I figured two men together didn't fit the 'social norms' I was confused but I suppose I always knew. So did my dads considering I wanted a prince and knight story one night rather than the usual princess and knight stories."

We laugh together before settling into a peaceful silence. The grass dances around us as we eventually begin looking for shapes in the clouds. Eventually my phone rings breaking the tranquil silence.

"Hello?"

Issac's deep voice greets me, "Want a McDonalds?"

"Yes I do... And so does Zoey."

"Zoey?"

"Zoey Harper, a friend from school. I'll text you her order. Bye."

"Bye."

She looks at me slightly scared but amused at the same time, "What have you gotten me into?"

I wink playfully, "Meeting the parents over a McDonalds."

She grins, "Sure they won't mind?"

"Of course not, we're friends now."

                                                                               ***

Students swarm the hall not for the usual fight or because they're running late but rather because of the bake sale. Students push back and forth making sure making sure that they one of the many treats.

Luckily for me I didn't have to man the store until lunch, most would assume that that is the busiest time but considering the way this morning is gong I'll be surprised if we have any.

Another good thing about the bake sale is that it's easier to blend into the crowds. When I catch someones eye, stranger or friend, all I see is sympathetic stares. If loads of people gave me those looks while gossiping like normal I definitely would've had a breakdown. Why can't people mind their own business?

The one person who doesn't is Oliver, "Hi Raven, I don't know if this is the best time but I have to thank you."

"For what?"

"For finally getting Jason to confess, I though me talking about guy crushes in front of him would've been obvious enough though apparently not."

I laugh, "No problem."

Oliver is summoned over to help at the bake sale so I take that as my queue to leave.

Navigating my way through the crowds the first person I see - the first person who I'll always see - is Noah. His hazel eyes glance over the crowd before settling on me. Normally I'd wave and go over, or at least handle a civil conversation. However this time, before I even realise what I'm doing, I camouflage into the crowd and make my escape. I know it's kind of immature but I'll not dwell on that thought for too long.

I then realise that my spontaneous escape may not have been the best thing... As I accidentally run into Camila, Allura and Atlas of all people. I step back to apologise but all of a sudden my words get stuck in my throat. All I can think about is getting beat up. My body once again takes over and I end up once again running. I haven't been that afraid of someone in a long time.

Heading outside to the bleachers I try to calm myself down. As a hand pats my shoulder I find myself leaping in surprise, "Are you ok?"

I turn to find Gabriel looking at me worriedly.

"How do I fix everything?"

When he realises I'm not going to jump again he wraps his arm around my shoulders, "You take a deep breath and realise that it's not you who has to fix it."

"Then who does?"

Elias and Adrian decide to make an appearance and Elias replies, "Noah, Atlas, Camila and the rest of us."

"We're sorry." Adrian includes.

"For what?"

"Not noticing sooner." Gabriel answers, "To make up for it we're staying with you as much as possible today."

I laugh and thank them as Levi and Ryan make their way over to us. A tense atmosphere seems to make itself known.

"Hey Raven." Levi greets, seeming to ignore the other three.

Elias sighs, "We also owe you two an apology. We should've listened to you both months ago."

"Glad you understand now." Ryan smiles and hugs Elias while Levi goes over to Adrian.

I turn to Gabriel, "How is he?"

"Noah?"

"Yeah."

As we begin walking back he responds, "He's stubborn but even he realises he could lose something special if he doesn't man up and apologise soon."