“What?” Arlo was stunned for a moment.

“I was just texted by Elena that Bernice fell from the stairs. She’s more or less fine, she got some bruises but her leg is broken.” Jenny informed him with a worried expression.

Arlo immediately took out his phone and sent a text to Bernice asking about her condition.

The lessons dragged into eternity today, Arlo barely could focus on the test. Every now and then he was checking his phone for an answer but Bernice remained silent. In the evening he tried to call her a few times but there was no response, after two days of being ghosted he finally got a message from Bernice.

‘Sorry Arlo but it is over. Don’t call me.’ That was it. For a moment Arlo wanted to call her back but he stopped himself. They weren’t officially dating and their relationship wasn’t too deep yet. Whatever happened she must have her reasons and right now he was only imposing himself on Bernice. From Jenny he knew she was doing all right at home. 

Arlo went straight to his locker. As soon as he opened it some trash fell out along with his photos spiked by photoshop. It was him wearing a dress and a crown. Arlo frowned, what a childish prank.

“Hi princess.” Somebody called behind him and laughed. Arlo cleaned up his locker and went to PE lessons. 

To be frank it was one of his worst lessons ever. He was knocked a few times to the ground, some players bumped into him and it didn’t look as it was by accident. After the lesson was over Arlo was bruised, tired and pissed. He has never been bullied before and honestly he didn’t understand what was going on.

During breaks he was always alone and even in the school cafeteria when Jenny wasn’t there he had to sit alone. It felt like shit. Nobody, not even that Tod approached him. Arlo bit his teeth, fine it’s not like he was some kind of a wimp. He has like over a month till the school will be finished all he has to do is endure and focus on his lessons and exams. He didn’t say a word at home yet Jenny knew.

“Arlo, what’s going on? I heard some strange rumors about you.” She asked him on their way back home.

"What rumors?” That was new, he knew nothing about any gossip involving him.

“Well that you are .. gay.” Jenny looked at her brother, not sure about his reaction.

“What? That’s ridiculous!” Arlo sighted.

“I just wanted to tell you that even if you are gay, I’m fine with it and I support you. You are my brother and I love you.” Jenny suddenly hugged him. Her out of the blue action  took Arlo by surprise, but it felt warm.

“Thanks Jenn, I'm not gay but I think it’s pathetic to bully someone because of sexual orientation. School will  end soon, I just need to get through it. Don’t tell mom and dad.”

Jenny nodded.

Arlo really didn’t care about the gossip and childish pranks, he even was approached by a gay guy and offered a hot night together. That was kind of funny, as for now everything would be fine if not for a one prank that went too far. His precious notes were stolen. Arlo searched everywhere, he even checked waste bins. Nothing. His notes were gone. In one week they were having exams, he needed these notes. Arlo was sitting with a lowered head thinking hard about what to do. He was desperate. Everyone cut him off so it will be hard to ask for their notes. Looking out of the window he saw the car park. Tod was there with his friends. Right, the big three were avoiding him too, but maybe he could ask Tod. He was weird but seemed friendly at least in the beginning. Arlo took a deep breath and stood up. It was a long walk down to the car park. In his head he kept repeating what he should say. The truth is he has neglected Tod and later they nearly had no contact at all. It was awkward to approach him like that. He saw him from a distance. Tod was standing next to his car with two other guys. Arlo knew them, they were Tod’s besties.

Tod was talking with Andrew and Jack, the match was tomorrow and they were discussing the previous training and what they learned  about the other team when Tod noticed a familiar figure walking slowly in his direction.

“Gentlemen, get lost. I think somebody is finally ready to beg for help.” Tod smiled. That Arlo made him wait for almost two long fucking weeks. 

“Wish you luck.” Andrew tapped his shoulder and together with Jack went to their cars. Tod made a move as if he was about to get into his car.

“Tod, have you got a minute?” 

Tod turned around and leaned against his car.

“Arlo, what brings you here?” 

Tod noticed that Arlo was a bit nervous. This strangely gave him a very satisfying feeling.

“You see, my notes got lost and the exams are close. I was wondering if I could borrow yours?” Arlo looked like a lost puppy. It’s funny that neither bullying nor losing his place in scholl’s society didn’t break him, however the notes appeared to be crucial for him.

“The notes, well I feel kind of bad, because you only remembered about me when you needed notes.” Tod made a sad expression.

“No, no that’s not it.” Arlo’s cheeks were flushed in an instant. Busted.

“Well I need those notes too, we both have to write that exam you know.” Tod tilted his head and watched his prey getting even more edgy.

“I understand, sorry.” He lowered his head and was about to leave.

Tod smirked, Arlo was giving up way too easily.

“Fine, I'll help you out. We can study together. Come with me.” Tod got into his car and so did Arlo after a few seconds of hesitation.