'Goodbye!' She waved, running to her art class, making it there just before the door was closed. Cora was waiting with a piece of paper.
'Someone looks happy, who were you with? ;)'
'The boy from yesterday. I like him, he's really nice.'
Cora wiggled her eyebrows. 'Like like or friendly like?'
'What do you think!!!' Her eyes lowered and she took a deep breath. 'Anyway he probably has a partner already, so don't you try anything!'
Alexander's phone buzzed.
Mom: Alexander…Why are you skipping class again?
Alex: Helping someone. Also, I'll be late getting home again.
Mom: Just be careful.
Alex: I will.
The rest of the day flew by quickly and soon it was time to go home. Leonie waved goodbye to Cora as she made her way to the fountain. Alexander wasn't there when she arrived but she was happy to wait for him. I hope he was okay for the rest of the day, he looked like he didn't really want to be here…
Alexander gets there and smiles weakly. "Hey!"
'Hey!' She waved, her bright smile reaching her eyes. 'Are you alright?'
"Y-Yeah. Remember I'm taking you home."
'I remember, but your smile was sad, therefore you are sad, right?' She tilted her head with curiosity.
"I-I'm fine. Just thinking."
'What about?' She asked, taking his arm. 'Let's talk while we walk.'
"Things." was all he said
"ALEX ANSWER ME GOSH DARN IT" Jacob
She turned around, hearing a voice that she didn't recognise, and quickly hid behind Alexander, still holding onto his arm for comfort.
"Leave me alone, traitor."
"How did I betray you?"
"You lied to me. After that you dead named me."
Leonie gasped quietly. He was the one on the phone to Alexander the other day…
She didn't know what to do or say so she listened intensely.
"So what."
"Friends don't do that."
Finally she thought of something to do, but in doing so would possibly trigger a panic attack. She shook her head. I will be strong
She stepped out from behind Alexander and looked at the other boy. "I think you need to take a moment to realise what you have done wrong and how it has effected Alexander. You should be ashamed of yourself."
He stared at her. Does she need my help later?
She continued to talk, her voice quivering. "Deadnaming someone is the worst thing a friend, someone who is supposed to be supportive, could do. I wouldn't be surprised if Alexander never forgives you for this, and if that happens then you can't really complain because it was your fault." She tightened her grip on Alexander, comforted knowing he was still there.
"This "Alexander." Never knew the meaning of trans till two years ago."
"Just because he didn't know the meaning doesn't mean he was never a boy. He was always a boy, he just didn't realise until finding people who helped and supported him. Alexander is now comfortable to be who he is because there were people who cared and people who were the same as him."
Tara showed up. "Still talking to amy (the most wonderful woman in the world)?"
"I. Said. It's. Alexander."
Leonie slid her hand down his arm and took his hand tightly. "You two are horrible people, burn in hell." She turned around and started running, pulling Alexander with her. I need to get away from here, i need to get him away from here!
He follows. "W-Wait…"
She slowed down, her breathing ragged, her face flushed. "I'm sorry.. I'm sorry I wasn't thinking I…"
"I-It's fine." He smiles softly.
"I didn't mean to step in.." She chuckled nervously, playing with the ends of her hair.
"I said it's fine."
"Sorry.." She averted her gaze, biting her lip.
"Don't be" He hugs her tightly.
She froze, caught off guard by the hug. She wasn't used to people hugging her, or even touching her, but it didn't stop her from hugging Alexander back. She enjoyed his warmth, but she didn't want to become too comfortable. Yet she didn't want to be the first to move.
He moved back. "S-Sorry that must've been uncomfortable…"