The Outside Lines (boyxboy) - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Nathan's POV
Right as I was about to put the copy back with the others I spotted my name in an article title on one of the pages.
"Nathan Nightshade. Transfer's Dark Past?" I read aloud. Just reading the title made me more nervous. What did they know about me? What have I done that would be considered dark? I continued reading and with every word my face grew more blue, my heart racing faster.
"This student has had several records of violence and criminal activity charges, but have been brushed under the rug by his once wealthy family. His kind aren't welcomed at our school. Keep your guard up at all times for your own safety and wellbeing." I read this paragraph over and over. They're talking about me, right? I'm the only Nightshade attending this school. This was definitely the work of Rebbecca. She loves using slander as a means to draw in more readers. It always annoyed me how she'd target even the most innocent of people for personal gain. Being a victim of it first hand was shocking. I've been working to rid myself of the intimidating image I'd built for myself, but this set me back even farther than where I began.
I sat the newspaper down and looked around, worried that I was being judged that very moment. And sure enough, I was. I caught a couple glances my way.
I lifted my backpack and walked away. My skin went cold and my hearing dim. I was shocked. Where did she even come up with this? What would Noah think of me if he read this?
I kept my head low and avoided all eye contact. I went through the rest of the day feeling eyes burning through my skin every time they were out of view.
"Do you think he's ever killed anyone?", "Will he hurt us if we look his way.", "I'm scared to go to the bathroom alone.", "I wish this world was just. People like him would be put in their place." These were some of the things that were being said about me, and I couldn't respond back. It would be futile. These people knew nothing about me. They were just judging me off my appearance. I had to walk around feeling ashamed for things I'd never even done. I don't get angry often, but I was livid at Rebbecca.
After my final classes ended I collected my stuff and went directly to the bus. My mind was ablaze, overflowing with negative thoughts. I had no idea what to do. The moment I got home I went straight to my room and laid on my bed. I needed to clear my head. I did my best to calm down and stay positive. There were already many things pitted against me but Rebbecca just upped the difficulty by a large margin. If I stop now though things will only change for the worst. I'm tired of doing nothing. This just means I'll have to work harder.
The next few weeks were the same as the last. The populars continued walking over everyone like usual, Rebbecca continued to post her slander, the teachers did their jobs lousily, and most importantly I was now being treated like a criminal WITH the plague. It was obvious that Noah was avoiding me as well. This just made me even more determined to win him over though.
Noah's POV (Earlier)
My best friend Taylor dropped me off at school as usual and we charged through the school's entrance. We were greeted by several people as we mad dashed through the halls.
"No running." Our home room teacher began. "Is what I'd like to day, but I know you two wouldn't listen."
We chuckled, continuing down the halls to our lockers.
After homeroom Taylor and I caught up with Chad and his friends. He's been nice enough to let us into his friend group. It meant a whole lot to me since I've been crushing on Chad since junior year.
"So, what do the two trouble makers have in store today?" Chad asked us, propped up against the gym wall.
"Hm, I'm not sure. Any ideas Taylor?" I looked at her.
"None." She shrugged.
"Why don't you come to the park after the final period." Chad suggested. "We can play catch or something?"
"That sounds amazing!" I shot up, my feet almost leaving the ground.
"I'm down. We can go out for pizza or something afterwards, my treat." Taylor offered.
"I think that's a great idea my good friends." Pablo, Chad's friend joined in, gripping my shoulder firmly. I squirmed under his force, struggling to get out of his hold. He just chuckled and wrapped his entire arm around my neck.
We fooled around in the gym before the next period.
The final period came and went. I was eager to get out and hang with Chad and friends.
"I'll be right with you guys, go on ahead." Chad told us. "Me and the guys have to speak with coach real quick."
"Alright, if you aren't in the parking lot within the next ten minutes we're leaving without you guys." Taylor said wearing a smirk.
"That's not true!" I quickly responded, scowling at Taylor. I wanted us to leave at the same time so I could be closer to Chad, even though I would end up riding with Taylor.
"Whatever." Taylor walked off with a wave.
"You might wanna go after your girlfriend." Chad said as I watched her walk away.
This time I scowled at Chad. "She's not my girlfriend." That's the last thing I wanted him to think, seeing as I'm head over heals for him.
Chad left to go talk to his coach and I caught up with Taylor.
"You're making it obvious you have the hots for Chad." Taylor whispered in my ear.
My face flushed bright red. Taylor knew I liked Chad, so she'd use that to tease me whenever she saw that was I sucking up to him. She's the only one I've told my secret to.
The exit was flooded with students. I had trouble keeping up with Taylor as she plowed through them. After finally making my way out of the crowd I scanned the school grounds for Taylor's red hair.
"Wait up!" I yelled as I caught sight of her. She looked my way with a devious grin and just continued walking. I ran towards her hoping to close the distance.
"Hey Noah." I suddenly heard a voice call out to me, stopping me in my tracks. I looked around trying to find the source. I almost jumped out of my skin when my eyes landed on that scary guy who's as silent as a wall and looks like he wants to kill everyone. He's extremely tall, has long messy hair, a beard and worn clothes. He honestly didn't even look like a high school student. My small size of 5'6 paled in comparison to him as he stood next to me.
"U-uh, yeah?" I stuttered.
"Well, I just figured I'd come say hi since we've never really spoken before." He replied. I was shocked that he was speaking at all, it was so unusual, but why was he talking to me? Did he want something from me? Did he intend on wrangling the big soul from my small body? ... Could he know about my secret?
"Uh-um..." I responded awkwardly, looking at anything but him. I really didn't know what to say, I was flustered.
"Noah, you coming?" Taylor called out, giving me an exit out of this awkward situation.
"Yeah, I'll be right over!" I answered back. I glanced at him before running off. I felt awful. Normally I can flow through a conversation no matter the person. It's just, something about that guy always scared me. I've thought about talking to him a few times, but I've always been too afraid. That's saying something since I've chatted up the goths. They're nice people, but they always seem like they're on the verge of summoning demons straight from the pits.
"Where'd you wonder off to?" Taylor raised a brow.
"No where, I was just a little distracted."
"Well alright. Just hurry up." Taylor said, heading back to her car.
Taylor and I rode together while Pablo, Matt and AJ rode with Chad in his flashy car. Taylor had the music blasting as usual. We danced in our seats like idiots with Taylor occasionally singing verses from the songs. The passing houses and trees blurred with the speed of the car.
When I looked over my shoulder I could see Chad and his friends partying just as Taylor and I were, though a little more tame. Sometimes I think Taylor and I are just insane, I'm totally fine with that though. It's better to live crazy than to die bored!
The smell of Taylor's breaks invaded the car as she pulled up to the curb next to the park. The town we were in was sort of like a complex square. All the streets were lined with shops, residential housing, and businesses the park being in the middle of it all.
"Wooo!" The guys screamed collectively unloading from Chad's car. AJ and Matt continued the cheers of excitement, holding their hands above their head as they ran into the park. There were already several people there, but luckily we found a nice little spot to play catch.
"Dude, toss the ball here." Matt eagerly yelled to Chad. Chad dug through his bag retrieving the ball.
"Heads up." Chad warned before chucking the ball towards Matt. Matt got into position, back bent, hands in front.
A loud POOF echoed through the air as Matt had barely caught the lightning fast throw.
"Holy crap man." Matt winced, flicking his wrist. Chad smirked with a shrug,
hopping backwards like dork.
"Alright what are we doing first? Pizza? Catch? A Movie?" Pablo asked.
"Well we're at the park, so we're obviously going to play catch first." Taylor rolled her eyes.
"Here." Taylor crouched, motioning for Matt to throw her the ball.
"Wait, you're playing?" Matt stood up, wearing a look of confusion.
"Yeah, why?" Taylor questioned.
"I mean, we're all dudes." Matt looked to the other guys.
"Doesn't mean anything, now toss the damn ball." Taylor ordered, getting annoyed.
"If you say so." Matt replied, hesitant. He threw the ball like he was playing with a child.
"Dude look, I didn't just come here to watch testosterone toss rudder and stuff my face in pizza grease. If you're going to toss the ball do it like you mean it." Taylor's frustration seeped into her voice. Pablo and AJ stifled a laugh.
"Fine. Geez." Matt sighed. Taylor threw the ball back to Matt, surprising him. And with that the game was in full swing.
I barely managed to catch the ball when it finally came my way. I was definitely the worst of the group which made me feel pretty bad about myself, but Chad and Taylor kept reassuring me that I wasn't as terrible as I thought I was. I had the most energy and resilience out of everyone though so that was a plus in my mind, hopefully Chad's too.
Chad was definitely the best out of all of us. Matt and AJ in second, and Pablo and Taylor in third.
Pablo, Taylor and I went to the pizza restaurant right across the streets. Taylor ordered two medium sized pizzas and bought everyone drinks. She doesn't mind blowing money on other people. I don't know whether if it's cause she's got an enormous heart, or an enormous wallet, maybe both? Her family is kinda wealthy so I'd assume she gets a pretty sizable allowance.
"You're the real OG, Taylor." AJ complimented her as we returned to the park with the rest of the guys, pizzas and drinks in hand.
"What about me? I carried the-" I paused and looked down at the bag in my hands. "plates." AJ and Pablo broke into laugher while Taylor snorted. A sense of pride washed over me with the success of my joke.
"You're such a dork." Taylor smiled and punched my shoulder.
"Wow, we should start calling you sugar mama Tay Tay." Chad joked to Taylor, reaching our side.
"Please don't." She raised a brow, EXTREMELY unamused. This time earning a laugh from me.
We all just messed around while we ate the pizzas in the grass. The sunset casted a beautiful orange tint over the town. The evening birds chirping away the sun woke the crickets, the other groups and families enjoying themselves in the park, the smells of freshly cut grass, and near by food stores, everything about this atmosphere filled me with bliss. Very little could make me happier than I already was.
We originally intended on playing catch and eating pizza but ended up doing much more. We saw a movie, stopped at a playground, drove across town and a number of other things. We all had way too much fun.