Leo

My heart ached for Israel. For the majority of my life, I myself had struggled with friendships. But Israel…he had it so much worse.

“I-,” I began. There weren’t any words for how sorry I truly was, no way to describe it. Israel didn’t deserve that.

“I am so, *so* sorry Israel,” I said at last. It wasn’t enough, but at least he knew that I cared and that I was sorry for the pain he experienced.

Israel looked up at me with a mix of sorrow and gratitude in his eyes.

“Thank you Leo,” he whispered. “But it doesn’t matter. The past is the past and I can’t change it. If I could, i would in a heartbeat. And I’m not saying I might ever be able to forgive Olivia, well, especially after this.” Israel pointed to his nose.

“But, at least I have you, and I hope that you’ll never leave me.” I stared at Israel with a blank face.

“Israel, I would never, and I mean, *never* leave you,” I assured demandingly. I wanted add how I loved him, how I loved being with him, how he meant more to me than anyone else.

Suddenly, the officer who had broken up the “fight” jogged over.

“Okay,” she panted. “I think…that everything is under control. But Israel…before you go to class, I would suggest that you go…to the nurse.” Israel shook his head defiantly.

“No,” he said simply. “I’ll go see the nurse *after* I make sure that Leo finds his class and everything.” The officer looked at Israel with a puzzled expression.

“But Israel, I can show Leo,” she assured. “You need to have your nose checked out.” I glanced over at Israel’s nose. It seemed to be darker than his regular pale skin tone and dry blood coated his lower lip and around his nose. Again, Israel shook his.

“I want to do it,” he insisted. “Leo is more important than some stupid injury.” At his words, my face flooded with heat and color. My heart fluttered with joy and happiness. I doubt he meant it, but it still made me feel important, like I was loved.

The officer gave Israel a deflated look, then sighed.

“You are something else Gonzalez,” she muttered. “Fine. Take your friend to class, *then* go to the nurse.” Israel slyly smiled.

“Thanks Lila,” he replied appreciatively, then grabbed my wrist. Another wave of heat washed over my face as Israel led me down the hallway.

“So, do you know what your first class is?,” Israel asked once we were a little ways-away from Officer Lila. I searched my memory for a recollection of my first class.

“I think it’s Geometry,” I said. Israel nodded. I glanced down at my wrist. Israel’s hand was still firmly grasped around it. Slowly, Israel looked down as well, stopping. He pressed his lips together, then quickly let go.

“Uhh, yeah, sorry about that,” he muttered. Without thinking, I slipped my hand into his, gripping it tightly. I didn’t know if it was the blood or nervousness, but Israel’s face turned bright red. He was silent for a moment, but then shook his head.

“Come on,” he murmured, leading me forward. A couple minutes later, we had arrived in front of my supposed Geometry class.

“Leo, are you gonna be okay?,” Israel asked. I glanced over at him and gave him sly smile.

“I’m smarter and tougher than I look,” I replied. “I’ll be fine.” Israel nervous expression didn’t waver.

“Are you sure?,” he demanded.

“Yes, I’ll be fine!,” I cried. “You don’t have to be so worried.” Israel pressed his lips together.

“Okay,” he muttered, slowly pulling his hand away and then started to walk away. I was about to reach out for the door, but Israel’s voice stopped me.

“Hey Leo?,” he asked. I turned toward him. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around me. I was taken aback for a moment, my hands stiff at my side and my brain on overload. Slowly, I wrapped my arms around Israel’s waist. When he finally let go, he looked me in my eyes.

“Find me after your first period, okay?,” he asked, unassured. I nodded slowly. Israel copied my movement, then walked off, his hands stuffed into his leather jacket.