One Too Many Thoughts

Josh knew it was Tyler when he heard the scream. He had raced up into the hallways, trying to find the sound source when someone ran into him when he turned the corner. The blur pushed Josh down but fell with him. Josh rubbed his head and glanced up who he hit.

"Where is Tyler?" He grumbled, pushing himself up on his feet once he saw who he hit. Julie did the same.

"H-he fell down and was screaming a-and.." Julie started, but the way Josh's anger was shown onto his face, Julie said the wrong thing. "Come with me!"

Julie turned and ran down the hallways to a small closed off area with few lockers and gray walls. Tyler was sitting up with his back against the wall, head rested while small tears arched down his face. He was mumbled small words.

You're an idiot.

"I know," Tyler told himself. "I am."

You made such a fool of yourself.

"I did..."

Why? Tell me! Why did you do this? NOW EVERYONE WILL KNOW THE WEAK BOY YOU ARE!

Tyler was about to answer when a shaking hand touched his shoulder.

He slowly moved his head down to his knees, covering his face.

WHY? YOU ARE SUCH A WORTHLESS LOSER!

"Ty, it's just me." Josh's small voice echoed in his ears. "It's alright."

Tyler felt himself look up into Josh's terrified deep dark eyes. They had small drops of water in the corners. Tyler couldn't bear to look at him. He couldn't believe Josh was helping a failure.

A worthless failure.

Tyler put his head back down, feeling terrible.

"Tyler, I don't know how to help if you won't talk to me," Josh mumbled. Tyler could hear the shakiness in his voice. He could hear Josh crying. "Please."

Tyler looked up again.

"Where's Julie?" Tyler asked, a lump forming in his throat.

Josh turned around. Julie was behind him, except standing. She still looked terrified.

Everyone is terrified of me... Tyler thought as he put his head back down.

"Julie..." Josh looked at her. "What're you gonna say about Tyler?"

Julie opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it.

"What should I say?" A rude tone left her lips. "Hm?"

"Are you gonna tell anyone-" Josh started.

"That Tyler went freaking crazy?" Julie asked, bursting.

Josh glared at her with the meanest stare he could manage. Julie looked more panicked.

"Okay fine, I won't tell anyone," Julie muttered, then a smirk crossed her face. "For a price."

Tyler looked up at her. She glowed, but then gawked at him.

Tyler touched Josh's arm, which was now by his side.

"Don't pay her to not tell anyone," Tyler told him when he turned around. "Not for me. I can deal with the embarrassment."

Josh shook his head. Tyler was half glad, half upset and guilty.

"Julie?" A small voice called out.

The three classmates looked towards a mini Julie.

"J-Jenna..." Julie stuttered. "Hi."