One day in science class, I sat with my hands in my pockets.
Jordan, the boy next to me was paying me no attention, and I was kinda glad, cause I didn’t want him to notice the bulge in my zipper.

But the teacher was paying attention to me. “Malik!” she called out. “Are you listening?!” Everyone stared at me, and I got nervous.

“Uhh…” I babbled, looking at Jordan. He looked at my pants, and his eyes got huge.

“What the FUCK?!” he shrieked. “What the hell are you doing?!!”

I was so embarrassed. I took my hands out of my pockets, got up, and stormed out the door.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME? I thought, silently crying on the toilet in the stall. WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?!

Just then, I heard the bathroom door open. “Hello?” said a voice. “Malik!” I sat up straight when I realized who it was.

“What?” I replied, sniffling.

“Are you okay?” Jordan asked, standing outside the stall.

“No!” I cried, wiping my tears. My heart was beating extremely fast. “Just…leave me alone.”

“Ms. Jones told me to come get you,” he informed, pushing the stall door open. “Come on.”

“No.” I told him, closing the door. “Leave me alone!” I heard him sigh.

“Look,” he firmly said, opening the door and walking into the stall. “I don’t know what your problem is, but–” I stood up, and we stared each other in the eyes.