Chapter 29

                                    

                                          
Running through the school halls, Clay thought about how he would go about handling the current situation. He knew what he was doing was stupid and would likely end with him getting hurt or even killed. But it was the only thing he knew to do in a moment's notice. Clay came to a slow stop to catch his breath as he reached the school entrance. The boy glanced outside, seeing Tyler's car pull up before he got out of the vehicle and went to the car's trunk. Clay took a few seconds to calm himself down before quickly exiting the school just as Tyler started to walk away from his car, his hair now buzzed, a cut on the right side of his forehead, a large gun in his hands, and an angry look on his face. "Get out of here, Clay. Go home." Tyler warned him cooly as the two approach each other. 
                          
Meanwhile, Hannah couldn't help but feel nervous about how this night could turn out. All she could do was hope that her plan would work and that Clay would be able to walk away from this unharmed. The worried girl was soon brought out of her thoughts by Justin and Jessica walking in her direction. "Where are you two going?" Hannah asked as she took notice that the two teens were walking towards the gym exit. Instead of answering, the two picked up their pace, and Hannah decided to follow them. When the three got outside of the school, they were met with a sight that made them instantly stop in their tracks. The trio looked on as they saw Tyler Down holding a massive looking gun to Clay's chest as the teen in the line of fire was forced to take a couple steps back. "Clay!" Justin called out, gaining the boy's attention as he quickly turned his head at the new sound. "Go back inside!" He yelled at them. Jessica and Justin were quick to obey as they ran back inside after giving Clay a worried look. But Hannah stayed still for a few seconds as she detected fear in Clay's facial expression. "Hannah! Go back inside!" Clay yelled again, getting the girl's attention as she looked at the boy, meeting his gaze. "He's right. You might not want to have to witness his death." Tyler chimed in, his voice laced with anger as he moved closer to Clay, making the tip of the gun poke the boy's chest. Briefly looking back at Tyler, Clay stepped back again as the armed boy took another few steps closer. "Hannah, just go back inside!" Clay yelled, panic now slightly coating his voice as he didn't look away from Tyler as he still agrilly pointed the large gun at his chest. Knowing Clay was just trying to protect her, Hannah hesitated for a few seconds, but she eventually caved in and went back inside to join the others again. 
                          
When Clay heard the sound of a door closing in the background, he felt relieved that Hannah was back inside where it was safer. He then focused his attention back on the angered boy in front of him. "Now. Where were we?" Tyler questioned lowly. "Oh, I remember." He said a few seconds later, forcefully moving the gun closer to Clay and taking a few steps forward as he did so. In response, Clay quickly started moving backwards again, a paniced look on his face as he held out his arms in front of him in an attempt to protect himself. 
                          
"Tyler, listen to me!" Clay started, still trying desperately to get through to the angry boy. "I know what you're going through! I've been bullied and picked on too. I know what that's like." He continued. "No!" Tyler exclaimed loudly, interupting Clay and silencing him. "You don't know what it's like! You've never been through what I have, and you've never been a victim of rape like I have!" Tyler shouted angrilly, the grip on his gun getting dangerously tighter. "But I have, Tyler! I've been victimized just like you. I know what it's like to feel like no one understands you. Like you're completely alone in the world. I know what it's like to think about wanting to do certain things to end the pain that never seems to go away." Clay explained. Hearing this surprised Tyler as he took a small step back and lowered his gun just the slightest bit. "How do I know you're not just lying to stop me from doing this?" Tyler questioned accusingly, raising his guard again. "Because I wouldn't lie about something like this, Tyler. I found out that I'm never alone, and that I don't have to deal with my problems alone anymore. I want to help you, Tyler. I want to help you realize that you don't have to face any of this alone." Clay said calmly as he stood his ground. The two boys then became silent as sirens could suddenly be heard in the distance.