i never used to be all that aware of how i looked, much less insecure about it. it was mainly because of joey and zach.

"you look like a hoe in those leggings," joey had commented, laughing.

zach snorted. "what do you mean he 'looks like'? he already is a whore." that made the entire group laugh.

i will never understand why started to he say things like that. i'm not sure if he was referring to my birthday or just saying that because joey said it first but, all of a sudden, I felt very aware of the way clothes looked on me.

joey leaned into zach, almost like how a drunk would lean on someone. "in all honesty, with curves like his, i would think he was a trans man if i didn't grow up with him," he said.

"is that supposed to be a compliment?" i asked, crossing my arms. i wasn't afraid to give an attitude to joey. i hated him more than i've ever hated anyone. i still do.

"you should take it as one," he responded. "'least i'm not calling you a fatass."

i sighed. "saying i look like a trans man because i have curves is offensive to transmascs, joey. and i'm already self-conscious enough about my body." i mumbled the last bit, too embarrassed about that to say it any louder.

joey groaned. "it was a joke, scott," he spat as he reached over to flick my forehead. "but i guess you're too stupid to understand what that means."

"come on, joey," zach started, "you know he can't help it. brainless sluts are, well, brainless."

the bell rang right after he said that, giving me the escape i needed at the moment.

i sat down in my class and sighed. i don't know when not hearing zach's voice became so calming, but being away from him was the only way i could relax.