I awoke the next morning and did my whole morning routine. I decided to wear skinny jeans with holes up the front, purple converse, and a Black Veil Brides shirt. I teased my hair and did my makeup like I always did; dark eyeliner, dark purple eye shadow, black mascara, and bright pink lip gloss. I walked outside and waited for the bus. When it finally came, I knew I would have to either sit alone or sit with someone who was going to pick on me. I was lucky that morning, not a lot of people were on so I got to sit alone. When I arrived at school, I went to my locker, knowing to expect notes on it. They said things like “skank” and “goth” and “cutter.”But by now, I was used to it. I tore them off like I always did and threw them away. “Hey, freak. So how many people did you sleep with this weekend? Did you keep track by cutting numbers into your arm?” they said as they laughed. I turned away, not wanting them to see me cry. I felt one touch my shoulder. “What’s wrong? To scared to face us, pansy?” they said as they gripped my shoulder tighter and tighter. Then I heard a smack and the hand left my shoulder. I looked up and I almost screamed. “Don’t touch her. Ever,” he said in that voice of an angel. “And what can you do about it?” one asked. “Just because I wear makeup doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass,” he said with a tone of seriousness. I saw the fire in his eyes. Andy came to save me. He’s not just my idol anymore or some far off fantasy, he’s my savior. I turned toward him and began crying on his shoulder. This time, I was weeping. He hugged me tightly and buried his face in my neck. “It’s going to be ok. I promise,” I would hear him whisper over and over again. He had his hair tucked away in his skater hat and his glasses on with only a little eyeliner on. Just then, I heard the principal's voice. "Young man, what are you doing here?" he asked. Andy didn't answer. “Young man, I can call the cops and have you escorted out or you can leave willingly,” the principal said with an arrogant smirk. “Yeah, and what are the cops going to do? Take me to jail because I was protecting her from getting beat up?” Andy said with an equally arrogant smirk, but his was perfect. “Leave or I’m going to make you leave,” the principal said angrily. “I’ll leave when you do your job and make sure that they don’t beat on people who are different,” Andy said in a very serious tone. The principal stormed off, mumbling curse words with every step. “Andy, you don’t have to do this,” I said. “Do what?” he said. “Protect me. I’m fine, really. I’m used to it,” I said, looking at the ground because I couldn’t look him in the eye. “You shouldn’t be used to something like this. You need to stand up for yourself. Don’t let them control your life,” he said. I wasn’t looking at him, but I could tell he was looking at me with hurt filled eyes. “I was bullied before I became famous. They called me “gay” and “faggot” and many other horrible names. They usually told me to go kill myself because I wasn’t worth it. That I didn’t deserve life,” he said. “That’s horrible. Didn’t it ever get to you?” I asked. “Yeah, it did. But when I got pissed, I wrote songs. I formed a band with a couple of other people who were sick of being picked on and we became famous. I don’t sing for the people who hate me, I sing in spite of them,” he said. I began laughing. “What’s so funny?” he asked. “I didn’t realize that all the tears and pain and horrible memories they gave me are all just a waste of time. I’m done letting everyone walk all over me. I’m going to fight for what I believe in, for who I am,” I said, determined. He smiled that perfect smile that drove me crazy. As we were talking, the principal showed up with the police. “You’re coming with me,” the office said to Andy as he picked him up by the arm. Andy pulled his arm free. “Why officer? I didn’t do anything wrong. I was only protecting my friend from getting beat up, as she does every day,” Andy said like a smartass, a flawless smartass with a perfect voice. The officer tried to grab his arm again, but he shook him off. “If I leave, she’ll get the shit beat out of her. Now where’s the justice in that?” Andy said. The officer pulled out his handcuffs and put them on Andy. “Let him go,” I said. “And what are you going to do about it if he doesn’t?” the principal said. I was so angry I had no control over my actions. Before I even knew what happened the principal was lying on the ground holding his stomach, doubled over in pain. I had punched him in the stomach with all the strength I had. The principal stood up, using the lockers to help. “You’re expelled!” He said, still holding his stomach. He walked off angrily. The cop was staring in shock. “Well, are you going to let him go?” I asked. “I can’t do that. He disobeyed direct orders from a police officer. I’m taking him down to the station,” he said. I was still pissed about the principal and this was just the icing on the cake. The cop took him out to the police car and drove him down to the station. I grabbed everything out of my locker and began walking down towards the police station. It was my fault he got arrested, the least I could do was bail him out. I approached the police station, hoping Andy didn’t hate me because he got arrested for protecting me. I walked through the double doors and approached the desk where a portly, short man was sitting. “Can I help you?” he asked, obviously hating his job. “I’m here to bail out Andy,” I said. The man stood up and motioned me toward the corridor with six cells. I walked down it and in the sixth one, Andy sat motionless. “You do know he only has to serve one night, right?” said the cop. “Yes,” I said. I’m not stupid. But he shouldn’t have to serve any time at all. Andy looked up and saw me. He jumped off of the bed and ran up to the bars. “What are you doing here?” he asked, almost disappointed. “I’m bailing you out,” I said. “No. I won’t let you,” he said. “What’s his bail?” I asked the police officer, ignoring Andy’s protests. “One hundred dollars,” the officer said. I pulled out the five twenties I was going to use to buy myself some new clothes and CDs. “Here,” I said giving him the money reluctantly. The officer took the money, pulled out his keys, and unlocked Andy’s cell door. Andy and I walked out of the police station in silence. As we passed the theatre, Andy asked, “Why? Why did you bail me out?” “I bailed you out because you saved my life,” I said solemnly. “I just stopped them from beating you up. That’s hardly saving a live,” he said. I looked into his deep, bright, shining blue eyes. “Three years ago, I attempted to kill myself. The night before I was going to splatter my brains across the schoolyard, I found your band on YouTube. I listened to the song that popped up, which happened to be Never Give In. I realized that offing myself would just mean that they won, and I wasn’t about to let that happen. So I burned the suicide note I was going to leave and locked the gun back up in its case. You did save my life, Andy,” I said, tears welling in my own eyes as I stared into his. We said nothing, even though there was so much to say. We stood in silence or what seemed like forever before he smiled. “I’m glad our music reached somebody, especially somebody like you,” he said as he smiled at me, looking into my soul with his shimmering blue eyes. We began walking back towards my house when he grabbed my hand and held it tightly in his. We walked back to my house, hand in hand. “I’m going on tour soon and I would be overjoyed if you would join me,” he said. My mouth dropped in shock. “Are you serious?” I asked. “Yeah, I’ve wanted a girl voice in the band for a long time now but had no luck, until I heard you sing. You have that voice that I’ve been searching for. It blends with mine in perfect harmony,” he said as he took my other hand. Here we were, a famous rock star and a nobody, standing in the moonlight, our hands intertwined. I loved Andy, but I knew better than to think anything could work. I did with him what I did with everyone I was ever close to; kept them at arm’s length. They were my friends, but nothing serious. “I’d better get home,” I said, trying not to make it awkward. As I walked away he grabbed my wrist. “I never got your answer; will you tour with me?” he asked. “Of course,” I said. “I’ll pick you up Wednesday morning at three. We have to leave early or we won’t make our own concert,” he said in that perfect voice. “Alrighty, see you then,” I said. I walked down my street and then into my house. “Where have you been?” I heard that annoying voice ask. “I was walking home,” I said. “You don’t work today so where were you walking home from?” she asked. “I was walking home with a friend,” I said. I wasn’t lying; I just wasn’t telling her everything. “I’m sure you were. And what’s your ‘friends’ name?” she asked skeptically. “His name is Andy,” I mumbled. “What?” she asked even though she heard me the first time. “I SAID HIS NAME IS ANDY!” I screamed as I stomped upstairs and slammed my door. “Get back down here!” she demanded. I ignored her and put my headphones in. I listened to Black Veil Brides while I slowly slipped into sleep.