CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: ATHENA 

After a brief pause following Austin's confession regarding his dyslexia, Leo broke the silence by asking, "Do any of the teachers know about your dyslexia?"

"Just Miss Anne, I was embarrassed about it so I never told anyone else, but now you guys know," Austin explained, and for the first time since he was hurt by his stepfather, I've seen him vulnerable, so he is human after all, even if he and Leo make me think they aren't.

"Having dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of, Austin; you just need to work harder than everyone else, and if you need help, you can always ask us; that's what friends are for." I said, my eyes clouded with tears, but I did my best to hold them back because I didn't want him to think I was pitying him.

"Maybe I overreacted a little," Austin admitted, "and I'm sorry for making you guys worry about me."

"Nah bro, Olsen was being a jerk, and you have nothing to be sorry for, so don't apologize again or I will punch you in the face," Leo warned.

"Do you have to b