Heart Of Obsidian *COMPLETED*

Chapter 32

*SMALL TRIGGER MOMENT AHEAD*

*MYLES*

Atticus had finished school so he'll wait until summer to walk his graduation ceremony. He passed his last classes with flying colors, of course with the help of me. He's been working at the bar more often until he figures out what team he wants to sign with but he spends time with me most days. The only problem in our relationship is he is very distant from me when we are in public. He walks beside me but he never holds my hand or when I try to peck him in public he pulls away. I'm not the one to complain because I'm patient but I feel hurt when he does those things to me. Ever since he had that meeting with Stephan, his so-called agent, he's been acting weird. But when we are behind closed doors, we make sweet love and everything is forgotten.

I get he isn't out to everyone, only his immediate family, except his stepfather. His mom took it very well but he's waiting to tell his stepfather because right now they are trying to build their relationship. I just don't like hiding our relationship. I've hidden far too long and I don't want to keep our relationship in the darkness. We love each other and I want everyone to know.

Other than that bump in the road he's been very supportive of me doing gymnastics again. He's even come and cheered for me the couple of competitions I have done.

Clark is dating someone he met online during Christmas break and Amelia is talking to someone from the football team. Life seems very complete right now. It's almost Valentine's Day and Atticus has a surprise for me so I can't wait for Friday night.

This semester feels like a drag. I have a new psychology class and I got partnered with Joshua. He's the same guy Atticus and I got partnered with last semester in Prof. White's class. He reminds me of how closed off I was at the world. He always wore a hoodie, would never pull it down. The only thing I would see was his dark emerald eyes and the dark outline around his eyes. His skin was very pale but not pasty but more porcelain. He has black hair the fell down a little below his eyes.

"Today class, we will talk about grief and how it connects to depression," Prof. Turner announced as the switch to my heartbeat slowed down. I haven't exactly talked about Nathan for some time now. He crosses my mind here and there but I'd rather let him rest. I know he'll always be alive inside me. But this was different, it was opening up to a stranger and that made my anxiety peak. I turned to Joshua who was just as terrified as me. I noticed his lips trembled, well from what I could see from his hoodie. He glanced at me as if he's seen a ghost. I don't think you can get more white than he was already.

"You ok?" I asked as he simply nodded. He wasn't much of a talker when we studied with Atticus last semester but I know he's very smart. We all got A's.

"I'm not sure I can do this, talk about grief," his words stuttered as I heard his voice choked.

"Now, get with your partner and finish the lesson on page 20. We will discuss this in 20 minutes so begin," Prof. Turner walked to his podium as I turned to Joshua.

"I'll talk about what I witnessed if you talk about what has triggered you?" I asked as I knew something was bugging him. He had the same shield I once had. A forcefield that protected him and now I wanted to help him or at least try my best to tell him I've been through this.

"It's just— I can't," he grabbed his books and shoved them in his backpack. "I'd rather fail this course than to talk about grief," he gazed at me as I saw sadness and despair. I know that look, I had it not so long ago.

He bolted out of the classroom as Prof. Turner looked confused. "Is everything ok Mr. Black?"

"I have no idea," I said but I'm going to find out after class. I know where his dorm is at. I went to study once or twice last semester.