It all went downhill (boyxboy)

Part 8- Back to school

Zero's POV

It's Monday today and I have fucking school. The last time I went to school was the day before Benji found out that my dad hit me. I didn't go to school all last week and after the new situation. At the beginning of after the accident happened with my mom and little sister, I liked going to school, playing basketball, and socializing because it kept me distracted and focused on other things rather than the people I've lost in my life. Now that I have newfound problems in addition to that, that old way of coping, or running away from my problems, doesn't work anymore. I can't get out of bed because I feel like I'm being constantly weighed down by my thoughts. I've only taken one shower since the beating from my stepdad because for a good couple of days I physically couldn't due to the crippling pain on my ribs and stomach, and even now that the pain is bearable I feel crippled mentally. BEEP BEEP BEEP goes the sound of my alarm, letting me know that it's time to get out of bed and get ready for school. I've decided that no matter how much I don't want to go I have to before my principal starts suspecting something.

I walked into my bathroom and turned on the shower. I haven't taken one in at least three days so I badly needed one. I stepped into the shower and as soon as the warm water hit my skin I felt so relaxed. I wanted to just lay there and sleep. Even though I've practically been living on my bed for the last week, I've barely gotten any sleep. I've been paranoid that while I'm sleeping my stepdad will do it again. Ever since he did it that night his been acting nicer to me. He's been making me pancakes and trying to make me feel better. He also hasn't been drinking as much. He hasn't done it ever since that night so I'm hoping that it never happens again. I'm not even sure he knows he did anything to me cause he hasn't bought it up. I got out of the shower and started drying my body. I also brush my teeth in the shower cause it saves water plus it makes more sense. The bruise on my stomach and rib area is slowly fading. It now has more yellow than red, or purple, indicating that it's healing.

I get dress not caring what I wear so I grabbed a black Nike jogger and a random hoddie I found in my closet. I grabbed some random-ass shoes and then picked up my book bag, phone, and keys and quickly head out for my car trying to be as fast as possible so that I don't bump into my dad or talk myself into not going to school for another day.

I drove into the student parking, as I regret my choice of coming to school today. I already know that a bunch of people is going to keep asking me where I've been and if I'm okay, I truly don't have the mental capabilities to constantly keep lying. I also know that a lot of my teachers are going to want to talk to me and give me billions of missing assignments. Also the last time I was at school I had to go to the Counselors office cause she wanted to start having weekly meetings which I'm not excited about. I sat in the parking lot for at least 15 minutes before I forced myself out of my car.

Once I walked into the building I went straight to my locker. I took out the books I didn't need for the first half of my school day and put them in there. I closed the locker door and turned to go to class, but as soon as I turned, I saw Benji starring at me from a distance. He had a concerned look on his face and a faint pitiful smile. I quickly turned around, quicker than sonic speed, and speed-walked my way to class in the opposite direction.

I don't want to talk to Benji. I know he's my best friend and he obviously cares about me, but that might be the problem. I don't want him to worry about whether or not my stepdad is still hitting me or God forbid he finds out that my stepdad touched me sexually that day. If he finds out he will definitely tell and I would be put in foster care by myself, with no one but the demons in my head.

I went to my classes as usual, and got a bunch of 'Where have you been?' And 'Look who finally decided to come to school.'  A lot of my teachers pulled me aside and asked me why I was missing for a bit over a week. They also gave me my missing assignments and told me that I had until next Monday to turn them all in. This was expected but is also really frustrating because it's a lot of work to do, and it might not seem like a lot to the teachers but all my other teachers asked for the same thing so it's going to accumulate and became a huge pile of depression and anxiety-filled work to do.

When it came time for lunch I didn't go to the lunchroom like usual but instead decided to go to the library so that I don't have to see Benji even though I wanted to. I decided to start on some of my missing assignments since I'm already in the library. Then, the dreaded last period came, usually last period is my favorite class but since I'm trying to avoid Benji and last period is the only class I have with him, it's going to make avoiding him difficult.

I walked into the class before the bell ringed, with only a few students already in. Benji was not in here yet so that was a relief. I walked to the back of the class because I don't want the teacher to notice me or anyone for that matter. I sat down and put my head on my arm which was laying on the table. I faced downward so that I can't see anybody. A few minutes passed and I heard the bell ringed. The teacher started instructions and I think today all we were doing was notes. I kept my head down still slowly dozing off to sleep and all of a sudden I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I flinched and turned my head to see who it was. As soon as I turned I was meet with Benji who is sitting right by me and staring into my eyes with his beautifully glowy honey brown eyes. "H-hi" he stuttered. "Hi" I said back. "You're finally back...uhh I didn't see you at lunch today." Concern was written all over his face. I could tell he wanted to ask me something else but didn't. "I was at the library...I have a lot of missing work." I replied, technically not lying, just omitting some information. "Well, I can help you if you want." "No, I'm fine thanks though." We sat there in silence for the rest of the period. I took out my notebook and figured I might as well take some notes too.

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Benji's POV

He's finally back at school. I hate how our last time together ended. I've wanted to text him or call him every day since but I wanted to give him his space, plus I don't know what to say. When I saw him this morning by his locker I got an immense spike of joy. Just seeing him makes me happy, but then I remembered the situation with his stepdad and instantly my mood changed. I hope more than anything that he's doing okay. He turned around and saw me and instantly left, walking in the opposite direction. Is he avoiding me? I was going to go after him but someone snapped me out of my thoughts and started talking to me. Now that I'm in last period with him we've barely talked. In pretending to take notes but my brain is just filled with thoughts about him. Is he okay? Does he not like me anymore? Why hasn't he been in school? Is his dad still beating him?

I tried glancing at him as sneakily as I could. He's licking his lips, which is something he does when he is focusing on something. He looks so beautiful. I want him so badly but I don't know if he feels the same about me. Besides this might not be the best time for him to get in a relationship considering the things he's going through. "Okay class theirs going to be a group project coming up soon. I will be assigning partners tomorrow so make sure you come to school." he said as he glanced at Benji. "It's going to be your final for this quarter so it's really important." as he finishes up what he was saying the bell ringed and Benji sprinted up and walked out of the class before I got a chance to say anything. Gosh, I hope he's not avoiding me.