Nowhere boy

Chapter 2

The following day Stuart walked me to school to make sure I was okay. His arms stayed round me as we walked the short distance.

"I just want to say whatever John says today I have your back and whatever you do I'll back you with" Stuart said as we reached the school gates

"Thank you" I replied having the urge to kiss him

Instead I kissed his cheek lightly before we walked inside the building. As bumped strait into John who seemed very apologetic about the previous day.

"John I'm not interested in what you say" I said making John almost cry

I pushed past him leaving Stuart to follow. As we rounded the corner i burst into tears.

"What's the matter" Stu said hugging me

"My entire life at the minute is hell. Not just because of John but my mum has cancer and it's getting worse and John isn't making it better" I sobbed "I try and stay strong at home mainly for my mum but when John is acting like he is I just want to cry and I never have the opportunity to"

Without saying anything Stuart wrapped me into a hug and held me tight.

"Cry as much as you want, I'm here" he said holding me tight

That lunch time I was alone, as per usual. I thought I could rely on Stuart but now I'm not too sure. It's like he took advantage of me after I told him about the situation with my mum. I felt more alone then ever. Then Stuart, John and Pete walked in laughing. Did I go back in time? No, I didn't. Stuart came strait over to sit with me, pulling his lunch out and starting his apology.

"I'm so sorry for leaving you. As I was coming here John collared me. He started a band, The Quarrymen. I auditioned but I'm not planning on being in it" Stuart explained

"It's fine, join if you want to" I said

"Nah I'm not bothered, if something big happens I'll join" Stuart said shrugging it off

"Who's in the band?" I asked

"Colin Hanson is the drummer, John's singer and Petes pianist. I heard that Eric Griffith and Ivan Vaughan auditioned but I don't know if their in. But that's it so far" Stuart replied
accidentally laying his hand on mine

"Can we sit with you?" Someone spoke from behind me

I spun round to face John and Pete who stood smiling at us.

"Sure" I hesitated

John went to sit down but almost fell as he was holding a tray of food. A bit of it spilt but me and Stuart managed to catch the rest. John apologised to the two of us before getting napkins. What happened fo John? This isn't the John that was throwing sexist comments my way the previous day. This John was somewhat caring. Did he in fact like me and this entire thing was to try and disguise that?

John explained the hope he had for the Quarrymen but I wasn't listening. I was contemplating my love for Stuart. When lunch finished we had music, where John went back to his old self.

"Rosalind you have no place in this world" John said rocking back on his chair, reading an explicit magazine

This comment hurt me, especially after he was being really kind at lunch. I walked over and snatched the magazine from his grip.

"Don't ever say that to me again Lennon" I shouted "What happened to the..." then I saw what he was reading "Oh my god she's naked"

"Don't say it so loud, people will hear" John snarled snatching it back

I walked back over go Stuart, a little traumatised from what I saw. Then the head entered and dragged Pete and John down to his office.

In the office:

"I didn't do anything" Pete protested as Mr Henderson looked through the magazine

"It was your blooming book you dickhead" John replied nudging him

The two watched the teacher look through the book, his eyes widening in certain places. He was clearly shocked and horrified by the book and didn't know what to say to the two kids.

"I'm suspending both of you" he gestured to them with the magazine "Any questions?"

"Can I have my magazine back?" John asked trying to reach de it but Mr Henderson wouldn't hand it over

"Just leave" we're his departing words

The two silently left the room, depressed and magazineless.

After school:

Stuart walked me home, as he would do from then on.

"Do you mind if I mention your mother?" Stuart asked

"Not at all" I replied as my hand brushed against his

"She didn't seem that bad when I met her yesterday" Stuart said fixing his eyes on the bland road, only pattered by the odd spot of chewing gum

"That was one of her good days. Some days she can't even get out of bed and me and my dad fear for the worst. But the next day she is like when you met her. Everyday is different but she has the attitude she will beat it" I explained

Stuart looked to the ground and nodded in understanding. He then looked to me and stopped walking, that's when I realised we were outside my house.

"I'll see you tomorrow" Stuart said grabbing onto one of my hands

"See ya tomorrow" I agreed kissing his cheek

He gave me a gentle hug before we parted
ways. He disappeared when I was in the house. As I entered my dad shouted for me, from upstairs. I set off running and entered their bedroom.