𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 ~ 𝙴𝚟𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗

Eighteen

For the entire week, and possibly even more, Sebastian's head was filled with cotton. He could barely focus on classes, on what his mother or friends were saying, the only thing on his mind being Chris. Their night together was something Sebastian would cherish forever. It was perfect in all the right ways.

But as soon as his high began to come back down, a new low lifted. Nights were filled with the replay of the day in the prison. His back crashing against the wall, the hand around his throat, those murderous eyes, hurtful words. It felt as though everything was crumbling down.

Amanda helped, but not enough to keep Sebastian sleeping through the night. He hid it as best he could, smiling and covering the heavy bags under his eyes. Nathan nor Georgeta could sense something, at least that's what Sebastian thought. Maia didn't say a word, nor did Letitia or Chris or anyone for that matter. Nobody seemed to be able to tell just how much Sebastian's world was toppling down, or just didn't want to speak their concerns, knowing full well what Sebastian would say.

"I'm fine."

He seemed to be telling himself that a lot lately, even though he wasn't. Not one bit.

It was terrifying, knowing how easily Sebastian's mental health could fall to pieces. Just a week ago, he was having the most perfect, intimate moment with Chris, and he was happy, so fucking happy, and now he didn't even know how to feel happy again. Sebastian had worked so hard, and with one visit with the man he used to call his father, everything fell out of place. Why had he been so stupid to go?

Sebastian couldn't even bring himself to talk to his own mother. For months and months, he was able to talk to her about everything. Now? He could barely speak a word.

Amanda told him that when things got bad again, as they would, he was only human, that it could become hard to speak to his mother. But he should push himself to try and say to her he wasn't okay, and if he said that, everything may just come tumbling out. Sebastian knew she was right, but everything was coming back to normal for his mother. She was in a healthy relationship with someone who loves her, treats her with respect and understands boundaries. She shouldn't be worrying about Sebastian. Not like this.

Sighing, Sebastian places down the plate of food in front of the table of family members, grinning kids digging in in an instant. "Here you go." He says, forcing on a smile. "Enjoy."

Work was a good distraction. He was on his feet all day, leaving barely any time to think about anything other than his jobs of the day. Sebastian sneaks back around the counter, placing a piece of cake on a plate and handing it to another worker, pointing to which table.

Around now, Sebastian took over the register to allow Lucy a break. It was unusually quiet this afternoon for a Sunday, but Sebastian was grateful, the ache of his feet evidence enough that he needed to have a break.

The chime of the bell echoes through the air, and Sebastian lifts his head, placing on a smile. "Hello, welcome-" He begins to say, but stops short at the sight before him, the air catching in the back of his throat. Hands shake, clammy, nails digging into skin. No. No. Why?

*********

"Honestly," Coach Myers says, the biggest grin on his face. "You are an incredible asset to the team, Evans. I'm very glad you chose to come here, we're lucky to have you."

Scratching the back of his neck rather awkwardly, Chris smiles. "Thank you, coach. That means a lot."

Standing from his seat, Coach Myers slaps Chris on the back. "You've grown pretty popular with the crowd, too. Girls in particular." He gives a wink, laughing, and Chris can't help but join in.