Maybe One Day (rewrite)

Chapter 2

Phil

The boy was standing on the ledge of a kind of tall building, and I could feel the panic rise inside of me. The "mother hen" instinct wanted me to make sure he didn't do anything reckless. He looked so peaceful like just one step could set him free from whatever hell he was going through. So I did what any rational hero would, or at least should, do and went to help. What I didn't expect to happen was him to freak out and fall off the roof entirely. I was more happy for my wings than I have been in a while at that moment. I swooped down and caught the still falling teen. When I did, the panic and concern only grew as I felt just how light this boy was. I could practically feel his poor spin through his cardigan that seemed to hide it pretty well. I set him down and looked at his face for the first time since this interaction began just a mere 5 minutes before.

There were deep bags under his eyes, and I could make out the outline of bandages through his shirt under his red cardigan in the faint city lights surrounding us, basking us in a nice yellow glow. I apologize for almost killing him multiple times. And he accepted, a little too easily for my comfort. Especially after looking like he wanted to fall off the roof before he saw me.

"Why don't we get a bite to make up for it?" Hearing his stomach growl in response. He just looked down and sighed.

"I don't think I could even if I wanted to." He said, despite the fact even I could tell he was practically starving. His stomach growling again, a little louder this time. Even in the poor lighting I could see his blush and look away again.

"It would be on me" I said, already herding him towards the door leading into the building itself. Anything to get him off of the roof, it scared me up here, as well as not hungry. I guess I won him over because he didn't put up anymore of a fight and instead let me take him to the 24 hour dinner just a few blocks away.

The poor boy practically inhaled his food. Almost like he hadn't eaten in a while. Once he was done with his current plate of food, I decided to ask some questions of my own that have been on my mind since we made it here.

"So, what were you doing on the roof?" He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gave me a look I couldn't quite name. Like some sort of "are you a fucking idiot" or "why would you ask that?" type of look. He seemed so nervous around me. That's the opposite reaction most people have around me if I'm being honest, most are trying not to faint from excitement. All he's doing is side-eyeing me every now and again and eating a hole in my pocket. It was strange, everything about this circumstance is strange. I don't even know his name yet for Christ's sake!

"Getting a bit of fresh air" He stared blankly before dousing the next plate of pancakes with the syrup that seemed to get everywhere on the table. I'll take his word for now at least. I still have my suspicions. I mean, who wouldn't if they say a boy that is practically starving on the roof of a tall building? On the ledge nonetheless!

"When's the last time you've eaten an actual meal?" I asked. He stopped salting the hash browns and began to think. Never a good sign when asking a question like that. You shouldn't have to think about the last time you've done something you should be able to do everyday for as long as he has been.

"Hmm... maybe last Wednesday?" That's 100% not healthy. How bad must this kids parents be to not feed him since last week? I knew it would be bad but not to this extent! Just proves my point further on why I need to keep an eye on him. I mean, he has some serious family issues. But there's not much I can do with as little information I have right now. Let alone no evidence for the police. I guess I'll have to add that apartment to my daily checking spots from now on. Maybe I'll tell Willow and Blade as well...