Truth - Lashton

Chapter 30

Ashton's POV

"Shut your stupid fucking mouth, you absolute fucking reject of god!"

That was Michael's voice from the cafeteria. I got up out of my desk and left out of the Health classroom and ran out to the cafeteria.

I saw a guy, an upperclassman and Michael, Luke sitting down at the table they usually sit at.

"What's going on here?!"

I let boldness scream in my words. The boys looked at me, all with different expressions. The upperclassman with a smug look, Michael's face being covered in anger and determination, Luke's with sadness and alot of other emotions.

"This prick was saying shit about Luke's body!"

Michael screeched, his neck veins prominent and his pale skin covered in red.

"What?! All I did was say Luke looked like he was healthy!"

The upperclassman spoke, that smugness pouring through. I knew what exactly had happened and I also knew whose side I was on.

"No the fuck you didn't or do you think telling him he looks pregnant or he's eating alot means healthy in that thick, small dick brain of yours!"

"Michael!"

The principal came out from the other hall, looking infuriated.

"Joseph, Michael and Luke. Office, now! Mr. Irwin, come along too."

I went over and had Luke and Michael with me, feeling protective. Michael moved over to Luke's side and threw his arm over his shoulder.

Michael was mumbling under his breath while Luke looked tense, like a scared puppy.

We all reached the office. Joseph, the upperclassman, leaning against the wall beside the principal's desk. Michael and Luke sat beside each other in the seats across from the desk and I took my spot leaning against the wall behind the two.

"Is he your boyfriend or something, Clifford?"

"Shut the fuck up. He's my friend, you cocksucker."

"Boys, cut it out."

I said sternly as the principal walked in.

"Now, one at a time. Luke, explain what happened."

Luke looked back at me, his lip trembling. He moved his head back down at his feet and played with his fingers.

"Uh.. W-Well.. Me and Mike, we were eating Lunch and.. uh.. Joseph came up.. he started to.. say things about my body.. He called me pregnant and I was eating quite fast and if I kept up-"

Luke cut himself off on accident by choking back on his tears.

"If I kept up with how I was eating.. I'd- I'd get fat all over again.. Michael got really mad at him and yelled.."

The principal sighed and glared to Joseph.

"This isn't the first time you've shamed a student, Joseph."

Joseph groaned and crossed his arms.

"Didn't think the gays boyfriend would-"

"I'm not his damn boyfriend!"

"Michael!"

Michael slumped back in his seat and took deep breaths.

"Joseph. I'm calling your parents and getting you officially suspended."

"What the hell?! No!"

"Your behavior is completely unacceptable here. Now leave, thank you. Michael, Luke and Mr. Irwin, please stay behind."

Joseph stormed out, glaring at the 2 boys.

"Are.. Are we in trouble, Sir?"

Luke muttered out, wrapping his arms around himself.

"No but Michael, I'd like for you to be a bit more mature about handling situations of that kind."

"Alright.. Mature.. So swear more and rip off my shirt?"

I held back a chuckle at that.

"No! The complete opposite actually!"

Michael's skin was getting red again as he sat up.

"Listen, Sir. I'm not gonna be polite to anyone who says some stupid shit about Luke when we all know he's struggling enough. If someone says shit, I have every right in the book to say shit back. I know what I'm doing."

Michael took Luke's hand and walked out. I ran after them as I wanted to speak to them, especially about Luke's health.

"Boys, please.. Meet me in the homeroom class. I need to speak to you both."

They followed me as we went to the classroom they always were in at the beginning of the day. They had health class after lunch but.. lunch has been preoccupied by Michael's defense.

I sat down in a seat infront of their desks that had been sat next to one another since they first met.

"I need to know what's going on.. Especially with Luke. I'm not monitoring you anymore and I'm worried."

Luke looked at Michael then back at me.

"I've been recovering on my own actually and.. recently I've just been so hungry.. Like I can't stop eat-"

"Extreme hunger, Luke.. It's normal. Your body is trying to get the nutrients to repair itself."

He stared for just a moment before he looked down at the desk, lips trembling again.

"It's just so.. frustrating.. Like.."

He looked back up at me, his eyes red paired with dark eye bags.

"I keep lying to everyone and.. I'm not a liar, Ashton.. I don't wanna be a liar. I need to tell the truth.. I've always hated my body but now I hate everything I've become. I wanna be healthy again.."

"And you will. With me and Michael's support, I truly believe you'll be a better version of yourself. Recovery is difficult but dying is alot more difficult. Okay?"

Luke nodded and held his hands out, Michael took one and I took the other.

"I'm.. I'm gonna do what I can.. I'll try my absolute hardest.."