The flower in my throat

How could you?

(Mention of father hitting child and abandoning )

".... I see"

"Nor- Norman?"

"Hm? Yea"

"Look I can tell this bothering you and I know we argued but I just hoped it was emoticons getting the best of you so if you need something just text or call me. If you need somewhere to stay just come around. I'll argue with mum if she says no"

"Don't get in trouble though"

"Like I would"

"I guess, but thank you Ray"

Norman checked the time seeing it was 8:58. A look of panic coming onto his face

"You good? You look panicked?"

"I'm supposed to be back by 9. And I have two minutes."

He checked his phone seeing his dad was saying he will pick him up and be there at 9.

"Ray don't take this the wrong way but my dad is picking me up and-"

"Yea I got it, I'll head inside and try not to get seen"

"Thanks for understanding"

Ray turned around, walking off speeding up his pace when he heard the car finding a spot to hide in but watch the scene.

"Was that Ray? Norman what did we talk about!"

"Yea it was but Emma didn't tell me he was with her"

"Then where is Emma?"

"She went to the bathroom"

"Whatever you say. I don't like this attitude Norman. You better fix it"

"Why can't i hang out with ray though?! What's your problem with him?" Norman took a deep breath, suddenly feeling brave enough to stand his own ground.

"Because not only is he encouraging this attitude of yours the way he talks to his parents. He also isn't right mentally"

"So it's not like it affects him and he only does that because he isn't scared to stand up for himself which if you let him come around you'd know his mum actually encourages him to do so as long as he isn't rude about it"

"See exactly that Norman you spend time with him and now you are back chatting me?"

The two continued to argue, Norman getting braver and braver so would continue to argue back. Eventually his dad had enough and lifted his arm up to slap Norman. Ray saw this and jumped up, Emma tried to grab him before he did something stupid but missed. Ray ran outside and stood in front of Norman allowing himself to be smacked instead. Norman stood back, as he watched Ray get slapped instead feeling like he wanted to cry. Norman's dad stood frozen in shock by the fact that Ray got in the way.

"You know what, I've had it with this nonsense Norman! I ought to disown you"

"Dad-"

"Norman if he wants to then let him because my mum will happily take you in"

"Alright"

The two boys watched as Norman's father left. Ray immediately gave Norman a small smile coughing a little bit. Norman stared at ray in worry. Ray sat down on the grass and Norman hesitated before sitting by him staring down to hide the fact he may cry.