The unveiling

Chapter 7

Nick made eye contact with Yacob who stared at him once he got in the assembly hall. Nick sighed like he had done most days. He regretted ever trying to carry out an exorcism without confirming his suspicion but atleast he had learnt from his mistake.

The mistake in question rose his eyebrows at him, which got the attention from Mirabel, who was trying to talk to Yacob but when she noticed the odd facial expression she couldn't help look at Father Nick confusedly. Nick wondered what category of idioticy did Yacob fall under because he couldn't trust that man one bit.

The assembly soon started and it was going smoothly until a tired-looking Jean stood up. The short curly headed boy garnered everyone's attention since he was the only student standing

"And what would you like to say, Mr Morris" Sister Iñes who was currently leading the assembly asked

" May I go to the infirm... " His words trailed off as he suddenly slumped. There was a little bit of panic mostly because the other boys though it would be the perfect opportunity to make noise. Jean was quickly rushed to the infirmary with Nick trailing behind. Of course it wasn't like he was close to the boy enough to actually care for him, Nick just had a suspicion.

The doctor had informed them not to worry that Jean was just suffering from sleep deprivation and he would soon be awake. Nick had asked the nurse who was watching over Jean to inform him when he woke. An hour and half had passed before the nurse had contacted Nick as expected.

Nick walked in to see Jean who had severe eye bags but his eyes were open

"Father Nick I heard you wanted to be the first to see me" Jean muttered, Nick sat close enough to hear him

"The doctor said you weren't getting enough sleep why is that?" Of course Nick had suspected he was getting fed on because frankly he looked like a very easy target.

"I don't know, I've just being having nightmares and the others boy's bully me a lot and I can't do anything about it"

Nick sighed --- Sighing was becoming part of his hobby lately --- Nick felt like questioning him more about his nightmares but it just seemed like it was trauma related. Nick could see himself in Jean, weak, bullied and filled with nightmares. This was the way he was when he was around Jeans age in the church. He was somehow different from the others kids, he was somehow always in the middle of calamity.

"Have you reported any of this to any of the sisters" Nick said pitifully

"No" Jean grabbed onto his hand with strength that came from no where "Please don't tell any of them, they'll bully me even more or worse they'll send me back home and I don't want to go home, it's worse there... " His voice broke at the ending.

Nick was silent. 'This kid had been through a lot, no wonder he was close to the previous priest' Nick thought. Nick stroked his head in a fatherly manner and said

"It's okay Jean, I won't tell anyone. Just tell me if anyone bullies you again, I'll be sure to give a helping hand"

"Thank you father Nick"

Nick nodded, the silence remained for a while before Jean's stomach rumbled. Jeans cheek turned red before Nick said "Com'on let's get you something to eat"