Big, Little and Tiny Sef <3

Everything.

Everything? This child, I'd go to the ends of the earth for him, but Jesus Christ. Everything?

"That's got to be slightly dramatic."

"My mum is dead, and I need her, I need her to sing that fucking song and my dad is getting investigated by social services for alleged abuse and apparently negligence. Is that dramatic?"

This poor child.

"I'm sorry. I didn't- that sounds horrible, all of it."

"My brothers don't come home anymore. Asher and Noah left so Dad wouldn't...he gets pretty angry at them sometimes and they hate it."

I knew his brothers, I had taught a few of them before, and the oldest was the year below me in school. Asher is quick to anger, he's practically always on the defensive. I think I understand why now. I understand all the bruises and the time off school, and the dumb excuses as to why he was off school.

"What do you think Social is going to do?"

"Put us all in care. Or a foster home, if we should be so unlucky."

I'd spent a little time in foster care when I was younger, and it's not great. I get where he's coming from.

"Your finger is still bleeding, can I clean it, and then put a plaster on?"

"Fine." Yusuf sighed, holding his hand out for me.

Once I had cleaned him up, he insisted on leaning on my arm again. He wouldn't talk, just whine and sigh. I had my own ideas as to why, but I thought it best not to assume until I was completely sure.

"Hey Yusuf, you've got about two minutes until your next lesson, shall we get ready to go?"

I whined and shook his head.

"Please?"

He shook his head again.

I can't let him go when he's mute, that's just mean. I'd hate it if someone did that to me, so I emailed his next teacher saying Yusuf was with me instead. I thought it would be better in the long run.

"You can stay here for fourth period." I nodded to him.

He smiled at me, far more pure than any twelve year old could. I smiled back, out of reflex.

I had text Nathan to come down to my classroom, he knows more about this than me.

"Hey Farouk." Nathan smiled.

"Nate, hi."

"Is he-"

"Maybe." I mouthed.

"Hey Yusuf." Nathan spoke in a soft voice, sitting down next to us.

He waved.

"Everything alright?"

He nodded, which I knew was a lie.

"Any reason you don't want to go to lesson?"

"Too much."

"I get that. I heard about Reed too, don't listen to him."
"You're supposed to have art now, with Mr Smyth, yes?"

Yusuf nodded.

"I know what you guys are doing in lesson, how about we do it here instead? I know you're pretty good at art." Nathan lured him away from the corner.

Yusuf sat down at one of my desks whilst Nathan searched for some paper and pencils.

"I have loads in my classroom, eyes on him please." Nathan whispered as he walked past me.