Colts words kept ringing in Marco's head as he tried to conjugate French verbs.
All he could think about was his parents were moving. He knew that with his parents terminating their rights and as part of his fathers plea agreement, contact would cease between them.
But the idea of them possibly leaving town felt...well it was as a mix bag emotions.
He was lucky he was able to make it through his French exam, though he was positive he wasn't going to get the A he had hoped for.
As the bell rang releasing the students of Trost for winter break, Marco just sat with a 1000 yard stare.
"Marco...Marco...Marco!!"
"Huh?"
"Bell rang...you just gonna sit here" Jean asked.
"Um no, I was just distracted"
"Let's go, some of us are going to Chipotle you in?"
"Actually I think I'm just gonna wait for Coach Erwin and go home"
"Are you ok?...I mean I know the news about your house probably threw ya for a loop"
Marco let out a sigh. "Yes and no. I mean it's just a lot to process and I don't feel like watching Sasha eat 3 burritos while Connie cheers her on"
"Fair point. Though it is kinda sweet he supports her hobbies" Jean said.
"It what a good boyfriend does" Marco said.
Jean felt that funny feeling in his stomach again at the mention of the word "boyfriend".
"Well...just...call me if you need me" Jean said gently squeezing Marco's shoulder.
**************************************************
Erwin looked up from his desk as Marco entered his room.
"Thought you might be heading out with some of your friends since it's a half day"
"I..just...I don't feel well"
"Well I'm gonna be here until my overlord lets me leave" Erwin said with a laugh. "But if you aren't feeling well"
"I mean, I'm not sick...just"
Erwin stopped grading the paper he was working on.
"Marco didn't something happen today?"
Marco was quite for a minute. "Did you know my parents are moving?"
Erwin pinched the bridge of his nose. "We were going to tell you tonight, we wanted to wait until exams were over"
"When did you find out?"
"Two days ago, from your case worker. How did you find out?"
"Colt told me, said he saw the for sale sign outside my house."
"Do you wanna talk about it?" Erwin asked.
"Not right now, but I just didn't have the energy to...put on a front for my friends" Marco said pulling out his manga.
"Well do you want me to call Keith to come get you"
"Nah I'll just chill back here until you're ready if that's ok"
"Okay you do what you need to do Marco" Erwin said returning to his desk, and Marco got lost into the world of the Grand Line.
**************************************************
Marco had come to find out his parents were moving to a different state. They said they need to be closer to his father's family.
Marco knew that was all bullsh*t. But it still weighed heavy on his mind two days later as he stared mindlessly at the TV.
"Marco do you wanna go to Target with me?" Erwin asked as he put in his jacket.
He shook his head.
"Well..." he checked his watch, "Keith should be home by 8"
"mmmkay"
"Marco...are you sure you are ok?"
"Yeah, just tired I guess"
"Well don't hesitate to call if you need me to come home" Erwin said before heading out into the chilly December air.
Alone in the townhome, Marco didn't know what to do with himself. He tried TV, reading, doing crossword puzzles.
He closed his eyes, all he could see was his old bedroom. The house head so many bad memories, so why was he feeling sad.
Suddenly an idea popped into his head. He opened his eyes, and reached for his phone.
He found what he was looking for and hit call.
"Hey Bert, I was hoping you could help me with something"
To be continued
