Sunflower With Red Drops

17.

It's been five days. Five long days of avoiding the sight of even a ringlet of his hair. Five days of opening my locker to even more gifts : plushies and goodies and bobas and candies, even flowers sometimes.

'I'm telling you, I saw Monty near your locker. It's weird, I think the psycho's the one offering you all of that.', Chad seemed choked by the fact escaping his mouth, like he couldn't imagine Monty being nice.

'Listen, I never talk to him other than for our project, I promise Chad. Just-Don't tell Cy or Ty, they'll freak out.' I know lying is always the worst option but I wanted some peace, no more questions or suspicion. I walked in class and sat down at the end of the room. I don't want to talk, or participate. I'm here because if I had asked Auntie not to come, she would have known something was off.

'Hey dove. What's up ? You're all gloomy.' I offered Cy my best toothed smile but he just felt my uneasiness.

'Hum-Hum, it's not gonna work on me Lily.' I instantly pouted and before I could answer, Monty walked in. He looked exhausted and his eyes were crimson red. We crossed eyes and he immediately hid his face.

'Does it have something to do with him ?', 'No, of course not. I'm just sad for no reason. The usual.', my sad smile seemed to win him over and he stopped asking questions.

Later that day, I decided I needed to act like an adult even if it scared me a big lot. I walked to Monty's group and right when he caught me walking his way, he stood up, picking his half empty backpack, and rushed my way.

'Hi.' he offered with a shy wave, 'Hi Monty.' I looked down at my feet and took a deep breath. I opened my mouth to speak my mind but I was cut off by Monty.

'Listen. I get that I should have told you what I did. And I get what I did to Winston was wrong. I just want you to know I understand if you don't wanna be friends anymore, cause i understand that -', 'Okay, first I don't wanna stop being friends.', I paused, 'I just wanted to tell you that I took the decision to tell everything about you and me to my auntie so she can help me sort things up.', Monty looked around, scratching the back of his neck. 'Do you allow me to discuss everything with her ? She's not like every other adult, she's more like dad, that you don't know, but what I meant is that she won't judge and won't tell. I can assure you.'

He seemed to be stressing about it immediately so I tried to reassure him.

'You don't have to answer right now. You can just text me your answer during the day or tomorrow. Think about it when you feel like it.', I lifted an eyebrow waiting for his answer and he slowly nodded. We were disturbed by one of the guys from the football team.

'Hey Monty, why don't you introduce your new girlfriend ?! Come on !' I saw Monty's fists strongly close in knots. 'Wow, we're becoming the gossip. So exciting !', I tried my best and it seemed to have worked. 'I better go, Cy must be looking for me. I'll see you around Monty.'

'Where were you ? I've been looking for you everywhere.', 'Wonderland.', Cy frowned. He hated when his questions were not answered. I quickly changed the subject.

'Can we get ice cream ?' he chuckled immediately, 'Huh-huh, certainly not. Now follow me, my dad's waiting.'

We drove back to his place where I was gonna sleep over. Mac said hi before leaving quickly for what I think was a disguise date but I played dumb. She told me just a few days ago that she went out with Tyler and since that day it's like I can't imagine those two being romantically involved. I can't explain it, it just weirded me out.

~

We spent dinner with Cy's father and quickly ended up in bed watching movies. I don't remember falling asleep but I was woken up abruptly by Cy, quickly noticing my ringtone. Auntie was calling, and she did call many times before. I quickly picked up and Auntie was completely panicked, she tried to explain but she was a mess. I just understood that she was at the hospital with Monty. I frowned, then Cy frowned, then I started to panic and Cy frowned even more quickly taking the phone.

'We're on our way, I'll get Lily ready and we'll text you when we arrive. Try to calm down.' Cy hung up and took me out of bed but I just couldn't comprehend. He called for his dad who quickly walked in pjs in his bedroom. They exchanged a few words and his father agreed to drive us to the hospital.

'Okay sweetheart, everything is gonna be okay. We're gonna put something warmer on and my dad is gonna drive us. They're no worries to have. Auntie's okay.', 'But Monty's not ?' Again, Cy frowned but quickly shook it off.

'Can you take your pj's off princess, I'll go get you some clothes.' I nodded, completely lost before growing my top off of me.

During the drive to the hospital, I started quietly sobbing. I just didn't know how to feel. Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm lips on my forehead and arms pick me up to put me down in front of the hospital. We rushed in, Cy on the phone with Auntie holding hands with me so as not to lose me. He knew my emotions were on fine ice right now, so he was kinda nervous. Soon, I could see Auntie at the other hand of the hallway and I let go of Cy's hand and rushed to jump in her arms.

'It's okay sweetheart. Your friend is doing well.' Cy quickly joined our side. 'He knocked at your windows many times at around 3 AM. He tried to hide when I walked in your room but he was quick to show himself when I called him. He was all bruised and his nose was completely smashed so I rushed to get the care kit. I realized I had to bring him to the hospital because it was beyond my abilities, I just couldn't fix it by myself.', I looked at the door before slowly walking to it.

'Can you wait for me outside Cy ?' He nodded and I opened the door. I slowly walked to the bed where a beaten up Monty was laid down, eyes closed.

'Don't worry. I survived worse. I think your aunt overreacted.' Monty slowly got his eyes to open before looking back at me.

'I thought about what we discussed.' He paused, 'I think we should talk with your aunt.' I grabbed his right hand and examined it, horrified by the state of his knuckles. 'Okay Monty, we will. I'll also have to tell Cy we're good friends now cause there is no way I can hide it any longer. You should stay at mine for a few days. Your sister can stay as well.' I was only answered with a sigh before the boy closed his eyes again.