What Are You Hiding, Roman Hart?

Sympathy

I felt a sharp pain in the side of my leg while walking to the front office. I guess all the excitement of the day made me forget that I was injured. I began to limp because the pain was slowly becoming worse. I didn't want Roman to notice because he would just make a big deal out of nothing. But of course, he noticed.

"Is your leg bothering you?", he asked in a worried tone.

"It's fine. Just don't leave me behind.", I said while laughing.

"He grinned back at me. "I won't, but let me know if it hurts too much."

"Okay.", I said while smiling.

We eventually made our way to the dreaded front office where Roman would meet his doom. I could say I felt bad for him, but I don't, we'll maybe a little. I told him not to do anything reckless for this very reason, but I wouldn't say that he deserved punishment. If anyone did it would be Ryan.

The lady sitting at the front desk noticed us entering through the door. She motioned us towards the principals office which was in the back. I guess our pedo gym teacher called to notify them that we were coming.

We made our way to the office in the back and I knocked on the door. I heard a quiet 'come in' that was muffled through the door. I opened the door and motioned Roman inside and quickly followed behind and closed the door. Our principal glanced at the both of us and his eyes finally settled on me.

"Oliver, please go and wait outside. This is a matter that needs to be discussed priv-."

"No. He'll stay in here. If he leaves, I leave.", Roman said interrupting him.

"I don't like the attitude, but fine he can stay.", he said while sighing.

I actually really liked our principal. He was a fair and kind man. He never took sides or belittled students. He always treated us like equals, which I always appreciated.

Roman and I both sat down across from him on the other side of his desk. It was quiet, while he examined the both of us. Well, mainly Roman. I assumed it was because he looked like he had just come back from war with all the blood that covered his clothes.

"I'm aware of the incident that took place. However, I don't know the circumstances as to why you decided to attack your classmate. If you could please inform me of why you chose to act in an unruly manner, that would be appreciated.", he said to Roman.

I was afraid that Roman would tell him about how Ryan was bullying me. I really didn't want him to know because then it would become a whole issue that got my mom involved. I really didn't want anyone's sympathy.

"...... I just felt like it. His face was pissing me off.", Roman said.

"Is that all you have to say about the manner?", our principal said with concern. I could tell he knew that wasn't the whole story.

"Yep.", Roman replied.

"Well then, Mr. Hart you will be suspended for a week to think about your actions. When you come back from your break, you'll attend dentition for the next month. Is that clear?"

I didn't want Roman to get in trouble. Honestly, I was blaming myself. If only I was stronger, then he wouldn't have to put himself in these situations. I needed to protect him like he does for me.

"Ex-x-xcuse me-e. Roman isn't tellin-n-g the wh-whole truth-th-th.", I said to our principal.

He glanced at me curiously while waiting for me to explain. I decided I was going to tell him the truth. I could deal with his pity as long as Roman wasn't in trouble. But before I could say anything, Roman stood up and pulled me with him.

"He's just saying that because he doesn't want me to get in trouble. We'll be leaving now.", Roman said while pulling me out of the office and towards the parking lot.

"Hey! Stop! What are you doing?", I said to him angrily.

He stopped and turned to look at me. "Oli, I know what you were going to do. I don't need you to tell him the truth if it makes you uncomfortable. I'm fine with being expelled."

"Well I'm not! We are going back and I'm going to tell him everything.", I said while turning back towards the school.

I didn't make it very far before Roman picked me up and threw me over his shoulder carrying me to his car. I thrashed around trying to make him put me down but he didn't budge.

"Put me down!", I yelled at him.

He ignored me and continued to carry me. When we reached his car he opened the passenger side door and set me in the seat. He buckled me in and closed the door. He made his way to the other side and got in turning the car on.

As he drove out of the parking lot, he ignored my yelling and glares and continued towards his home. I was extremely pissed. I am tired of him treating me like a little baby who can't defend himself. He's just so stubborn and won't listen to my complaints.

The rest of the car ride was silent. I chose to stop taking to him out of anger, and he chose to continue to ignore me. When we arrived to his house, he helped me out of the car. I tried to resist his help, but he wouldn't let me.

I decided I was not going inside his house and started walking to my house which was next door. Of course he didn't like that, and picked me up again. He took me to his room and set me down on his bed gently. We stared at each other for a while before he began to speak.

"Oli, I'm tired of fighting. I don't want to fight with you. I just want what's best for you, okay?", he said looking tired.

"Why can't I want the same for you? Why do you always have to take the fall for everything?"

".......... Because I'm not that good of a person. You are bright, beautiful, and strong. You have your whole future to look forward to. I don't want it to be tainted."

I didn't understand what he was saying. Didn't he also have a bright future ahead? I was going to ask him what he meant, but he suddenly stood up and walked towards his closet. He pulled off his shirt to change, and I was completely taken aback.

His whole body was covered in bruises. Not small little bruises, big ones that looked extremely painful. I was frozen in place looking at his injured body. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. 'Who did this to him', I thought.

I don't know how I didn't notice them before, especially in the locker room. Guilt flooded my entire body. How bad of a friend was I. I was so preoccupied with my own troubles, that I failed to notice him. And to think I thought I could protect him.

"What happened to you?", I said shakily.

He looked at me for a while not saying anything. I thought he would explain what happened, but he didn't say anything.

"Roman. I asked you a question.", I said with anger rising in my voice.

"Nothing Oli. Don't worry about it."

I was hurt. We never kept secrets from each other. We always told each other everything. Wait. Who am  I to say anything. I kept Ryan from him.

My whole life felt like it was falling apart. Roman is my life and I can't do anything to protect him. He doesn't even trust me enough to share what had happened to him.

I could feel that I was about to have a panic attack. I knew I needed to calm down but I just couldn't. I was shaking and tears were spilling out of my eyes. Roman noticed what was going on with me and was quickly by my side. He engulfed me in an embrace and started stroking my back.

"Shhhhhhh it's okay. You're okay. I'm here.", he said soothingly.

He repeated this for awhile, saying sweet things in my ear while holding me. I began to calm down. But yet, once again, he protected me while I was unable to anything.