Family | A Nick & Charlie short story |

I feel ill.

Oscar's POV:

Me and Will get to school the next morning, but this time, he pulls me into a hug as soon as we sit down in class.

"Sorry for last night..." I whisper against his neck.
"No 's' word."
"That's exactly what my dad says."

♡~~♡

I see Hayden a few times, but we don't speak.

This continues on until the very last day of school.

"I'LL MISS YOU ALL!!" A group of boys call out.
"NO!! WE NEVER GOT A PHOTO!!" A group of year 7s shout.
"SIGN MY SHIRT!!" Another boy yells.

Today has been wild.

But one thing that struck me is that Hayden is leaving today.

"Isn't Hayden Xu your cousin?" A boy says to me as I try to wash the paint off of my hands.
"Yeah? Why?"
"He was talking about you in class today."

Will must have heard this because he speeds over to me at the sink and pretends to wash his hands, even though all the paint is off.

"What was he saying?" Will asks, a bit annoyed.
"He was saying you're a terrible person and that you are so rude and disrespectful to him and his family. It's sad, really."

My heart sinks.

Why's he saying this...?

"Oh, well, I'd better go! Sorry to break the news!"

The boy leaves the bathroom in a flash.

"Moron."

It's been 3 months since me and Will got together and Hayden is still avoiding us because of that.

"Come on before Mrs. Barkley yells at us!" I say and dry my hands.

Im hurt.
Right to the core.

A few of my friends know about me and Will and a few of his friends know too, and they're all supportive.

I just don't understand why Hayden is making this such a big deal!

♡~~♡

Since it's the last day before summer, everyone gets to go outside for as long as they want. Most people went outside, including me and Will.

"Come on! It's roasting in here! Let's just-"

I bump into someone, and when I look up, it's Hayden.

I try walking by him, but he stops me.

"What have you been saying about me!?" He yells.
"What have I been saying about you!? What have you been saying about me!?" I yell back.

He has clearly realised that someone has told on him.

"Who told you?"
"So you're admitting it!?"
"WHO TOLD YOU!?"
"I don't know-"

"Hayden, just go." Will spits.

Hayden huffs and storms away.

"You ok?" Will whispers.
"Mhm..."

♡~~♡

I want to cry.
Cry, cry, and cry.

"Nelson! What's up?" Jack, my best friend, walks up to me.
"Alright, mate?"
"Fine. You? Where's Will?"
"Toilet."
"Mm."

Why's he here?

"What's up?" I ask.

He takes a seat beside me on the table.

"You alright? You seem sort of sad."
"I want to cry."
"Why?"
"Hayden."
"Hayden Xu? Your cousin?"
"Mhm."

He pulls me into a side hug, playing with my hair.