A Red Lighter

Connor: Six A.M Visitors

My alarm went off way too early for my liking; I was stressed to say the least. My brain was wracked with thoughts of school and the football game I had today. If we won that put us in the city finals which meant if we could rank top in the city. I decided on showering before I went down for breakfast. Maybe the water would help clear my thoughts.

I pulled an old shirt over my head, throwing on the same pair of jeans I wore yesterday. The last thing I expected to see was Caleb sitting at my kitchen table. He looked like he didn't sleep at all; huge bags under his eyes and everything that was bothering me seemed to disappear.

"Connor" dad's voice was stern as he stood from the table "just the man I needed to talk too" and before I could even whisper a hello to my friend dad was gripping my arm and dragging me into the living room. "So... why is he here" I ran my hands through my damp hair causing it to stick up in every direction

"Uhmm I was kind of going to ask you the same thing"

"He showed up at like six"

"Was he hurt" I asked suddenly concerned he was hurt again "who hurt him... h-how bad" dad put his hand up cutting me off

"He was fine... mom changed his bandages because he tore some of his scabs but other than that" I was done with this conversation and before more could be said on the topic I left dad standing there

Caleb sat at the table with his hands in his lap, I wanted to tell mom to leave so he would actually talk to me but I knew there was no way in a million years I could kick mom out of her kitchen. She would probably beat me with the wooden spoon.

Despite the fact that mom was there I tried to ask Caleb questions and just like I expected he just shrugged them right off. Even as we walked to school, Caleb said nothing his hands were stuffed in his jacket and his head was too the ground. He was fiddling with something in his pocket but I didn't push, even though it was silence it wasn't awkward silence.

Once we got to school, Caleb just got closer to me and I swear if he could Caleb would just crawl into my backpack. Suddenly out of nowhere he grabbed my arm and pulled me into him.

"Connor... I'm scared" was the only thing he said before he let me go and when I stood back up, I could see fear in his eyes

"Why" before Caleb answered my question one of the football players I called my friend came up to me

Caleb shrunk away behind me but never left which was a good sign. Matt was a nice enough guy, I know he'd have no problem if I added an extra person to our little circle of friends.

"Who's the shy one" he asked

"This is my friend Caleb... Caleb this is Matt"

Matt extended his hand but Caleb flinched away and took another step towards me. The rest of the day went pretty much the same, Caleb flinching away whenever someone called his name or attempted to touch him. At lunch when coach came to talk to a couple of us footballers Caleb was trembling with fear. I tried to get him to calm down but all my attempts failed. I needed to know what was going on with him, I didn't want to pry but at this point I had too.

"Caleb" I whispered tugging at his sleeve "let's go somewhere you can smoke, looks like you need one" without another word Caleb was right behind me

I watched as the bright red ember of his cigarette burned, unsure how I was going to ask him. Did I just come straight out and don't beat around the bush? Should I hint at it hoping to get a response? Maybe I shouldn't ask him at all?

"What" his voice was husky and nicotine smothered "is there something bothering you... want to talk about it" of course Caleb would be worried about me, when did, this kid ever put himself first

"I was going to ask you the same thing"

"I'm fine" his voice was hard but wavered "just"

"What" my voice coloured with concern I really wanted the best for my friend

"Can I come over after school?"

"Sure" and with that our conversation was over