Here for each other ~ Jonadar

Chapter 6

Nathan Rafferty's Point of View

14th November 2023

I felt the blood continue to drip out of my mouth as I heard the door open. Daryl wanted to help me, but he couldn't stand the sight of blood, so I'm on my own now. I could hear voices, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. Suddenly the door to the bathroom got flung open and Josh entered. I was sat on the floor by the toilet, throwing up blood into it. Josh closed the door and walked over to me. He sat down next to me, and patted my back. It finally felt like there wasn't more blood to throw up, but then I was wrong. It kept coming. My throat burned and my breath was quick. I could barely sit up, I was about to fall from my diziness. Josh noticed and quickly wrapped his arms around me so I wouldn't fall. "Are you done?" Josh asked with a worried tone and expression across his face. I nodded slowly. He wiped the blood away from the corner on my mouth, and then picked me up. He carried me back over to the bed, and put me down gently. I know I'm sick, but I hate that my body is so weak. Literally anyone can pick me up, even Josh who is younger than me. He pulled the covers over me and kissed me gently on the forehead. "Rest, Nathan." the younger Irishman spoke softly. I closed my eyes and attempted to do just that. I haven't slept all day, they thought I had though. I saw what they did earlier. I feel jealous to be honest. But they have been together longer I suppose, they don't love me as much. Not a long time after, I actually felt completely drained, and I passed out.

August 2010

"M- my name is Nathan." I said as loud as my anxiety could work out. A boy laughed slightly. "Why do you sound like that? What part of England are you from?" he asked. "I'm uhh... not from England actually..." I replied akwardly. "Then where are you from?" a girl asked curiously. "I'm from Northern Ireland." I replied feeling slightly less anxious. "That's so cool! Mr. O'Brien is Irish too!" the same girl said, smiling kindly at me. I turned to the teacher. He was glaring at me. "Take the empty seat over there, Nathan." he said. I went over and sat down. "Now, there is a differnce between Ireland, and the so-called 'Northern Ireland'." the teacher said. "Ireland is a country, and Northern Ireland is not. They should be a part of us. But that doesn't matter since they aren't their own country either way." O'Brien said. I gulped, realising what kind of person this was. Nationalist, a fucking Irish nationalist. I felt my leg bounce a bit. This is gonna be some shit.

The lesson passed quickly and everyone left the room to go to recess. The teacher stopped me from leaving though. I took a few steps back in nerviosity. He grabbed me forcefully by the wrist and pulled me closer to him. I didn't move, I saw exactly what he was about to do. He smashed the ruler down on my wrist and I felt tears threaten to come out. I bit my lip and he continued to hit me. He kept hitting until it started bleeding. I watched the blood drip down to the floor and a tear slipped out of my eye. I'm 11 years old, and it's my first day on this English school. I don't hope that this is the treatment I'm gonna be getting. I know it's not allowed to do it, but I won't be able to tell someone about it. I'm too scared.

14th November 2023

My eyes shut wide open. My breath was quick. It was dark, completely dark. I moved my glance over to see Josh and Daryl cuddling. They were both seemingly asleep. I slowly sat up, feeling really sick. I need to throw up again... I slowly got up and stumbled to the bathroom. I turned on the lights in the bathroom and closed the door. I fell to the floor and tried getting it out. Suddenly the door opened and someone stepped in. I felt a warm hand on my back. I couldn't make myself look to see who it was. I threw up- for real this time, yet still a bit of blood mixed up in it. After a short while, my throat was done, I couldn't anymore. I fell into Josh who had been the one holding me. He stared worriedly into my eyes. My breaths were deep and my body hurt so much. Josh layed me down on the floor and filled a glass with water. He helped me sit up again and drink it, to help my throat get better. He put the glass away again and we locked eyes. He gently placed a hand on my face and leaned in, carefully pressing his lips against mine. After a moment, he pulled away and picked me up. He carried me back in, and over to the bed. And this time around, we fell asleep cuddling. For once, I felt loved in this relationship.