Never Meant (Kellic) // boyxboy

10: They're Not Broken (But I Am)

"Kellin!"

Vic's muffled voice becomes clearer as I blink my eyes open. I'm filled with confusion as I'm looking up at him.

I could have sworn he was in front of me a moment ago.

"What happened?" I mumble, rubbing my eye. My vision becomes clearer and I realise Vic is holding me in his arms. His face is alarmed and suddenly his parents appear at his side.

"I don't, I don't know, you just fell." Vic stammers out.

"I think you fainted, buddy." Vic's dad says, frowning down at me.

"Oh," I sigh. "Again?"

The world around me stablizes so I push myself from Vic's arms and hold the banister for support as I try to find my footing.

"This has happened before?" Vic asks worried.

"Yesterday. I'm okay now though." I mumble. I go to take a step but Vic's dad places his hand on my shoulder.

"Whoa, don't move. Sit down." He tells me.

Sitting down sounds inviting. I feel so weak right now.

I nod and slowly sink to the step below me. I rest my head against the wall and look to Vic's dad as he kneels down in front of me.

"You don't look so good. I'm just going to check you out, okay?" He says. I don't have the energy to argue so I just nod.

"Vic, get my bag." His dad says.

Vic rushes off and returns with a duffle bag.

The man in front of me pulls out a small torch and then shines it in my eye as he holds my eyelid open.

"Open your mouth." He tells me so I do.

He shines the light in my mouth and frowns deeply.

He drops the torch and pulls out a stethoscope. He puts it around his neck and then grabs my jacket, shuffling it off my shoulders.

"Take this off." He instructs, tugging at the fabric of my shirt.

Again, having no energy to argue, I do as I'm told. I wince in pain as I lift my arms, pulling the shirt over my head.

"Shit." I hear Vic gasp.

I briefly look down at my chest that's covered in bruises, courtesy of my father's boot.

I rest my head back against the wall as Vic's dad places the stethoscope against my chest.

I watch Vic as he covers his mouth, looking over me in pure horror. I want to bury myself away in shame, but I just let the doctor do his thing.

"What happened here, Kellin?" Vic's dad asks as he moves the stethoscope to my back.

He doesn't sound horrified or worried. Just curious. I'm sure he's seen worse.

"Fell down." I mumble.

I look to Vic who shakes his head at me.

"Mama, can I talk to you for a sec?" He says to his mom sharply.

They turn away and start whispering to each other. I know what they're talking about. He's telling her that this was my dad.

But he can't prove that. So until I admit to it, he'll never know for sure.

"Sweetheart, can you check his blood pressure for me?" Vic's dad asks.

Vic's mom leaves his side and wraps something around my upper arm. I notice her eyes linger on the many scars that cover my wrist. At least they're not fresh.