Safe Hands

24. Conflicts

The fading houses were what kept Grayson's mind off his grueling thoughts for a while. He had been unable to sleep for a few days and it showed on his face, the bags, and his tired movements despite his denial of being unhealthy.

The call pulled to a stop and the boys got out with a Monday energy, Julian cheery and Russell confident. Grayson got out throwing his bag over his shoulders and pulling on his tie.

"Have a nice day boys, and remember to help each other out." Alex called out as he shut the door.

"Sure!" Julian said, Russell blurted some words with a face of disgust and Grayson didn't seem to care.

Julian and Russell paced up heading into the hall. Grayson stopped in front of the entrance. He was not sure about the day, all he wanted was to have a good sleep, lay down somewhere or be in the attic going through the album. Worse part of going to class; he failed to complete any of the homework with all Alex had said to him he found himself constantly lost in that moment unable to react.

He didn't know what to feel, a turmoil swell inside him and he desperately wanted to get the words out.

All his life, he had known one thing. And that was the fact that he was detestable, causing trouble and being a demon child. Even his mother would leave him sometimes and won't show up for days. She looked out for him but sometimes it felt like he was a burden to her. The day she had gone to a store and left him sitting on the bench all day, she came out half sober and swore at herself for forgetting she had a child. Even when he'd told her he didn't want to stay with Charlie she had insisted sometimes locking the door as she left.

Grayson cringed at the flashback, but he did understand that she was young and he didn't make it easy for her. She never wanted him in the first place but tried to protect him anyways. He felt grateful that she had not abandoned him even after birth.

He was used to bearing the little he was given, and with Charlie it was a mess. The man could care less as long as he didn't get on his nerves or made himself noticed.

However, Alex's probing, care and words haunted him. It was different from what he had ever experienced. Alex was like an infection to him, his kindness, the way he looked at him and worse his words, the always left him groping for a reason he could not understand and the mere presence of the man was like a bulb in a dark room.

Grayson balled his fists. It was hard, hard to access his words, hard to believe anyone could be so invested in him, hard to allow that bulb in the darkroom. Mainly because he knew he was far from perfect, and was damaged, he didn't want Alex to be disappointed, he didn't want his investment to be useless. But he just couldn't help what he was, a giant mess, and a mistake. Mistakes are a huge mess and can ruin a polish work. Like in coding or math equations, a line of error could lead to a major failure.

"Grayson." A voice called as a hand was placed on his shoulder causing him to flinch but when he saw Mr. Harris he was slightly relaxed.

"Hi." He muttered as he lowered his bag.

Mr. Harris studied his expression, "You should be in the homeroom." He stated softly.

"Yeah." Grayson agreed as he started ahead throwing his bag over his shoulder again.

*********

Grayson sat behind the bleachers taking a long drag of his cigarette before exhaling as he stared ahead lost in thoughts. The incident of the previous classes playing in his mind like a movie tape. Mr. Simon staring straight into him with furious gray eyes, "Grayson this is the 3rd time since you integrated my class. The other time it was uncompleted class work not once! This is unacceptable! If either you're taking this class or you're not and you decide to fail the subject which won't help your graduation into highschool!" He had said with so much venom Grayson could see his face go red with anger.

Then it was time for English. Mrs. Rhodes was crazy as well, her small red lips blending into a solid straight line as she glared sternly at her eyes behind butterfly-shaped glasses.

"This is the last time you'll turn up in my class unprepared Mr. Smith, you need to start taking your studies seriously! She practically yelled in a low key. The whole class had turned around to stare.

Then came other teachers, all the same, harsh and strict yelling words of threats, Grayson did snap, inwardly deciding to skip the next classes to avoid all inconvenient scenes that he might display and planned on doing so everyday.

He breathes out the smoke through his nostrils before tossing the remains and crushing it. He felt good again and relaxed. Just then the bell of break rang through the school echoing in the school premises noises began to fill the halls and soon some students were strolling out in groups.

Grayson glanced at his watch, "four more hours to go," he sucked in a breath.

He grabbed his bag while strolling back in the building, he got into the lunchroom taking a seat by the hall window before pulling out his phone, it was an iphone 15 pro max. Alex did go on extreme lengths and he didn't know what to do with the device. He scrolled to his contacts having found Peter's card laying in his drawer in two halfs he decided to save the number up in his phone.

He spotted Julian far off with two older boys tugging and pushing him. One of the boys had a hand wrapped firmly around him as he laughed out loud with Julian looking as small as possible. Grayson observed them practically shoved him in a seat, then a tray was skidded towards him. Julian looked in distress as he shuddered. Grayson sat up heading towards the group, just then the speakers blared, "Grayson Smith, you're required to head to the reception office." Grayson paused deciding to brush it off as he continued however the voice was persistent repeating the same words three more times.

Grayson had no other choice than to change his direction heading to the reception office knowing fully well what awaited him. He shuffled into the office, walking in on the receptionist along with Mr. Harris both wearing concerned expressions. Mr. Harris approached him.

"We need to have a serious discussion Mr. Smith, not just one but many teachers have complained about your attitude, we'll discuss this further in the classroom, come on." Mr. Harris said in a disappointed tone.

Grayson waited for him to start ahead before rolling his eyes.

In Mr. Harris's classroom, Grayson sat in the chair staring at the desk with a bored expression.

"Grayson this can't continue, you can't just do what you want, maybe you're having difficulties with the subject or not getting a lesson, it is still not an excuse to not do the work or not try doing it. I got negative reports about you and it is not good for your records." Mr. Harris paused, staring at the boy who looked zoned out, "Are you listening? Grayson?"

Grayson huffed before rolling his eyes, "Yeah," He retorted with attitude. Mr. Harris sighed as he reached for his phone.

"I'll just have to drop a mail by your guardians then." He stated.

Grayson sat up shrugging, "Prefer that to the lecturing my head hurts. Oh, also let him know I just walked out on you." He added as he strolled out of the classroom anger boiling inside.

A/N

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, let me know what you think in the comment section.