Safe Hands

44. The News

Julian stared at the last bite of his sandwich, his mind racing as he glanced at his to-do list. The tasks ahead were few, but each one felt like a mountain. He knew he had to push through—not just for himself, but for Grayson and the family. It was unfair to let Grayson shoulder all the blame for the fight. Julian needed to rally support and find someone who could help get Grayson out of trouble.

Just then, Alex walked in, his suit jacket draped over his arm, revealing a pink button-up shirt that contrasted sharply with his royal blue trousers. Julian managed a smile as he looked up. "Hi, Dad."

"Hi, buddy," Alex replied, his eyes narrowing in concern. "What time did you go to bed last night?"

Julian fidgeted, blinking rapidly. "Eight, but I couldn't really sleep."

Alex pulled up a chair beside him, his concern deepening. "What's bothering you?"

Julian kicked at the floor under the table. "Nothing huge," he mumbled with a shrug. "Just worried about my grades. I didn't study enough for that quiz."

Alex sighed softly, running a hand through Julian's hair, making him smile despite himself. "That's okay, as long as it doesn't become a habit. But you know how important it is to keep up."

Julian nodded, feeling a bit lighter as Alex planted a soft kiss on his forehead. "Have a nice day, buddy."

"What about me?" Russell's voice cut in, shattering the moment as he moved in for a hug. Alex held him close, causing Russell to break into a wide grin.

"There you go, all bright with smiles," Alex joked, making Russell laugh.

Rising to his feet, Alex slipped on his royal blue suit jacket. "Damien will drive you guys today. I've got to leave the city, but I'll be back tonight."

Julian pouted as Russell inhaled sharply. "Stay safe," Russell said, while Julian looked away, the weight on his chest growing heavier.

Damien entered with brisk steps, keys jingling. "We're moving," he called out, heading for the door.

The boys grabbed their bags and followed. Julian hated it when his father left—it made the house feel so empty, too quiet. Even Uncle Raymond was away visiting friends in the next town. And without a mother, it was tough to shake the loneliness.

Julian settled into the back seat, pulling out his phone. The day had barely started, but already the pressure was mounting. Grayson was his priority, even if he was suspended. Julian had to prepare a defense.

*********

Julian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "For the last time, Tommy, I'm talking about the fight yesterday. Did you see anything?"

Tommy, a pale, dusty blond boy with braces and no eyebrows, grunted, hunched over as if Julian's words were too much effort to process. Julian huffed and walked away, feeling defeated. No one wanted to talk, at least no one he could approach.

He slipped his notes into his pocket and grabbed lunch, heading to Grayson's usual spot at the back of the cafeteria. The sandwich in his hand tasted like cardboard as he picked at it, his mind elsewhere. He needed to find a way to defend Grayson. If he could get other students to testify, maybe Grayson could avoid expulsion.

A weight plopped down beside him, and Julian froze, the fading smell of nicotine assaulting his nostrils. He looked up to see a bigger boy smirking at him. "Julian?"

Julian shifted nervously. "I-I don't want any trouble," he stammered.

The boy cocked his head to the side. "Nah, I'm good, kid. I'm just here to see your bleached face."

Julian pouted. "I don't have a bleached face, Jerry."

"That's not what Grayson thinks."

"Grayson's a jerk," Julian admitted softly, already missing him.

"I know. A big one. But what are you up to? Did you hear?" Jerry leaned in.

Julian kept his gaze on his food. "Hear what?"

Jerry's eyes bore into him as he spoke. "I overheard Mr. Patterson and Mrs. Turner this morning. Grayson's getting expelled." His voice dropped to a low tone, making Julian's heart skip a beat.

"No, they can't do that!" Julian snapped, glaring up at him.

Jerry shrugged. "They're looking at his record, even called his previous schools. Miles is the captain of the football team—they're not losing him over this. But Grayson...he's got too much history. They don't know he's a good kid, and he hasn't given them a reason to."

Julian's breath came in short gasps. "There has to be something we can do. He can't get expelled again; it'll destroy him. He acts like he doesn't care, but he does."

Julian sprang to his feet in a panic. "I'll talk to Mrs. Patterson!"

Jerry grabbed his wrist, shaking his head. "It'll make it worse. You need evidence, and students to back you up. The CCTV footage is useless; it was tampered with."

Julian bit his lip, tears stinging his eyes. "I hate this. I tried this morning, but no one wants to get involved."

"Count me in," Jerry said, grinning softly. "That makes two of us. You just need a few more."

Julian was stunned but quickly scribbled Jerry's name in his notes. "Thanks," he said quietly.

Jerry stood up. "I owe him something, so..." He trailed off. Julian nodded as Jerry left. He stared at his list—only one name.

"You talk to Jerry now?" Russell's voice cut through Julian's thoughts.

Julian rolled his eyes. "So what?"

Russell's tray caught Julian's attention. "That's not what I think it is, is it?"

"I just want to have lunch with you," Russell said, sitting down with a smile.

Julian chuckled bitterly. "After months of ignoring me? Did you get kicked out or something?"

Russell frowned. "No, I just thought I'd spend some time with you."

"No, thanks," Julian shot back.

"What?" Russell looked shocked.

"You heard me! I said no! You weren't there before—why now?"

"Stop yelling!" Russell scolded, his eyes growing cold. Julian flinched but managed to glare back. Russell sighed. "Julian, you know I care about you. I just got busy with football, but you made me realize my mistakes, and I want to make it right."

Julian rolled his eyes. "Start by helping me keep Grayson from getting expelled."

Russell's face lit up. "He's getting expelled?"

Julian nodded sadly. "Yeah, but why are you smiling?"

"Thank you, Lord! Finally, I won't have to deal with that raven-head around school," Russell rejoiced.

Julian shot up from his seat. "You can dream! I won't let it happen! If he's getting expelled, so am I. That makes it two for one shot—congrats, Russell, you won." He sounded bitter.

Russell rolled his eyes, "Julian, don't be childish! He started the fight, and it'll be worse if he comes back. Miles will be on our necks."

Julian shook his head, tears welling up. "I hate you right now, Russell," he whispered, walking away despite Russell's calls.

A/N

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