HAVING 13 - Johnny Kavanagh

23. Dayversary

JOHNNY
February 7th 2005

Walking through the halls, Melissa's hand tightened in mine. I knew she was an anxious person, but I also knew that she was strong. She could do this, and I wasn't about to hide my girlfriend.

I wanted everyone to know that I was with Mel and that I was proud of it.

I knew we were rushing into things, since we had only known each other for a month, but it felt like I knew her much longer. Plus, she had me wrapped around her finger, and I wasn't ashamed of it.

Ever since she first came up to me with fire in her eyes, I knew that she would be the one. Now, I believed she was it. I wouldn't need anyone else. I didn't want anybody else.

We reached the common room, sitting down on the couch. Some rugby lad came up to us. He was on the team. He never showed up to training.

"Are you really riding Lynch Vicious?" He asked me, as if Missy wasn't right there.

"Watch your mouth," I warned at the same time Missy squeezed my hand to keep me grounded.

"Jaysus, Kav, don't get your knickers in a twist." The boy raised his shoulders and backed off.

"I'm sorry," I said to my girlfriend.

"It's okay, don't say sorry." She smiled warmly.

She always brushed things off. She never wanted to make a big deal out of anything and she wanted to remain as invisible as possible.

Her father was the reason. I was sure. I had to help her in some way. I could convince her to talk to the Gards. I could get my parents involved.

I just didn't want her to be in danger anymore.

Still, I nodded and leaned in to kiss her forehead.

•

I sat alone at Missy and I's desk in French class. Since she transferred here, I'd gotten Gibsie to switch with Melissa in every class we had together.

I know the general rule was bros before hoes, but Gibs understands I'm worried for the girl I love.

Last period we had history, and she'd gone to the bathroom in class. She hadn't returned and it was nearing the end of the second hour, since we had double French. I dragged her blue backpack along with me.

Mrs. Da Silva, who had a horrible French accent, wouldn't let me go to the bathroom and I couldn't sneak off because she always hovered around the door.

As soon as the bell rang, signalling lunch break, I jumped up from my seat and started looking for Melissa. Something felt wrong. Very wrong.

I ran into Shannon and asked if she knew what was wrong. She said Missy went home sick. She didn't want to elaborate further.

I messaged my girlfriend a dozen times while sitting at the lunch table. No reply. Maybe her phone was dead? I was being very paranoid and clingy, but I was anxious at the thought of her being unreachable in that house.

Gibsie tried to distract me but I couldn't focus. There was this feeling in my chest, like something was not right.

I felt it.