Haunted

b a c k f i e l d

𖤣𖥧𖡼𖤣𖥧 Gabriella 𖤣𖥧𖡼𖤣𖥧

Joey was officially my non official non boyfriend. That even sounded confusing to me, and I was the one not dating him.

For the most part I didn't mind having no labels except for when people asked what we were. I usually just went with 'we are seeing each other'.

"Did you know only twenty percent of the ocean has been explored?" I blurted out and then flushed with embarrassment.

"No, I didn't," Joey snickered, lighting a cigarette.

We were lying on the back field of BCS. It was already November and it was freezing cold, so I was bundled up in a jacket and a grey knit scarf.

"Well, now you do," I cringed at myself and my need to blurt out random facts.

"Yes, Gabs. Thank god for that," He teased, taking a deep inhale of the smoke.

"What did I say about those and killing you?" I sighed, glaring at him.

He gave me a smirk and took another drag, "I'm willing to take my chances, Angel."

I shook my head but ultimately smiled. I'd rather him smoke cigarettes than go back to doing drugs. I hadn't seen Joey high since the night he passed out in my bed. It had been almost a month and I couldn't have been prouder.

"Have you been studying for our science test?" I asked.

He gave me an 'are you joking' look and laughed.

"Joey! It's tomorrow and it's a big chunk of our grade," I frowned, and then lit up at the idea that popped into my head, "Come over tonight and I'll help you study!"

Among other things...

"Can't," He sighed, "I've got work and then I've got to get home."

I knew that meant his father was around. I had come to learn Joey was very protective over his siblings, as in he'd go to war for them.

I looked over to Joey and felt both happiness and sadness fill my heart. Happiness because he was perfect. He was beautiful, sweet and knew exactly how to talk to me. But sadness because his left eye had a bruise surrounding it and his neck looked like it had fingerprints littered along it.

He was a wonderful person and it was completely unfair he was born into a hate filled family. I wished I could do something to take away that pain.

I tried not to bring up his home life but I had questions. I just didn't know how to go about asking them.

"Is everything alright?" I asked, referring to his sudden need to be home tonight.

He blew out a breath and then muttered, "Yeah, just the usual."

"You can tell me stuff," I forced out, "I'm all in with you, Joey."

"There's nothing to tell," He shot out, "My dad beats my mam and siblings, what more can I say?"

I frowned, "I just... I'm here for you, okay?"

"Yeah," He nodded, accepting the hand that I grabbed his with.

I intertwined our fingers and tried not to dwell on the horrors my—kind of—boyfriend had to endure at home.

"It's too deep for scuba divers to explore. And most equipment can't reach the deepest parts," I blurted out.

"Sorry?" Joey stared at me in confusion.

"The ocean, Joe. That's why only twenty percent has been explored," I explained.

"Right. Tell me more, Gabriella," He smiled, putting out his cigarette with his shoe.

"It's believed that almost ninety-one percent of ocean species have yet to be identified," I wrinkled my nose, "Isn't that scary? There's probably so many terrifying things in there."

"You're really ruining the ocean for me, Angel," He shook his head and gave me one of his boyish grins.

One of the ones that make my heart explode.

"Sorry," I blushed, "I have that stupid habit of blurting out random facts that no one actually wants to hear."

"I want to hear them all," He smiled.

"Do you think we will ever meet each other's parents?" I stupidly asked.

I could feel Joey tense beside me so I tried to backtrack, "Not that I want to! I was just wondering... I mean my parents are fucked up too."

"I will never let you in my house," Joey was quick to reply, "I'd never forgive myself if you got hurt because of me."

I nodded. A part of me felt sad because having a not boyfriend should maybe include going to their house at times.

But I also understood. The house must be riddled with terrible memories for Joey, and I couldn't imagine having to go there everyday.

"I get it," I squeezed his hand, "Maybe you can meet my dad someday. Not my mam, she'd probably murder you."

"I can live with not knowing her," He muttered.

"You know... I saw your sister earlier," I hesitated, "In the bathroom. Two girls were picking on her."

I watched as Joeys eyes filled with rage and he tensed, "Fuck. When was this?"

"Second class," I sighed, "I set them straight. I let them know it wasn't cool to pick on people and they ended up leaving, but Shannon seemed rattled."

"Fuck," He groaned, "Shit! Did you talk to her? Do you know if she's alright?"

"Yes, I talked to her. I asked her if she needed anything and she said no," I explained, "She was crying but I helped clean her up and walked her back to class."

Joeys gaze softened as he looked at my face, "Thanks."

"Of course, Joe. I'll keep an eye on her, okay?" I smiled, "I've got her back."

"Yeah, okay," He looked relieved.

I could only imagine how difficult it was to have to fight at home and at school. I wasn't an idiot. I knew Shannon was bullied and that Joey was constantly fighting the bullies brothers and boyfriends.

So, if I could help—even in the slightest—I would.

Because Joey Lynch had my heart.