Catch Me When I Fall [BxB]

Decisions

I observe him for a few seconds before putting his sketchbook down altogether. 

The poor thing. He must've been really exhausted because I know he's not the type to fall asleep in seconds.

I take his weighted blanket and gently tuck him in, then silently leave his bedroom.

Hazel still hasn't returned, and Rassler is still outside on the porch, so I seat myself on the living room sofa before going on a video call with my mom, intending to let her know where I am.

I wasn't expecting her to be gone, too.

"Hey mijo, sorry I'm not home." She tells me.

"Oh... I was just calling to let you know where I was cause I'm not home either."

"Khai's house?" Ricca asks. I nod.

I don't recognize the background from where she's calling from.

"Where are you?" I wonder.

"I'm at a friend's house."

"Isn't Hazel your only friend?" I ask, confused.

"Previously, yes. This is a new friend."

"So practically a stranger, are you sure it's smart to be at their house?" I ask, worried.

"Tyrone, I am fine. We get along very well and I trust her. I've seen her many times before, she's a regular customer at the garden shop where I work. Because we click so well, we quickly became friends."

"Okay... well, stay safe and don't let your guard down." I warn her.

"I will. Um... that being said I'm staying the night so if you could... do you think you could stay with Khai? I'm going home if you are. I'm not letting you alone with your uncle ever again."

"Is he home?" I ask, my stomach suddenly knotting with an intense, uncomfortable anxiety.

"I don't know, but he could be, or he could come back at any moment. I want to know that you are safe, and I know you are at Khai's house. See if you can work something out and let me know." Ricca says.

I nod.

Once I hang up with her, I join Rassler on the porch.

"Where Khai?" He asks.

"Asleep. He's had a rough day."

Rassler nods, his face sympathetic.

"When will Hazel be back?" I ask.

"I don't know, why?"

"Well... actually, I guess I can just ask you since you live here now, too. But... can I stay the night?"

"Of course, Tyrone. I know both Hazel and Khai love having you over."

I smile at him, wondering if I should tell him about what happened to Khai at school today.

He keeps telling me it's nothing and I get the impression that he doesn't want anyone else to know, but at the same time, it sounds really serious and I think his parents should be in formed.

"He... passed out at school today." I start. "Khai." I clarify quickly.

Rassler sits up straight, concerned.

"Did... anything else happen?" He asks.

"No... why, is there something you know about it?" I ask.

"No I... was just wondering. Do you know why?"

"No. He doesn't either. One minute he was standing there talking, the next minute he was passed out. That was during lunch and he didn't wake up until it was almost fourth period. He's been absolutely exhausted ever since." I explain.