The New Guy // Phan

4

"Sir?" Me and Dan walk into our art classroom which is now empty, with it being break time.

"Aahh Philip, Daniel." Sir expresses in an ignorant tone, raising his eyebrows expectingly.

"It's just Dan." Dan stares blankly at sir who just gives Dan a death stare before turning back to me, awaiting an explanation.

"I'm sorry sir. I did not mean to use such foul language. I dislike swearing a great lot myself but I was a bit overwhelmed with so many emotions and it just slipped out." I look at my feet nervously, waiting for him to tell me how pathetic my reasoning is and I'm still in a lot of trouble, that I'm a waste of space and should just get over everything that's happened and stop being such a loser. Or to just stop altogether.

"I understand how that feels Phil, however I cannot ignore the fact that you missed an entire lesson that you know you should have been in. This is unacceptable behavior Philip." He shoots me a disappointed look. The one I hate most. The 'I thought you were better than that' look

"I know sir. I understand and accept any punishment you wish to give me. I just did not wish for the entire class to see me in such a state, especially as I have fallen out with my friends and they would have just made it all ten times worse if they were to see me as I was. A lot has happened that no one knows about. Except Dan now." I smile weakly at Dan as I await a reply

"I understand Philip. However, I cannot completely ignore the school system. You are lucky that I completely understand how you are feeling and I will let you off with one detention with me tonight. And you Danie-Dan? What is your explanation. You said you were going to the toilet and then did not return for the rest of the lesson." I am relieved by only receiving one detention as the official system would normally be a lot worse. But I ignore that and listen to Dan's explanation.

"It may be hard to believe sir, but I did go to the toilets. After what Phil had just told me when he freaked out, I figured he needed a friend. A proper friend unlike those jerks he was with before! It's a good job I found him or I don't even want to know what would have happened." Dan looks over to me and smiles sadly, "I sat with him, comforting him after all he had told me about before. We waited until he had calmed down and talked stuff through until he was ready to come back. I do apologize for my absence on my first lesson with you but I needed to be there for Phil." 

"Well Dan, as it is your first day, I will let you off with a warning as you were being there for your friend who needed you. However, I will not be so kind if this becomes a regular thing. With this being a first I will forgive you both and be light on you but this will not happen again okay?" Sir says and I nod.

"Yes, thank you sir." I say and sir breaks a small smile.

"Okay boys, off you go to break and I will see you later Philip." Sir says and I nod as we say goodbye and part ways.

"Sorry Dan." I sigh, putting my hands in my pockets and looking at him as we walk down the halls towards my locker.

"For what?" He looks at me confused

"Getting you into trouble on your first day!" I sigh, looking forward again.

"Honestly Phil, that is not your fault. I did not have to follow you out, but I did. Because I care about you." He tells me and I smile gratefully at him.

"Thank's Dan." 

"No problem, but would you mind showing me to my locker?" Dan asks and I nod,

"Of course. What number are you?" I ask as we get to mine. I get my books out my bag and put them in my locker before replacing them with ones for my next lessons and grabbing the food I have for break.