Sketches and Scars

| sketch four |

I’m finishing homework the next day when he comes in.

I don’t notice him at first, so focused on getting it done before roll call, but the crashing sound makes me look up. He’s on the floor, books spilled before him, obviously tripped. He gets up slowly, while they laugh stupidly.

“Loser,” they sneer from their seats.

I get up to help pick up his stuff. “Are you okay?” I say to him. He doesn’t answer, grimacing just the slightest bit as he stands up. He looks like he’s in pain… Maybe it’s just me.

He doesn’t look at me, instead taking his stuff and slumping down in his seat with his head down, obviously not in the mood for any contact.

He leaves before I can catch up to him. As I move to the door, someone steps in my way.

“Hey, Jade. You know he’s a freak right?”

Ben. He’s the one who tripped Tallan.

I stare at him passively, waiting.

“I’d hate to see someone as pretty as you go down for the likes of him,” he says. He even has the nerve to wink.

I purse my lips. “Thanks for your concern,” I respond politely. Then I step around him and search the crowd in vain for a dark-clothed figure.

I find him at lunch in his stairwell corner.

“Hey,” I say, sitting down beside him. “Didn’t see you yesterday. What---”

“Go away.” His voice is quiet as ever, and he’s still glaring resolutely at his sneakers, but I can hear the firmness in those two words.

“Tallan----”

“Shut up! Just leave me the fuck alone, okay?” he bursts out. He swings his head to look at me fully. “I don’t know if you’re some kind of sadistic chick or think you’re doing some goddamn charity-----just go away, okay? Fuck you! Fuck off!” He turns away, burying his head in his knees.

I stare at him for a moment. That’s the most he’s ever said to me, and I have to admit, it did hurt. But I’ve also seen the look in his eyes, the scared, confused look. He doesn’t really want to hurt me.

He doesn’t want me to hurt him.

“I’m sorry,” I say as I stand up. I turn to go, but then stop. “It’s not charity. I like you, Tallan. And I meant it when I say you can come talk to me anytime.” Then I leave, without looking back, even though I want to.

I don’t talk to him the next day, or the one after that.

He keeps to himself as usual, not even glancing at me. I still watch him though. He seems so skinny and tired all the time. On Friday, he comes to school with new bruises on his face. I get mad, but have no proof who did it. He moves slowly, as if it pains him to.

He’s sitting by himself with a new sketchbook (that’s already filled with countless sketches) when they approach and shove him out of the chair. He doesn’t defend himself, only holds the sketchbook closer, like it’s a shield.

Amy’s trying to get my attention, but I’m staring at them laughing their heads off at him. She looks in the direction of my gaze. “Oh, Jade,” she sighs. “What is it about him?”

I shake my head, just as Tallan gets up and shuffles away. “I don’t know,” I tell her honestly. “I don’t know.”

They pass our table, still laughing hysterically. Ben sees me watching ,and he stops, nodding at me. “I see you stopped hanging out with the little shit, eh? Good for you.”

I open my mouth to tell him who exactly the little shit is, but Amy beats me to it. She glares at him, blue eyes flashing. “You watch your ugly mouth, asshole,” she spits out. “You’ve got no right to judge the kid, much less tell Jade who to hang out with!”

He looks taken aback for a moment, staring at the girl he’d gone out with only last month. Then he mutters, “Whatever,” and follows his friends away.

I look at Amy. “Thanks.”

She shrugs. “Ben’s an ass. But I mean it.” She looks up at me. “No one’s got a right to judge him. I mean, we don’t know him at all. You’re the only one that tried.”

“Trying,” I correct her. “I’m not giving up on that boy just yet.” He looked like too many have done just that, given up on him. I refuse to be just another one.

I go back to school because I forgot my jacket.

On my way out, I run into him. Literally. He sucks in a breath, head down.

“I’m sorry!” I say instantly, “I didn’t see----Tallan?”

He’s leaning against the wall, eyes closed. His face is paler than usual.

“Tallan. Are you feeling okay?”

His head moves from side to side, but he mumbles, “I’m fine.” He pushes off the wall and walks away from me, taking small silent steps. He looks so fragile, like he’ll be blown over by the wind. I almost run after him.

But I don’t.

because sometimes, we just need to run away. so we can be found.

any mistakes etc, please message me about. i won't hate you; in fact, i might even give you a cuppy cake. i typed this on g drive, which leaves me alone to my thought with no offer or suggestions. -sigh-

smile, pass it on: if you like being with someone, let them know. or spend more time with them. hourglasses don't wait for no one.

> Hold you ~ Nina Nesbitt

> external link: go on and read her words. short, simple, sweet. real.