unsaid things // phan (on hold)

Unaccompanied

I will put a // when suicide/self harm/harsh or suggestive language/graphic depictions of violence are mentioned.

(DAN'S POV)
I had just walked into the cafeteria after 3rd period, unaccompanied, and immediately saw Louise wave me over. I went over reluctantly to the table where she was sitting, along with Chris, Pj, Zoe, and Alfie. Louise patted the seat next to her, motioning for me to sit down. Pj, Chris, and Alfie welcomed me with warm smiles, but I just got a death glare from Zoe which, I guess, was to be expected. I cautiously sat down next to Louise, giving a small smile to everyone and an imperceptible hello to go with it.

"Hey, where's Phil?" Chris asked, and to be honest, I was wondering the same thing. After what I had heard this morning, and now Phil not being at school, I was a little worried but didn't show it. I wanted to put on a brave face for these new people, so that they wouldn't think I was just a weak little kid, which was how I felt inside.

I shrugged, indicating I hadn't known, which wasn't really a lie; I had no idea where Phil was, but I was sure he was okay. Phil seemed very strong, considering all he had to put up with from his brother and all, and the fact that his parents did nothing to stop it. So I'd figured he'd learned to care for himself, assuming that Martyn wasn't exactly the generous type.

"He probably just stayed home sick." Pj chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. There were some nods and murmurs, but for the most part we just went along with that, hoping the best.

For the rest of the lunch period, Alfie, Pj, Chris, and I talked about our favorite video games and bands, while Louise and Zoe shared makeup tips. I tried to stay positive, but my mind was racing with all of the horrible possibilities of what could've happened to Phil.

After lunch was my free period, so I decided to call Phil to see if he was okay. He picked up on the fourth ring with a raspy tone to his voice, as if he'd just woken up. "Hello?" He breathed, Phil's voice sounded hoarse and dry, like he had a really bad coughing fit only moments ago.

"Oh...um...hi, I was just um... calling to see if you were okay... since you weren't at lunch." I stammered.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine, just a little under the weather...I'll probably be back in school by tomorrow." Phil choked out.

"Okay...I can come over later if you want, bring you the trig homework?" I asked, hoping he would say yes so I could get an answer as to what those noises were coming from his house this morning.

There was silence on the other end of the line, as if Phil was pondering how he should answer, "Um... sure." he finally spoke, causing me to let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding. I felt a sigh of relief wash over me as I hung up the phone. I don't know why, but ever since he stopped me from jumping that night, I guess I just felt like I had to repay him. To protect him. So that was exactly what I was going to do.