I had so much writers block for this chapter, you wouldn't believe it. I eventually deleted and redid the whole thing in a new format, which is why it's quite late out, so I apologise.
Bobby: Okay, so what do we know about Taylor so far?
It's midnight and I'm lying on my stomach in bed, staring at the bright screen in front of me. Mel made a group chat with just me, her and Angel in about half an hour ago, which was suspicious enough, and the starting text was we need to talk, which is quite possibly the worst conversation starter in existence. Now we're here, trying to figure out what Taylor's home life is and why his brother is such a dick.
I really should have seen this coming.
After Taylor left, me, Angel and Mel were together for about another hour or two. We didn't address Thomas much after Taylor left and Mel decided she didn't wanna think about it, but we all knew we'd end up discussing it sooner or later. I just didn't realise it would be in the middle of the night when I wanted to sleep.
It was pretty coincidental timing - I got the first text from Mel about half an hour after I stopped talking to Jake (intending to get some sleep, may I add) and I became curious about Angel's home life. I was less inclined to bring that up, not because I was actually talking to Angel but more because Lilia had also decided that she didn't want to say anything. I figured that it was probably better if I got Angel to trust me more before I tried to get to know her personal home life.
We probably seem like right nosy gits, salvaging knowledge about our friends' private lives. Well, if I have to justify myself, we all genuinely want to help. By that, we mean get Taylor the hell out of there if there's any abuse.
We're also complete and total nosy gits. Fight me.
Bobby: Well, what do we already know about his home life?
Angel: His brother's a dick?
Bobby: No shit, Sherlock.
Angel: Sod off, Watson. Mel, do you know? You probably know more than Bobby and I do.
Mel: Well, I can't imagine I know that much more than you, but at the very least his mother doesn't live with him, and I don't think his father does either.
Bobby: How do you know?
Angel: Do you know why?
Mel: One at a time, geez. I know because he's told me, and it's because they're both dead.
Bobby: Oh... so he was raised by his brother?
Mel: Yeah, I think so. And Angie, I know what you're thinking. I phrased it weirdly earlier because I wanted to see if you'd leave it like that. I'm glad you didn't. It shows you care enough to probe in.
Angel: Never. I'm a nosy arse. And never say the words "probe in" again, for the sake of my sanity.
I can't help but to roll my eyes. Like she doesn't have secrets...
Mel: I know :p. Anyway, yep, I think Thomas raised him. I texted him Tay earlier after you all left and asked if he had any other siblings, and he said no.
Mel: He looked older than anyone like Lilia or May. Looks older than that picture of Alexander that Bobby showed me too.
Bobby: Well, yeah. If he raised Taylor, who's like fifteen, he must be thirty odd.
Angel: Okay, I know this seems insensitive and I'm sorry, but Mel, do you know how his parents died?
Mel: Nope. Why does it matter?
Angel: I was wondering, could Thomas be acting like such a wanker to Taylor because he believes that Taylor could be to blame in some way?
Bobby: That would make sense, actually. It's not an excuse, but it's a reason.
Mel: How could he work that one out?
Angel: Birthing complications, distractions, things like that. It wouldn't actually be Taylor's fault, especially not if he was a little kid, but you can imagine how a grief stricken person would see it.
Mel: But they're still siblings!
Bobby: Mel, believe me, that wouldn't change a thing.
Memories of how Alexander hated Jake because of the fact that Jake wouldn't go along with what my parents wanted swim around in my head painfully, and my cheek, even though it's been a decade since he slapped it, throbs painfully. I try to ignore those thoughts and think of the problems at hand, namely Taylor's.
Mel: True. Guys, do you think it's ever gotten serious?
Angel: What do you mean by serious?
Mel: Like, you know- ugh, I don't wanna say it.
Bobby: Physical?
Mel: Yeah.
Angel: It could be serious without any actual violence going on, but I know what you mean. I don't really know - Taylor's pretty good at hiding his emotions, apparently.
Bobby: You're telling us.
Angel: Then again... he does have a sweet side. Ain't that right Mel? ;)
Mel: pls save your shipping for later you donkey
Angel: :(
Bobby: Um, hello? Wanna get back on topic over there?
Angel: Oh, yeah, right. Anyway, if it IS physical, we get him the hell out of there. In fact, if we get proof there's ANY kind of abuse we get him the hell out there.
Mel: Bobby, when you get changed for PE next time you have it, can you please check and see if Taylor has any bruises or anything in places you normally wouldn't get them?
Angel: Also, keep an eye out and see if he's trying to hide anything, like parts of his body. He could be hiding marks.
Bobby: I will, don't worry. I might need an alibi, in case he catches me looking.
Mel: Say that you never realised his skin tone was so dark?
Angel: Say you're jealous of his rippling abs :)
Bobby: -.- wow Angel thanks for the advice I'll be sure to use it
Angel: Thank you kindly. It's elementary excuse making, my dear Watson.
I slam my head into my pillow and groan.
YOU ARE READING
Good Boy, Bad Girl
RomanceEven without the pressure from his parents, Robert Jameson (although he prefers to be known as Bobby) is beyond clever. The problem is, brains don't earn you friends. And when you're surrounded by boys who care about the things you know nothing abou...