What Are You Hiding? (Tofuudiger Fanfiction)

Chapter 11

"Well done, kids," the officer says listening to our recording.

"It was scary. He had both of us at gun point," I say.

"This is solid evidence kids but we need to know where he lives so we can investigate."

Will gestures me to call Joe on the police station phone. I go over and dial his number. The line rings and he picks up.

"Hello?" he says.

"Hey, Joe. It's Zack."

"Hey! You're okay. I was getting kind of worried. You weren't picking up my calls. Where's your phone?"

"It got obliterated by Liam! I'm using the police station phone. I got some good news, though."

"You did it?"

"Yeah the police are on his tracks right now! I'll tell you all the details when I visit, but I need Liam's address. Do you have it?"

"Yep. It's 94 Bomb Road."

"Awesome, babe. We did it. We actually did it."

"Zack, I'm so proud of you. You always told me how brave I am, but I think you're the brave one. You did something that anyone would be afraid of. I love you. I haven't said this in a long time, but I love you. A lot."

"Joe, I would do anything for you. Even if I'm scared, I'll do it for you. I love you too, Joe. You would have done the same."

"I have to go now, love. I'll see you when you visit."

We hang up and I tell the officer the address.

"You two boys should head home. Leave this to us. I think you've had enough risk today."

Will and I get into the car.

"Hey, I never thanked you for sticking around. I need to return the favor and be the best guinea pig ever for that project you were talking about," I say.

"Thanks, I had a good time bringing justice. I really want to see Joe. What are the chances that I can sneak in without getting caught?"

"I don't know, but I'll definitely help you."

We arrive at the hospital and Will puts on a SnapBack throwing shade onto his eyes to disguise himself. I greet the receptionist and we hurry to Joe's room.

"Aye, guess who," I say walking in with Will following.

"Hey, Will! How'd you get in?" Joe asks.

"I kept a low profile and snuck in," Will responds.

Will and I settle down onto chairs and Joe sits up on his bed. We tell the story of our confrontation with Liam. Joe shows awe on his face as we tell the details. The three of us devote the rest our day to spending time with each other, laughing and joking. For the first time in a long time, I felt right in my place. I feel comfortable opening up to them and calling them my friends.

"Wait, how many days have you guys missed school?" Joe asks.

"Uh oh," I say. "Four days without a note or a phone call."

"Well, we're definitely getting detention now," Will says.

"Man that sucks," Joe responds. "But, I'll hang around with you guys if the teachers let me."

"Wait, are you coming back home?" I ask.

"Yep, tomorrow afternoon! You guys should go back to school tomorrow. I'm arriving around lunch."

We say our goodbyes and Will and I walk back to his car.

"Hey, uh, Zack, do you mind if I stay over tonight?" Will asks.

"Yeah of course. What's the occasion?"

"Well, I live with my dad only. All he does is work at his half-time job, get drunk, then come home late. Lately, he's been getting angry and throwing things around, disruption my sleep. He doesn't care about me enough to notice I'm gone, anyway."

"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that, Will. Come over to my place whenever you like."

"Thanks. This really means a lot."

Will drives to my house and we enter inside but we are immediately greeted by my mother.

"Zack I just got a call from school saying that you have four unexcused absences. What's going on?" she says.

"I'm sorry mom, I just had business to take care of," I say.

"Whatever you say," she says then looks at Will. "Hello are you one of his friends?"

"Yes, nice to meet you. I promise I've been keeping him out of trouble," Will says.

"I trust you."

We walk upstairs, then get ready for bed. As we settle in, it gets quiet for a moment.

"So Zack, I would love to get to know you more. Tell me about yourself," Will says from his sleeping bag on the floor.

"There's not much to know. It would actually take time for me to think of something interesting to say."

"I'm patient."