J | #wattys2017

Chapter 15

"What?" Phil asks in astonishment.

Johanna just hugs him while Phil's face contorts into one of extreme sadness.

And he sobs.

Caspian never thought he would see Phil cry. The guy was always smiling and cracking jokes, he knew how to brighten anyone's day. He's never one to put anyone else down and tries to bring people up. It's like the cruel world has no effect on him, until now.

Caspian just sits there in shock.

There's no doubt in his mind that this is his fault. It dawns on him how real everything suddenly is, that a person is dead and it's all his fault.

That Izsac is dead.

Izsac his best friend that he made a stupid promise to all those years ago. His bad jokes and weird sense of humor. Caspian couldn't believe he'd never see him again.

"Phil Phil breath," Johanna says trying to fight tears herself. "It's ok it's ok."

"It's not," Phil mutters sniffling. "It's not ok. The person I love is dead. Now what?"

Johanna just hugs him tighter.

"It's not safe here anymore," she whispers to Phil so that Caspian doesn't hear. "I'm getting him out of here tonight. Gabriel ordered."

Phil nods and tries to smile but fails. He sniffs and wipes his eyes.

"I'm really sorry Phil," Cas blubbers despite himself.

"It's fine," Phil says still sniffling.

Johanna silently wonders why on earth Caspian would apologize. He obviously didn't kill Izsac. He said I'm really sorry instead of I'm so sorry or something else. He means it, sincerely. But why? He has no reason.

"Caspian what happened yesterday? The real deal don't give me any bs."

Caspian takes a deep breath and glances around the crowded lunch room.

"Later," he finally says before getting up and walking away.

Johanna sighs as she watches Caspian's retreating figure. Something's up.

¥ ¥ ¥

Caspian tries to walk quickly out of the school to avoid talking to everyone. His luck is short lasted as he feels a hand grab onto the back of his shirt and drag him through the halls. He's half dragged half pulled to the front of the school and shoved into the front seat of Johanna's Impala.

He watches as Johanna runs around and clambers into the front seat, slamming the door. He laughs one in the back and sees phil there, looking fine as ever. She starts the engine and swivels out of the schools parking lot.

"Alright," Johanna announces breaking the silence. "Start talking Cas."

Caspian's about to correct her but decides against it. Caspian runs a hand through his hair and takes a deep breath. He has a feeling that Johanna would be able to tell if he was lying. He wanted more then anything to lie but he know he can't lie now, everything's too serious.

"I got these weird messages," he begins, his voice quavering. "From my brother. At first I thought he was trolling me and then he started talking about you."

Johanna raises an eyebrow while Caspian takes a breath.

"He said to avoid you because you're dangerous," he awkwardly glances down at his shoes. "Obviously I thought it was bs. But then Casey and now Izsac....."