Wanted

Chapter Eleven: A Helping Hand

Joey was right. After we went to the library and fell asleep, I felt so refreshed. Joey on the other hand, looked as if he didn't need the extra couple minutes. That half an hour nap turned me from a grumpy old troll to a happy little dwarf. Maybe some of the teachers here could use a nap or two.

"Why are you wearing gloves?" Brett whispered to me. In the class that Brett and I shared, the teachr gave us assigned seats in which he placed Brett behind me as I sat next to an open window. Just my luck, huh?

"Its cold." I lied as I quickly clasped my hands together. Of course the real reason was because of the wounds I accidently inflicted on myself the other day but he and everyone else can't know that. They'll probably make a bugger deal out of it than it really is, and I dont want that happening.

"Its like ninety degrees outside."

"But its like sixty in here."

"You know, this trust thing is a two way street. I didn't ask to be your ally just so you can only depend on me. I also want to be able to depend on you too. You have to take a leap of faith sometimes." Knowing he is right, I get out a small sigh. But what am I suppose to tell him? That my dad's brother killed my father, knocked my sister out cold almost costing her her memories, stabbed me multiple time, raped and put my mom in a coma? That sentence alone sounds crazy.

"I found out that one of my worst enemies that I had put away a few years back had escaped their psychiatric ward. And I...I got scared and I was out of it for a while." I mumbled as I looked out the window, watching the wind sway the palm trees. He was quite for some time before he pulled my chair back, making the legs scrape the title floor, and wrapped his forearm above my upper chest. Is he giving me a hug? I thought as the chair was tilted back a little bit so that the back of the chair was leaning on his desk. This gave him a chance to give me a closer hug. I was too shocked by his actions to do anything.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" He asked, his voice tickling my ear. My body was as stiff as a door nail as I was scared of falling back.

"You can let me go." I whispered to him, slightly embarrassed by all the stares we were getting. I was never really one for attention. The only attention I'm use to is the ones on the street but my face is covered so I have something to hide behind, but I'm at school. And I have nothing to hide behind. I heard a chuckled leave his lips before letting me go, allowing to readjust myself.

"I'm serious, tell me how I can help you." He whispered to me again once I was done.

"So far there really isn't anything to help with. I'm just being extra cautious, but when I need help other then my family, you'll be the first I call."

"That reminds me, I don't even have your number." I realized that too and grabbed a piece of paper from my backpack and pen. After writing down my number on the piece of paper, I folded it and stretched backwards and dropped it on his desk.

"Ms. Slade, you have a question?" The teacher called on me, I just shook my head before answering.

"No sir, I was just stretching." He nodded his head before continuing the lesson. Seconds later, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Being sneaky as always, I took it out.

Unknown Number: Brett Kingston at your service ;)

I could help but let out a small laugh at his text.

Me: Your stupid

He replied back to me in seconds.

Brett: Did you hurt yourself when you found out?

Me: Little straight forward, don't ya think?

Brett: If being straight forward is going to give me a honest answer, than yes.

Sighing once more, I responded truthfully.

Me: Yes and no. It's a bit complicated.

Brett: Then explain it to me.

Me. Now isn't  really a good time. We're still in class...

Brett: Well, wheather you did it subconsciously or on purpose, you shouldn't harm yourself. If you get carried away, you'll leave behind a lot of broken hearts.

I stopped and thought about what he had sent me. Broken hearts? I won't leave any bro-

Randy

Joey

Celeste

He's right, I would leave behind broken hearts. My sister especially, but its not like I even meant to physically hurt myself. I just zoned out and the more I though about it the more scared I got. My hands were already balled so I guess my body automatically just tighten as my emotions increased. Pushing that aside, I focused on the class topic and did the work that was given to me.

What surprised me the most was when Brett decided to join us when we sat in the schools cafeteria. Randy had another parent conference so we couldn't go in his room for lunch. The two other guys, John and Matt, also sat with us.

"There really isn't much to tell." I trailed off as I played with the food the cafeteria provided us. Still a bit thrown off from earlier. He is really committed to building that trust between us.

"While I was doing some...research on you and I noticed that there's a big pieces of history missing. There's no record of your mother or father after you were ten and your sister was about two. Kristina and Brandon Slade aren't reported missing but I can't even find a single trace of them. Even if I think I have some kind of lead, my device would sustain a vires and I would have to get it fix; erasing all my hard work. Do you have any idea why that may be?" He asked. Both Joey and I stopped our movements as we processed the information he displayed. I knew that no one but us would be able to actually access the information but he sure did try his damn hardest. I looked at Joey and all he could say to me was,

"Its up to you."

I always hated when he did that. I don't really like deciding certain things on my own so I always look for a second opinion either from Randy, Joey, or Celeste. When the decision don't really have my life or anyone else's on the line, I can become indecisive. Sighing once more for the hundredth time today, I stood up from the table as the bell rang.

"Meet us at Royal Palms after school today and I'll explain everything." His eyes light up as his shot up from his seat. "But," I quickly stopped his excitement. "Only if you tell us your past as well."