Thorns

445

There's one repeating variable that causes Tobi's mission to fail every time: Girls. So far, Tobi has been trying to get Ethan to befriend a girl and it's not working. Maybe, it'll work out with the same sex.

Gym class would be a good time to mingle with men since all the boys change together in the same locker room. But Tobi is going to have to wait until tomorrow then. Ethan doesn't have gym today.

Tobi sits slumped on the floor next to Ethan as he, Ethan, copies down notes. Tobi isn't quite sure what his life has become. Everything has become gray and boring. One day blends into the next. Nothing is different. Tobi misses Vik and the way he could light up Tobi's day with a simple hello.

"Yes, Ethan?"

Tobi's head shoots up. Ethan raised his hand? Tobi can't believe he's actually participating in class!

"Can I use the bathroom?" Ethan asks. Tobi frowns in disappointment.

"I don't know can you?" The female teacher raises an eyebrow. She's met with rolling eyes.

"May I use the bathroom?" Ethan fixes his grammar.

"Yes, don't forget to sign out." she motions before returning back to the whiteboard. Ethan gets up out of his seat, signs out, and then heads towards the bathroom. Tobi follows but at his own pace instead of rushing after the boy.

To his surprise, Ethan enters the bathroom to a small gathering of people. Three other boys stand, leaning against the sinks and stalls. White sticks hang out of their mouths and sit in between their fingers. Their chatter comes to a stop when one spots Ethan.

They start talking to Ethan but Tobi gets distracted from listening by the excitement that bubbles in his stomach. This is actually happening! Boys are talking to Ethan - having a normal conversation and being nice too! One of the guys extends his arm out, offering out one of the white sticks. Tobi doesn't exactly know what it is but to him it seems like the kid is offering his friendship.

But Ethan doesn't immediately accept the offer.

The toxic smell crawls into hid nose. Awakening distance, blurred memories he can no longer see. He can only feel their presence, and they're heavy. Ethan hesitates to take what the other kid is offering.

After what Tobi witnessed the other day between Ethan and his mother, he can't let her be right and let her son feel abandoned. If Ethan is able to fit in with other kids, they will be more likely to become his friends.

"Ethan, just take it. Stop standing there! These boys are destined to be your friends." Tobi persuades him, unaware of the dangerous effects this can cause. He pulls Ethan's arm out as hard as he can. He tries desperately to break through the dimensions, unwilling to let this opportunity be wasted.

"Accept their offer! Accept your destiny!"

Ethan's arm finally jerks out and takes the cigarette much to his despise.
~
Vik finds himself in the same dark room as the night before. But this time, he's alone.

Vik waits patiently for a dream to start. He's going to run to Harry as fast as he can. Vik wants Harry to notice him. He wants to interact with the sleeping boy. He wants to be recognized.

Vik has been so alone. Stuck in the same room day in and day out. He has Harry but the kid doesn't know of his existence. This is why these dreams are so important. They'll fill the void of loneliness that surrounds. Back home Vik would spend almost every waking minute with Tobi. Vik misses home. At least he now talks to JJ a little bit.

Vik zones out as he stares at the floor. Grass sprouts up beneath him. He looks up to see a forest expanding in all directions. There's a house not far in front of him and road to his left. A group of people find themselves on the house. Harry emerges from the crowd. They follow him.

Vik runs to the crowd. He must force himself through the thick cloud of imaginary people. They refuse to let him enter. He runs up ahead of them to meet Harry at the front. Time almost slows down for Vik as Harry turns to face forward. Harry keeps walking straight towards Vik. They make eye contact; Vik's heart almost explodes. Harry could see him.

"Harry!" Vik calls out his name. He reaches out to touch him. Before this moment, Vik has touched Harry but his hands would fall through, catching lead out of his blood. But now, Vik's hand came in contact with Harry's arm. Their skin touched, rubbed against each other. Harry's skin was soft and young. Vik could feel him.

"Yes?" Harry replies. Harry could hear him. They now know each other. They've spoken. Blue stares into brown while the brown gets lost at sea in the blue.

Vik might as well have died because to him, this is heaven.