Love

New Friends

The next morning, I woke up early. I didn't want to wake her so I left before she woke up. At least I can take a scenic route to school today.

God.

Talking to someone about this would probably help...

But I have no one to talk to about this. No one I trust at least.

After my old man walked out, trust has been a very difficult thing for me to do.

The only person I can trust my feelings with is myself.

I hope Tobey's at school early again...

Teasing him would take my mind off of everything that happened yesterday... And make this pain stop, even for a little while.

Walking is hard to do normally with several broken ribs and bruised legs...

Finally at the school, I shouldn't have taken the long way, I'm in agony.

It would appear I'm not the only one who came early.

Nerds.

Making my way to form is a lot easier when an ocean of twelve year olds aren't blocking the way.

Walking into the room, I see Tobey sat at the back. I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

Is he... reading? I didn't think he would be the type to read for fun.

Cool.

Stepping further in, I make my way to where he is and sit down next to him, letting out a sigh I attempt to put my head on the desk but my ribs stop me, the pain is unbearable but I force a smile to my face when Tobey greets me.

"Hey." He says without looking away from his book.

"Hiya!" God, my head hurts. The gash in my head is bigger than it feels.

"*snigger*" Shut up brain...

"Why are you always here early?" I ask, coz I'm curious.

"I could say the same about you. You don't strike me as the type that arrives early to school."

"You don't strike me as the type to read for fun... What are you reading anyway?"

"A book."

Smartass.

"What's the book called?"

"A book?"

I'm clearly not going to get a proper answer from him, might as well change the subject then.

"Dude, it's summer, why do you have your sleeves all the way down?"

"I'm not that hot."

"I know it's like the uniform, but you must be boiling, I mean you look hot."

He blushes at my comment.

"Not like that you pleb, I meant you look like you're gonna sweat at any minute."

"Why don't you?"

"What?"

"Why don't you have your sleeves all the way down?"

"Because I have nothing to hide."

"... Neither do I... I'm just not that warm..."

"If you don't wanna tell me now, then that's fine, but you'll have to tell me one day. Also, you're not a very good liar."

"..."

"That's a good thing."  

"..."

"Is that book better than having an actual conversation with me?!"

"At the moment, yes."

I glare hard enough for him to feel it.

"What? I'm at a good bit!"

"Hmph..."

The bell rings, the students pile in, the teacher embarrasses us again, the bell rings again. Lessons are boring and painful, but made more fun with Tobey around even though he's been giving me weird looks recently.

The final bell of the day rings and everyone rushes for the nearest exit.

"If I have to tell you about why my sleeves are always down, then you have to tell me why you've been limping and can't bend over properly. And explain the cut on your head."

"I'm clumsy...?"

"You're not a very good liar."

"..."

"It's a good thing... Look you don't have any obligation to tell me but, you said you wanted a friend, I can be that for you."

It sounds like he's confessing his undying love for me.

"Please stop talking. You sound like a love sick fool."

Blushing but continuing to give me a meaningful gaze, looking directly into my eyes. Not even my own mother can do that...

Gotta keep strong. He doesn't need to be burdened with my problems.

Walking away, I say, "See ya tomorrow, Tobey..."

He doesn't try to stop me.