A Storm In Mind

Chapter 6 - Nowhere to hide

I woke up at 3; I was covered by a blanket which Mike must've done when I fell asleep. I sneaked downstairs for a drink, Oh, Clinton's on duty! "Hey dude, how ya doing?" He asked in his matey kind of way..

"Fine" I said in between sobs.

Clinton made the tea for him and Elaine the waking night and left the kitchen.

I sat in the dark, alone with only the ticking clock. "What's wrong with me, I'm such a mess?" I was in a world of my own when suddenly the kitchen light went on.

"Jeez, you made me jump, I thought you'd gone back to bed" Clinton said,

"Can't sleep" I answered,

"Wanna talk?"

"No, I said firmly. I dragged my weary body upstairs. In my room I went, sat on my bed, my knees pulled into my chest and closed my eyes. The birds woke me with their singing as daylight broke; I just rolled my eyes in disgust, "another day." I thought.

I looked at my clock, 6am, a tap came on the door "Ryan, you awake?" a voice called,

"yeah" I replied.

The door opened and Mike's head popped through. "How long you been awake?" he asked,

"Since 3" I said.

"Try to get some more kip son". He said and closed the door. As I lay on my bed I heard the morning commotion of breakfast and the school rush.

By 8:30, everywhere was quiet and I heard someone coming up the stairs. It was May-Li. "Ready for some breakfast?" she said,

"Not hungry thanks." I replied.

"Ryan, you've hardly eaten for days, you look awful, do you feel poorly?" she asked concerned.

"Just tired." I said shaking my head.

"I'm going to have to tell Mike about you not eating for days Ryan" she continued, I'm far too exhausted to care what anyone does anymore.

"Whatever" I sighed. May-Li left and went downstairs.

A few minutes later, Mike appeared "Toast?" he said, I just rolled my eyes and sighed.

"You not hungry again? May-Li says you've been skipping meals and picking at food for a number of days now Ryan, Why?" he asked

"Can't eat if I'm not hungry can I?" I snapped at Mike.

"Ryan, please, tell me what's wrong, I can't help you unless you tell me." Mike knew me better than I knew myself.

"I'm fine Mike, honestly." I said,

"hmm, well, I know you're not Ryan."Mike concluded as May-Li entered asking Mike to take a phone call.

Ten minutes later, Mike returned. "That was Lisa, She's coming to see you today Ryan, You need to start talking and fast." He began, "Mr Williamson's filled her in on what you've been up to, Ryan please, I'm trying to help you!" He said.

"Well you can't Mike, I'm beyond help." I said dismissive.

"No Ryan, no you're not, I'm not giving up on you Ryan, however long it takes, I'm right here." No-one has ever fought my corner, not in my new life anyway. I didn't know how to respond so I just lay still.