Forget What We Saw

Take me out there

Phil's P.O.V

I frantically grab my phone, attempting to call Dan. What happened? He said his Dad wouldn't want him talking to some random guy, so I guess he had to do it. But Dan had genuine fear in his eyes when his dad called his name and went into his room. Was he okay? The phone rings once. Twice. Three times. Four "Hey, I'm busy, why are you calling me anyway? Please leave a message after the beep," It went to voicemail. Oh no. Then, I get a text. It's from Dan!

D: i cant talk right now
P: What? What happened?
P: Are you okay?
D: no
P: Come to my house! Please!
D: i cant
P: Dan?
(read 20:22)

Dan doesn't answer. Oh no. What could've happened? There wasn't much I could do. So I ran downstairs to eat dinner and talk to my dad. 

"Phil, you're a half-hour late," says my dad.
"Sorry, I was talking to a friend from school," I say.
"Fine. Just try not to be late next time," says my dad. 

My dad tries to go easy on me. My mum is almost always at work, and he knows that's hard for me. It's hard for him too. I eat my cold dinner, nervously thinking about Dan. 

"What happened?" "Is he still alive?" I shiver at the thought. 

No, I must stay positive. I quickly eat my dinner and go back to my room. I try to text Dan once again.

P: Dan, I'm scared. Are you okay?
(delivered)

It had been at least 20 minutes since I last texted, so if he doesn't answer now, I'm gonna get even more worried. He's a cool friend, and he deserves so much more than a family that hates him. Minutes go by. I wait. Then, I hear my phone go off.

D: im fine sorry about that
P: So if you don't mind me asking...what happened?
D: ...
P: Sorry.
D: no it's fine i just don't wanna talk about it
P: Okay. You don't have to tell me. But can I ask one more thing?
D: go for it
P: Can you send me your location?
D: what why
P: Just in case something happens...and you don't answer...
D: ...
P: You don't have to.
D: ... okay 
P: Thanks!
D: no problem
Dan's location pops up. 

"26 Dilweed Ave"

I haven't ever been on that street, but I've heard of it. I take a look at my watch. 9:00 pm. I wonder if Dan will Skype right now...

P: So, do you still wanna Skype?
D: not at the minute.
P: Oh...that's fine. 

My spirits fall. Have I annoyed him? I hope not.

D: oh it isn't you. you just would be horrified if you saw my face right now
P: Wait...Dan?
D: never mind im just tired im gonna go see you tomorrow 
P: ...bye.
(read 21:21)

Dan goes offline. What did he mean? Horrified to see his face... he doesn't mean...oh god. His dad...abuses him?

I can't stop myself from crying. I felt awful. 

"What if that isn't what he meant..."

No, it had to be. He looked fine earlier when we were talking. He doesn't deserve this, nobody does! Nobody deserves this kind of life. I wouldn't wish it on my sworn enemies. I decide to watch some anime to keep it off my mind. Hours went by as I watched. Soon enough, it was midnight. 

"I better go to bed," I say to myself. 

I take off my clothes and put on blue and green checker pajamas. It takes me a long time to fall asleep. I was worried about Dan.

I wake up, shower and get dressed. 

"Another day of school," I say to myself. 

I wave goodbye to my dad and walk out the door with a pop tart in my hand. Not the healthiest choice, but it was quick. I hop on the bus and sit next to Harry once again. 

"Hey!" I say, eating my breakfast.
"Hi," says Harry, staring at his phone. 

As soon as I get off the bus, I say goodbye to Harry. 

"See you later!" I say happily.
"Later, Phil!" Harry says back. 

I don't see Dan get off the bus. I guess he walks some days. I look to the right to see if he was on the sidewalk. Sure enough, I see a figure in black, staring at the floor, walking to school. He makes it to the door. I run up to him. Then I see him. He's covered in bruises and cuts. He has a black eye. He basically looks like a beat-up mess. 

"Dan..." I say.
"Don't look at me," he says, tears in his eyes.
"Dan, wait!" I say. He turns around.
"What is it?" he asks.

 I take one more look at him. Then I grab his wrist and pull him into a hug. 

"I'm so sorry, Dan. You don't deserve this," I say.

Dan stays quiet. I do the same. I keep my arms wrapped around him as if I was protecting him from the outside world. Then I hear him whisper. 

"Thank you, Phil," 

For the rest of the day, I walk with him to his first lesson before going to mine so he doesn't get bullied. It doesn't matter that it almost makes me late to some classes.