Chapter Nine

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Joey did not want to see Daniel ever again or anything that reminded him of the boy who hurt him. Joey's boss was ready to put up a poster with Daniel's face on it saying he's not allowed on the premises. But that's too far. "So Mr. Dawson, how are you and Ryland?" Joey's animatronic voice asks, Shane smiles and rolls his eyes "way to change the subject, Mr. Graceffa. We're doing just fine, his work hours are just like mine so we always schedule time with each other when we know we aren't working. It's nice" Joey smiles, even though he's somewhat envious of the relationship his boss has. Nothing good ever happens to Joey.

Laying on the floor of his apartment, Joey stares at the ceiling, questioning if he should go back to school. Maybe he should take a break, take a few days off. Work more hours, clear his mind, focus on himself. Lucky for him, his principal had given him his phone number so that he wouldn't have to call. 'Hi, Mr. Stevens, I am going to take a few days off. The popular crowd, besides Daniel Preda, has made my life a living hell. I would just like to have some time to myself, away from all the torture. I would just like to state for the second time that Daniel Preda had never joined in when it came to my bullying. Daniel Preda is a good guy. Okay, I will see you on Friday. - Joey Graceffa.'  After sending that text, Joey fell back on the floor.

One thing Joey loved about not going to school, he was able to work more hours. Mr. Dawson was of course confused as to why Joey was working when he should be in school but didn't press the boy. Just let him work. On the second day, Mr. Dawson grew suspicious. He knew Joey liked his job but was it worth skipping school? "Mr. Graceffa, may I have a word with you?" Joey follows him into his office with a slight nod. "I understand that you love your job, and I love having you work here. But if you're missing school for this job..." Joey stops him, typing quickly "I'm not blowing off school just to work more hours. I asked for a break" "does this break have anything to do with the boy who you dumped burning hot coffee on a few days ago?" Joey nods, looking down at his hands. 

Who knew taking a vacation from school would be so relaxing? Joey felt calmer than he ever has before, almost forgetting about his disability a couple times. Sure, it sometimes bothered him to have no one to share the time with. But when it came down to feeling like himself, Joey was more confident. Hopping on his bike, Joey rides over to his old house, his speech prewritten on his phone. Pounding on the door, Joey doesn't stop until his father opens the door "what are you doing here?" Pressing enter, his speech begins.

"Listen here you jerk, I get it. Losing mother took a toll on me too. But you should've looked at me and realized how lucky you were to still have a son after the tragedy. That car could've killed me! I was in the front seat! If the truck hit at a certain angle, I could've died with mother! Do you not understand how lucky you are to still have me in your life?! For you to say I should've died too is fucked up. I may not be able to talk, but that doesn't mean I'm not a human that has the ability to hear! I know what you think of me, I know that the hospital bills are killing you, but that's not a reason you should wish death on your child! If mother was still here, she'd be appalled at the way you treated me! I am still your son! I know you suffered a tragic time, but you came out of it scratch free! I get that I'm mute, I get that I can be annoying since you have to wait for me to type out a response, but that is not a reason to kick me out! You left me in the cold, you left me to get hypothermia! Do you feel proud of that?" 

His father looks at him with wide eyes "Joey I..." holding up a finger, Joey shakes his head and walks away. He said his piece, now it's up to his father to do something. Looking over, his eyes fill with tears as he realizes that the man had closed the door on him. Shaking his head, he jumps on his bicycle, he wasn't going to let that ruin his confidence. Now all he has to do is go to school...

And face Daniel. 

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