White Lies and Black Eyes [Timids]

Part XVIII

“Come in!” The distinctive sound of Lynn’s high pitch voice sounded from the other side of the door. A few minutes earlier Drew knocked on the door his infamous three times and squeezed my hand supportively. Now I was following Drew through Lynn’s open door, meeting the eyes of my counsellor and gulping as my orbs met those of a tall, broad male, who had a short tuft of ginger hair atop his head and was wearing a sympathetic smile across his smooth face. His attempts to calm me with his grin were unsuccessful.

“Hello again, Mr Sumner.” Lynn’s calming voice caused my gaze on the Officer to switch to her. I gave her a timid nod before being pulled along by Drew’s hand so we were both sat on the sofa in the corner whereas the Officer was seated in front of us. Lynn pulled her computer chair beside him. “Shane, I’d like you to meet Officer Chapman, I’m sure Drew told you about why he’s here.”

I merely nodded, not trusting my own voice to project itself confidently.

"Hello Shane, it's good to meet you." Officer Chapman spoke calmly, his voice slow paced in sympathy. I nodded once more, my hand clasped in both of Drew's as he stroked the quivering digits. 

"S-Same." I managed to squeak out, looking at him through my thick fringe and noticing his smile still not budging from his face.

Drew cleared his throat beside me causing me to jump slightly and turn in his direction.

"Shane, Officer Chapman was wondering if you could describe yesterday's events to him? It would help him to keep you safe from Jay."

In response I settled for frantically shaking my head, leaning back against the sofa and looking down in hopes of disappearing.

"Please Shane," Drew pleaded, continuing to graze his thumb against my hand. "I need to know you're safe, to do that I need you to talk about him."

"We understand how difficult this is for you, but it could help to talk about it. It will be worth it." Lynn's voice did nothing to soothe me. I couldn't tell them.

"I-I c-can't, I-I'm sorry." I squeaked out once more.

"Why not, Mr Sumner?" Officer Chapman responded, making me close my eyes tightly.

"B-Because," I whined. "He'll know."

"And who is he, Mr Sumner?" Looking through the thick locks of hair covering my eyes I peaked at the Policeman who was scribbling in a small black notebook.

"J-Jay, m-my ex partner." I knew he was beginning to get information out of me, but I had no strength left in me to rebel. My hands were clammy against Drew's but I didn't let go, I needed his touch and I don't think Drew minded too much.

"Are you afraid of Jay, Sir?"

I merely nodded, having no energy to reply with words. I was helpless against the three in the room.

"Sir, the reason I was called here was mainly to do with a recent incident between you and your previous partner. If you could tell me more about that I would be very grateful."

I should have been expecting that request, however I still felt my heart thump against my chest and my shallow breathing sound abnormally loud around me.

"I-I went to buy f-food for my friend but I-I ran into him on the street. It w-was m-y fault..."

"No, sweetie, it wasn't." I heard Drew mumble as I took a deep breath to calm myself before continuing.

"...It was," I whimpered feebly. "I-I pushed hi-m to it, r-retorting l-like I-i did. He f-forced him-self onto me, t-then walked away."

"I see." The officer simply mumbled, his pen crushed between his pearly white teeth.