lover boy

twelve

I sit on Dustin's bed as I watch him play with Dart, who I think has grown since the last time I laid eyes on him. The whole scenario is so gross. I tried to throw Dart away last week, but Dustin caught me and lost his shit.

"Did that mean Diana try to get rid of you?" Dustin says in a baby voice and I roll my eyes. Not wanting to look at Dart any longer, I start to look around his room when I see an odd wrapper in his trash can. I get up and grab it, but instantly let go when I feel its slimy texture.

"Dustin, what the hell!" I scream. Dustin spins around in his chair and looks at me with bewildered eyes, but they soon relax when he sees the weird substance in his trash can.

"Oh, that's just Dart's molted layer." He sighs, turning back around and feeding Dart some 3 Musketeers.

I stand frozen, how can Dustin be so calm about this? This weird creature that he thinks is some slug or tadpole fucking shedded skin and got bigger, like a snake or some shit.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I walked in here and that sheet was in his cage and he was bigger, it's not that hard to und-"

"I understand, Dustin, I just want to know why you're okay with this! Before we know it, Dart could possibly become dangerous! He could hurt you!" I exclaim, pacing the carpeted floor beneath my feet.

I stop when Dustin scoffs, and swivels in his chair to face me, "Please, Dart would not hurt me. We've bonded." He says and gives Dart a loving stroke on his back. Jesus Christ, is Mews not cool enough for him? Maybe that dumb cat just isn't dangerous enough for him.

I let out an agitated groan, when I hear a knock on the front door.

I look through the peephole to see a distressed Billy. I quickly open the door and he collapses into my arms, his hot tears go through my shirt. My heart beats loudly in my chest as I think about what could've happened to him.

I pull away and stare at his face, when I see a forming bruise on his right eye.

"B-Billy, what happened?" I stutter out as I pull him into the kitchen.

I seat Billy on a stool by our breakfast bar, running to and from the freezer with a bag of ice. As I place it on his eye, he winces slightly.

"My dad." Is all he can muster up and I feel my body temperature rise from anger.

That son of a bitch. Why does he treat Billy like such shit? My fist clenches at my side and I see my keys on the end of the bar. I could go over there and chew his dad out. Tell him how much of a shitty father he is, and how he doesn't deserve to have a son like Billy.

I reach over Billy to get my keys and rush to the door, but he pulls me back, causing me to lose my balance. Luckily, Billy was right there to grab a hold of me.

"Diana, please." Billy whispers, pressing his forehead against mine. I watch as a few more tears escape his eyes. My heart aches for him.

"Bi-"

"I don't want him hurting you." Billy forces out, "Please...just let it go."

I take a step back and stare at him like he's crazy, "Let it go? Billy, he hurt you!" I begin to pace my kitchen.

He sits back down and squeezes his eyes shut.

"Can you get me some Tylenol, please?" His voice is the frailest I've ever heard. I walk to our medicine cabinet and fish out two tablets and put a glass of water in front of him. I lean on the counter and watch him.

Billy takes the medicine, and looks at me. "I'm sorry I came over," I open my mouth to interject, but he holds his hand up. "I was just so angry...I came here so I wouldn't do anything stupid. I'm fine."