Breaking The Ice

Where To?

TJ's POV

Harry didn't come home.

Not only had ne not come home, he'd been absent from every class we'd had together for the past three days, and nobody had seen or heard from him since he left the dorm that night. He'd even missed practice, and Coach had simply said he was sick.

I'd been going insane worrying about him, wondering where he was and if he was okay, which I guess is what brought me to his Uncle's office after I decided I at least needed to know he was alive.

I assumed that's where he'd gone, since they were the only family he had close by, and I was somewhat comforted when I thought about how his Aunt would probably be doting on him and taking care of him. I figured his Uncle was the one who'd told Coach he was sick, and assumed he'd spoken to his teachers and probably got him excused from class too.

I just wanted confirmation that he was alright, at least then I could ease some of the worries I had, even though I knew I'd probably worry about him until I could see for myself that he was okay.

"TJ, this is a nice surprise." Dean Richards smiled as I entered his office, motioning for me to sit down in one of the chairs. "What can I do for you?"

"Um, I'm sorry to just stop by like this. I know you're really busy." I said as I nervously fidgeted with my hands.

"It's no problem at all." He reassured me. "I hope everything is going okay with the team, you haven't had any more problems, have you?"

"Oh, no. Everything is fine." I said. "I um...I'm actually here about Harry."

I watched as he became visibly uncomfortable as he shifted in his seat and cleared his throat.

"I just haven't seen him in a while, and Coach said he wasn't feeling well so I'm just wondering if he's alright." I explained. "I assumed he's been staying with you."

For a second I realized that if Harry hadn't been with them I would probably send them into a panic, but I was relieved to see that Dean Richards didn't seem to be all that surprised that I had showed up asking about him.

"He's just fine. No need to worry." He nodded. "Just a little under the weather, he's being well taken care of. I'm sure he'll be back soon."

I watched him carefully, both of us knowing damn well Harry didn't have the flu, but I had no idea whether or not it was my place to push it. The fact that he seemed to be covering for him led me to believe that he was well aware of whatever it was about, so I figured it was a family matter and I should just butt out. I'd gone to make sure he was alright, and I at least knew where he was, so I figured I'd take what I could get.

"Okay, well thank you for your time. Can you just tell him I hope he gets better soon? We miss him around here."

"I will." He smiled softly as I stood up and headed for the door, before he asked me something that just confirmed that he knew exactly what had happened. "How's your arm?"

I turned back around to face him, a sympathetic look on his face that told me he wanted to tell me something but couldn't.

"It's fine. Almost healed." I replied as the two of us stared at each other.

"Good. I'll be sure to let him know." He said softly, turning to face me so his eyes met mine. "You're a good friend, TJ. He's lucky to have you."

I nodded before I turned and left his office, realizing that it had done nothing to ease my mind, and made my way back home from the Administration building to find Louis and Shawn in the living room playing video games.