Callum's Colours

S E V E N T H • afternoon

Blurs form as I peel open sticky eyes, wincing at the glaring light. Instinctively I blink rapidly, clearing my sight until shapes transform into objects.

Quickly I sit up, confused, and almost gag when the room tips. A gentle hand holds my shoulder before forcing me back on the chair. I shake my head, bewildered as the room shakes again.

My eyes focus and mind sharpens when pair of green eyes glint into sight.

I squirm until the hand releases my shoulder.

"Ryan Gold," I almost laugh, staring as his body sharpens.

He glances down, and looks awkwardly at the classroom floor. Then he looks back up, and grimaces.

"Callum," He pauses before stepping back, "Callum Waters, do you remember why I'm here?"

My back stiffens.

Shit. The tension releases and my head drops into my hands. I open my mouth to speak but find no words to say.

Caleb. The night. The recording.

There's no other way to describe it. My thoughts suddenly detach from my mind, my mind from my body and body from the world. And too make everything even worse, a dark shadow is draped over them.

"Fuck," I moan, rocking backwards on the chair.

Ryan hovers awkwardly, eyes squinted and hands fidgeting.

I jump up from the chair, almost knocking it onto the floor in the process. Furiously I strut past Ryan, who seems unsure how to react.

He pulls me back into the room.

"Callum?" He asks before awkwardly letting go, "Are you..." He pauses and shrugs.

"Okay, am I okay?" I interrupt, dragging out the words to sound more sarcastic. I almost laugh at the idea.

Ryan just stares, lips slightly parted and eyes creased.

"Sorry, I just," He sighs, "Callum, what would be the best thing you could hear me say in this situation?"

He looks so sincere that I almost trust him.

"Shut up. Shut the hell up," I demand loudly, surprised by my anger.

Ryan Gold steps back. I begin to pace, three steps forward followed by three backwards. It's only then I notice my itching palms and curled fists.

"Why do you care? Do you even care? Or is this just some dumb trick, a funny way to have a laugh with your homophobic mates?" I continue, so angry now that I feel all self control fading. "Ryan Gold, eh? Well you sure as hell have a horrible fucking reputation!"

When I look up I expect him too have gone, perhaps he'll step outside and swear about me with his mates.

Instead, a huge grin and glinting eyes stare down at me.

Panic stabs my chest and I collapse back onto the chair, exhausted. If my lungs could physically ache, I'm sure they would.