Aftershocks ➳ Philkas/Eyewitness

12

Episode 12: Sunshine

Philip is watching an episode of a random cartoon show to distract his mind when Helen walks through the front door. He's lounging on the couch in sweatpants with a bowl of ice cream in his lap, his favorite comfort food. Anne used to make him the best after-school sundaes, with chocolate syrup and chopped bananas, but Gabe's strawberry ice cream will have to suffice.

Helen stands at the edge of the living room in her sheriff uniform, holding a bag of groceries in her hand. She looks at her foster son with a frown on her lips.

"Well, I was gonna ask what you wanted for dinner, but I can see you've already helped yourself," she says, eyeing the ice cream.

Philip licks his lips and gives a shy smile. "Sorry."

Helen sits at the edge of the couch. "Are you okay? You look a little..."

"Pathetic?"

"I was going to say sad," Helen insists with a small shrug.

"It's... just school," Philip insists.

Helen nods slowly. "I got a call from your principal, and he told me what happened."

Philip's eyes widen. "It wasn't my fault—"

"I know," Helen assures, placing her hand on the small of his back. "I'm sorry that some kids still have that mindset."

"It's just a locker."

"We both know it's more than that."

"I don't care what anyone thinks of me. I just..."

"You just what?"

"I wish Lukas would've stood up for me," Philip admits sadly.

Helen nods, eyebrows slightly raised. "I see."

"One of his friends did it," he explains as Helen curls up next to him on the sofa, giving him her undivided attention. "And he just... stood there while everyone laughed."

Helen purses her lips. "I'm sorry, Philip."

"I really do love him," Philip explains softly, and Helen combs her fingers through his hair.

"I know you do."

"I just wish things were different," Philip continues, closing his eyes for a few seconds. He feels Helen tuck a few stray pieces of hair behind his ear. "I wish he was different. I wish he wasn't afraid to be himself— to be us."

Helen stays quiet for a moment. "Maybe he's just afraid of change."

"He was raised by Bo of all people; of course he's afraid of change."

Helen lets out a soft, airy chuckle. "Well, you've got a point there."

Philip looks up at her with uncertainty. "Do you think Lukas and I are good together?"

She blinks for a few seconds before exhaling quietly through her nose. "I think you make each other very happy, most of the time."

"That doesn't really answer my question."

Helen's lips twitch into a small grin. "When I first met Gabe, I was a very different person than I am now. I was... depressed, angry, and guilty. I was a wilted flower. But then he came into my life like a big, goofy, corny ray of sunshine, and he helped me blossom again. And I think you're Lukas's sunshine, Philip. I think you can help him grow."

Philip stays quiet, staring at the coffee table to avoid Helen's gaze.

"Relationships aren't always easy, but I think what you and Lukas have is worth holding onto. Just talk to him and tell him how you feel."