• The New One •

Kiss

Newt had fun at Thomas' place and Thomas was happy about this. He knew that Gally's bullying was a shock to Newt and the boy needed time to calm down, so, Thomas did everything to keep Newt happy. His parents were very welcoming and they didn't bother Newt with questions like they always do when Thomas brings a new friend home. Chuck even talked to Newt. Thomas saw that brother didn't want to but he still did it.

Newt went home on Sunday.

But Thomas didn't see him at school on Monday or on Tuesday. He sent Newt a message.

T: Hey, Newt. I just wanted to ask is everything okay? And if you've been skipping school because of that what happened on Friday, then you don't have to worry about it. It's okay. Please answer, thanks. Thomas.

Thomas didn't get any response from Newt and the boy didn't show up at school until the end of the week. Thomas was getting really worried about him.

Where is he? Is everything alright?

These were the typical questions that he asked himself every day. Thomas knew that this wasn't actually his business, but still, he was worried.

Finally, on next week's Thursday, Newt came to school.

But his left eye was blue. Like someone would've hit him.

,, Hey, N- What happened?" Thomas cut off his own sentence and ran to Newt. ,, Is everything alright? Your eye is blue!"

Newt looked at him. Thomas saw that the boy's eyes were red. That means he cried.

,, What happened?" Thomas asked again, calmly this time.

,, I-I..." Newt couldn't finish his sentence. One tear fell down on his face.

Thomas swept the tear away and stepped closer to Newt.

,, Please tell me, what happened?"

Newt doubted. ,, N-No."

Okay. If he doesn't want to say, he maybe doesn't have to.

,, Then please tell me how can I help you. There has to be some way."

,, I-I doubt there is."

Thomas saw how tears filled Newt's eyes. He put his hand on the boy's shoulder. Newt winced.

,, It's okay. But remember, whenever you have a problem or anything else, I'll always be here for you, ready to listen and help."

Newt nodded.

,, Okay? Good. Come on, let's go."

Everything seemed to be fine but by this time, Thomas had learned that when Newt stuttered and winced every time you touched him, something was wrong. He was scared and afraid of something.

Or someone. I have to find out what it is.

                             *   *   *

,,Hey, Tom."

Thomas smashed his locker and saw Teresa.

,, Jesus, you scared me, T!"

Teresa rolled her eyes. ,, Whatever."

,, What did you want?"

Since the thing what happened in the canteen, Thomas hasn't talked with his friends. He avoided Minho, Zart, Brenda, and everyone else, including Teresa.

,, I think you should talk with us again." Teresa said. ,, I mean, we're still your friends."

,, Yeah, but have you forgot what did you do in the canteen?" Thomas didn't have time to be nice, he wanted to say everything out.

,, Ahhh! We don't even understand why do you like this Newt guy?! He's-"

,, Enough." Thomas raised his hand, giving Teresa a sign to shut up. ,, I've heard enough your opinions about him. And how do you even know that he's...like this? You haven't talked or hanged out with him like I am! You don't know him!"

,, Don't yell at me!" Teresa shouted. ,, 'Kay, maybe you're right, yes, we don't know him, but you can't deny...him. The way he is, you can't deny that."

,, He is just scared, okay?!"

Teresa winced. ,, W-What did you say?"

,, He's...afraid of something...or someone, I don't know, but I want to find out." He looked at Teresa. ,, Do you understand now?"

The girl nodded.

Deep silence came between them. Thomas didn't know did Teresa understand him or not, but he hoped that she did.

,, Actually, this wasn't the thing I wanted to talk with you."

Thomas looked at him curiously.

,, I..." Teresa doubted. ,, I need your help with one...scene."

,, Scene?" Thomas asked suprisely.

,, Yeah...we have one act at theatre school and there's one scene where I have to kiss one guy. But I have no idea how I'm gonna do this...so I was hoping that maybe you..."

,, You want me to kiss you?"

She goes to theatre school?

,, Yes, but you don't have to do it...it's just..."

,, Okay. I'll do this."

What the hell, no! We're in the middle of the hall!

,, Sure? Because you don't have to if-"

,, I'll do this."

Teresa gave up ,, Fine."

,, So, umm...are there some lines before the kiss scene or...?"

,, After the kiss I say ,, I love you" and you say that ,, I love you too". Understand?"

Thomas nodded.

There was silence for few seconds. Both of them doubted, they didn't know what to do.

Then, Teresa started to lean in. Thomas doubted. Was this the right thing to do?

He pulled Teresa closer and kissed her.

It wasn't a quick kiss like Thomas expected. It was deep and full of passion.

Wow, Teresa is a good actress.

The girl really played her part very well. She leaned against Thomas and placed her hands on the boy's shoulders. Thomas held her face and messed with her hair.

,, I love you," Teresa said. Her face was very close to Thomas'.

,, I love you too."

,, You love her?"

Thomas and Teresa winced. They were in the middle of the hall, it could be anyone.

Thomas turned his head to see who said that.

It was Newt.

Thomas saw his eyes. These were full of pain and tears fell down on his face.

Thomas felt how Newt's heart broke into thousand pieces.

He stepped closer to Newt.

,, N-"

,, Stay away from me!" Newt yelled and ran out of school.