Guns and Roses

Six ~ Rya

"So, who will be coming to parents night tonight?" Mr Timms says as I sit down in front of him. I drop my bag and cross my legs, settling myself for what might be quite a lecture.

I shrug "Probably my uncles. It's not like they're going to let my parents come"

Mr Timms nods and writes something down. "Whoever comes, I would like to have a word with them about your missed sessions with the psychologist. I'm sure your uncles will agree with me that it is beneficial that you speak with someone about the panic attacks"

"Panic attack" I correct him "And it wasn't a panic attack"

Artie and Alexander can't find out about the panic attack if that's what Mr Timms insists on calling it. No one can find out about that.

He nods "Of course. I'd still like to have a word with your uncles about it"

I start to chew on my bracelet and I see Mr Timms watching me. He's always watching me, waiting for me to mess up. To diagnose me with something.

He doesn't say anything for a minute - I count - and then he sits forward in his chair. "Matthew came to see me earlier today. He's worried about you"

Fucking hell. Prick.

"He told me that you broke things off with him rather abruptly" I nod as he speaks "He says that you've not been acting yourself for the past few weeks"

I scoff "He's only known me a few months. How can he tell when I'm not acting myself?"

He flicks through his notebook and then sighs "I've also been getting reports from your teachers. You're becoming withdrawn and not participating in classes the way you used to. You're not interacting with your classmates and this worries me slightly. Do you have anyone to speak to that's not part if your family?"

I think of Quinn. I barely know him but he's put in more of an effort than anyone else since Matt. Quinn has his own demons, burdening him with mine could destroy him.

I shrug and Mr Timms sighs. "I'll see you tonight Rya"

****

At the end of school, I wait in the cafeteria for Artie and Alexander to show up. I play a game on my phone to pass the time as there's a good chance they'll be late.

"Hey" a voice says and I look up to see Quinn standing next to an older man. "You look like you could need some company"

I haven't seen him all day and surprisingly seeing him makes me happier. "Sit" I say clearing my things from the table "My uncles should be here soon"

The older man sits first and Quinn sits beside him. "This is my grandfather" he says and I reach across to shake his hand.

"I'm Rya" I introduce myself "You must be the man that created Eden"

He chuckles and nods "You've been in? Quinn hasn't told me about you"

I laugh "I'm not the type of person people talk about. At least not in a nice way"

"Rya!" A voice shouts and I spin in my chair to see a lanky man stand a few feet away with his arms spread for a hug. "Guess who's here?"

"Switch!" I exclaim and jump up to give him a hug. He hasn't been in town for a few weeks and I've missed having him around the house.

He appeared back in town a few years ago and met back up with Artie. They've been married three years this summer.

"Switch?" Quinn says quizzicly.

Switch sits in my seat and smiles "If I told you my real name, I'd have to kill you" I swat the back of his head and he laughs. "Artie's just coming, I'm not sure why he's taking so long"

As the words leave his mouth, I see him come in the door rolling his eyes. He comes over to us and sighs "Dear God that man" he groans "Barely got him out of the car before he found himself a pretty woman"

"Artie, Switch, this is Quinn and his grandfather. Quinn this is my uncle Artie and his husband Switch" I quickly introduce them and then gesture towards Quinn's grandfather "He owns the flower shop in the village"

Artie doesn't get a chance to answer before Alexander grabs me and lifts me to my feet. "Help me" he laughs into my ear "They recognise me"

Alexander worked here for a brief time when my mum attended and I think he hoped that no one would realise.

"That's us all here then" Artie says "We weren't too late were we?"

Switch starts to cackle. "You've got to be shitting me. How the fuck do they manage this shit?"

I turn and see my parents standing behind us. Everyone else sees them too. They see my shocked face and Dad sighs "I told you this was a bad idea. She doesn't want us here"

I start to laugh "Of course I want you here. I just didn't expect it"

Dad looks around the building and his lip curls up in disgust before he looks back at Mum "This is what you wanted to get back to?"

She smacks his chest "You don't get to be a snob. You lived in a cage for a decade"

Alexander steps between them "Guys, we're in public"

Mum spots Quinn and her eyes light up "And who is this?" She asks excitedly.

"His name's Quinn and you're going to miss all the appointments that you somehow scammed your way I do attending" I tell her.

She scoffs "It wasn't a scam. I just had to kiss ass for the past few weeks to get on their good side"

Alexander shoves the two of them in the direction of the classrooms. "Go!" He calls out as Mum laughs and Dad rolls his eyes at her.

I turn back to Quinn. "So..." I laugh. His face says it all "Not what you expected?"

He laughs slightly "Not at all"