Broken Promises (#4 in the 'Outcast' series)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32:

Andy's Point of View:

"Andy, we need to talk."

"I don't wanna talk to you," I said back harshly as I kept my focus on what I was writing. "Go away Jinxx."

He ignored me, getting up from his seat and sitting down in the vacant one that was next to me where Vic used to sit. Jinxx grabbed my book from me and shut it, throwing it to his desk. I looked at him in annoyance.

"Why'd you do that?" I asked bitterly. "I don't wanna talk!"

"And I don't give a fuck if you don't wanna talk," Jinxx said back, equally as bitter. "I'm not sitting by while you drift further and further away from everyone and won't fucking talk because you don't trust anyone!"

I just looked away, knowing he was probably right in some way.

"Y'know Andy, you're the first person to make Ash break like that," he continued, a slight bit of irritation in his voice. "That's literally the first time any of us have ever seen him like that. All the years we've known him, that's the first time we've seen him cry."

I looked at him.

"I hope you know this' just making me feel worse," I said.

Jinxx sighed, his expression softening.

"Listen," he said. "I know you've got a lot going on, and I honestly dunno how you can physically do that to yourself; I've never been that down, so I'm not gonna pretend I know whatcha goin' through, 'cause I don't. I really don't."

I just looked down again, resting my head on my hand as he continued.

"And you're right," he said, just watching me, his expression not changing. "Compared to you, we all have perfect lives. I know you've been through a bit, but I dunno everything, so once again, I won't pretend I do. We just don't wanna lose you Andy. You're just drifting further and further away, and we just can't getcha back."

I just stayed silent, not sure how to answer. Jinxx sighed.

"I know you're still hearing me, so I'm gonna keep talking," he said. "I know you probably don't realise how far gone you are, and you're still going. None of us know what you want us to do to help you. You never talk to us about this, and we all just wanna try and help any way we can Andy. You're part of the group, and we look out for everyone."

"There's nothing you can do Jinxx," I said sadly, not looking at him. "You said it yourself: I'm just too far gone and still going. I can't get back."

***

Mike's Point of View:

"Vic, I need some advice..."

Vic looked up and met my gaze, curiosity in his eyes.

"Sure thing Mike; shoot," he said, clearly wanting to know what I needed help with.

I sighed and looked down.

"We all found out today that Andy's started self-harming, and none of us know what to do," I said miserably. I looked to Vic and saw his expression. "You're the only one I know I can go to Vic. I need to know what to do; we all do. We're gonna lose him for real this time if we can't help."

I watched as Vic thought. He looked like he'd been caught off guard by the question, but he looked determined to help out. I waited, just watching as he tried to think of something he could do to help me out with the current situation.

After about five minutes, Vic spoke.

"You've just gotta be there for him Mike," he said with a shrug. "Try get him some help. If I were you, I'd actually let his parents know. They should know about this so they can help out and get him serious help. I dunno man, that's all I've got..."