Okay

6.

The next day I walk into school like nothing happened. The streaks from last night washed away with some soap and water. The puffy eyes gone without a trace.

Once I get to homeroom Adam isn't there, giving me a chance to relax and put in my headphones. I hit shuffle and put my head against my desk. The cold wood contrasting with the heavy metal greatly.

I hear more kids toss themselves in their seats, and more voices come alive the later it gets, yet there's still no sign of Adam. This means I'm in the clear for today. I smile slightly to myself.

—————

"Nathan Brook" I hear from a familiar voice during lunch.

"Oh, hey Kor?"

Kory sits down, he looks nervous and angry all at the same time. This can't be good.

"Look, I know this is a difficult discussion but I need you to be honest with me." He begins. Giving me his full attention, staring at me right in the eyes. I have to look away before it gets to awkward.

"What are you talking about dude?" I ask, looking towards my friend for some sort of comfort. He doesn't provide it.

"I found this" he states, showing me my notebook. The notebook I've been writing in for years. It's got every secret I've ever had in it.

I feel my eyes begin to water as I look down. I've been hiding this for so long. How could I be so careless.

"Wait- I can explain"

"What the fuck Nathan?" Kory slightly yells. I just look down even more.

"You didn't feel inclined to tell me something like this" he says pointing at the notebook.

"I- I'm sorry" was all I could say. It came out as a sob and I slammed my head into my hands before the tears could be visible.

"No it's okay, I'm sorry" Kory says rubbing my back. I just sob harder. He knows everything. Adam is gonna kill me.

"No it's not!" I yell looking up. My eyes are pouring, I can feel how red my face has gotten and my leg is shaking rapidly.

"Oh Nate.." Kory says giving me a hug.

"We have to talk about this. You have to tell someone, or I will." He states.

"What?" I say, it comes out more like a yell.

"No.. no no no no no! Nobody can know. Nobody-" I cut myself off, out of breath and choking for air.

"Nathan.. Nathie, calm down. I get this sucks but you have to." Kory speaks gently.

"This is a nightmare"

"A goddamn fucking nightmare" he looks at me pitifully.

"Stop" I say.

"Huh?" Kory asks

"Stop giving me that look" I say.

"I'm not giving you a look-" I shoot him a death stare and he knows to stop speaking.

Then Kory gives me a small smile.

"You know what to do buddy"

"I can't"

"Want me to?"

"No, I don't want anyone to" then the lunch bell rings and he gives me a sad look, going the opposite way of his classroom.

_________

"Nathan Brook, please report to the principals office. Nathan Brook, to the principals office"