I was walking down the hallway of the boring school. I got another lecture from the principal for being late to class. I sighed and walked down to the cafeteria. I saw Colby and a few other boys sitting at our table. I looked out the windows, it was a nice day out. I decided to go watch the football players practice.
I sat down on the bleachers, silently eating my food. I can't wait until graduation in a few months. I just want to get out of here. I was finishing my food when I heard someone call my name. I turned around and saw someone walking to me. Jackson. I could feel my heart pulsing and my head started to spin. I felt dizzy but terrified. "Samuel" he called. I stood there unable to move.
I stood in place waiting for a punch, a hit to the stomach, a kick, anything to hurt me. Nothing. I opened my eyes and looked at him, he was standing there, "I need your help" I was shocked. The guy that bullied me since 14 years old asking for my help!? I looked at him and he was serious, his eyes hinting with curiosity and pain. I thought for a moment, if i didn't help I might get hurt. I sighed and nodded. "W-what do you need help with" he looked down.
"Your parents.." I froze, what did he want with my parents. "They are coming here. I heard the news from my father." I was shocked I seen his expression change. He was happy, but quickly replaced it with sadness as he noticed me looking. "I also needed help with something." I was nervous but I agreed. I seen Oliver walking our way, I sighed and walked by Jackson. He grabbed my arm before I could pass by. "and come alone" I nodded quickly just wanting to get out of their. I walked over to Oliver, "hey why weren't you in the cafeteria?" I looked up and hugged him. "I was watching the football players practice." He nodded. "Hey are you available to hang out later." I stood there my head down. "Uhm actually I have something to do after school" I looked up at him, his face had an expression of hurt and curiousity. "But when I'm done we could." He smiled and nodded. We walked off to our last class.
Math. I sighed as I walked in, I was late since the football field was a 5-10 minute walk back to the school. "Samuel your late" I rolled my eyes and went to sit next to Oliver. I noticed that Colby was looking over here, I smiled and waved. He just looked away. I looked down and took the notes that were written on the board. Finally the bell rang indicating school was over. I was about to walk off but I felt someone grab my arm. I turned around and Oliver pulled me in for a hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist, we pulled away. "I'll see you later yeah?" I nodded and walked off. I waited by the doors for jackson. I noticed Colby walk by, I called out to him, but he just glared and walked off. I was confused, I then saw Jackson come out. I sighed and looked at him. "What did you need help with?" I felt confident for some reason.
"Come on, quick before my father sees" I rushed inside the house and upstairs. As I rushed upstairs I noticed Jackson's father passed out on the couch beer bottle in his hand. I rolled my eyes as I was heading up. I looked around the room. It was filled with photos and posters, a stack of cds on the desk, the bed comforter black. I noticed Jackson, he was looking around nervously. But something caught my eye, a photograph. I looked closer. In it was Colby, Jackson and two girls and me. I sighed and looked down. "Things aren't the same anymore Samuel" I told myself. " your mother is coming back sam, she will hurt you and you know it. Also I-" I stopped him. "No Jackson you don't know, you ran out of my life after you became friends with the "cool kids" and after you found out about my mother what happened with us! Huh?" Jackson stood there. "Sam listen to me, your mother is coming back she found someone alright and he's a horrible person." I rolled my eyes not believing it. "Yeah okay. Can I go now?" I was about to walk out the door when I heard a thud from downstairs. "Fuck okay Sam you got to hide don't make a sound." I was shocked I made eye contact with Jackson. Fear. I nodded not wanting to piss him off.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING⚠️
OFFENSIVE SLUR AND ABUSE
Jackson guided me to the closet, I sat down and covered myself in one of his coats. Terrified. I heard Jackson's father yell. "Fucking faggot where are you!"
I covered my ears the yelling bringing back memories. I heard the door slam open and in the crack of the door. I see Jackson hit the floor. "Jacks-" I covered my mouth. I started crying. I covered my mouth tighter to keep the noise from coming out trying to steady my breathing ." your a fucking fag, I don't want a faggot for a son" and a slap. Kick. Kick. And a final hit. His father stumbled out of the door slamming it. Once I was sure he was gone, I immediately ran over to Jackson. "Are you okay? Shit-" I looked at him carefully, he had a cut on his cheek and a bruise forming under his eye.
SCENES OVER ⚠️
"Fuck" he mumbled as he shifted. "Okay here come to my place we will have to climb out the window." He nodded and groaned as he stood up. I opened the window and jumped out. I looked around and saw he had a ladder, I grabbed it and settled it against the wall, holding it still so he could climb down. What the fuck are you doing Sam, he's supposed to be your enemy. I ignored the voice and helped Jackson to his car. He opened the door and got in. "I'll drive" he nodded and handed me the keys. I started the car and drove to my apartment
I opened the door and helped Jackson in. "Don't take pity on me Sam" I rolled my eyes "as if loser" he chuckled but winced. I helped him into the bathroom and sat him down on the toilet. "I'll be right back." Don't be soft Sam, Remember it's what ruined you. I groaned and tried to stop the thoughts. I grabbed the first aid kit. "Okay I got it" I walked back in and saw Jackson looking in the mirror. I told him to sit down, he sat on top of the counter. "Sam?" I stopped rummaging through the first aid kit. I looked at him. "Yeah?" The silence thickened the air. I looked down and grabbed a wet rag and a ice pack. "I'm sorry." I stopped what I was doing and looked up. "I know" I grabbed the wet cloth and started to clean the cut on his cheek.
I dabbed the wet cloth and noticed Jackson wince. "Sorry" I mumbled. "I'm really sorry Sam it was a dick move to leave after I found out about y-" I stopped him. "Don't I don't want to remember" he nodded. "I should have stayed and protected you, or called someone." I nodded and put the rag down. "Yeah you should have but I'm here aren't I?" He looked shocked and nodded. "Shirt" I said. He looked at me eyebrows furrowed and head tilted ever so slightly. "You were wincing when you laughed let me check." He hesitated but pulled up his shirt. I inspected his ribs and stomach. There was a red scratch and a bruise starting to form on his rib. I pressed my hand against it slightly. He hissed in pain.
I quickly retreated my hand. "Sorry." I put the ice pack against it, I heard a knock at the door. I told Jackson to hold the ice pack till I got back. I walked out of the washroom and went to the door. I opened it, there stood Oliver. "Uh Oliver hey what are you doing here?" I shifted awkwardly. "Uh we were going to hang out remember." I faked a cough, "uh yeah I got sick, so I came home to rest. I totally forgot." He nodded. "I could help you out with anything?" He suggested. " uh it's okay maybe tomorrow?" I asked. He nodded and smiled, "sure I'll see you tomorrow" he kissed my head before leaving. "Shit" I went back to the washroom. Jackson looked over at me. "Who was that?" I sighed and sat on the floor. "A friend." He nodded.
I heard my phone go off.
I got up and went to the room. Colby. The caller ID read. I smiled and answered. "Hey col-" "dont fucking hey colbs me what the hell are you doin with Jackson" I got confused. " I don't know what your talking ab" I heard him yell "fuck Sam. Don't be stupid! I saw you two after school, don't think you were being sneaky. I'm going to ask again why the fuck are you with him. You know what he did." I groaned getting annoyed. "Colby! He is fucking hurt alright he just needed help with something. Okay goodbye" I hung up the phone. "Colby?" I looked over at the door and nodded. Jackson standing there his jacket in hand. "Hey thanks Sam. I'm Sorry... for being a burden." I shook my head and walked with him downstairs. I'm supposed to hate him we hate each other. I looked over at Jackson as he was getting his shoes on. "Thanks for patching me up doc" he winked and laughed.
I smiled slightly.
The feeling of hatred was replaced by admiration, friendliness. The memories of arguments and bullying replaced with the memories of late night swims, laughs and parties. It wasn't the same anymore though. The feeling slowly faded. "Don't think this changes anything Sam." I looked up snapping out of the thought. "Uh yeah." He nodded and was about to leave. I remembered. "WAIT Jackson." He looked back. "What did you need help with." He dug in his pocket and handed me a folded piece of paper. I looked at him confused.
"Read it you'll understand." I nodded and let him leave. The door clicked and I walked back to my room. I sat on my bed and unfolded the paper.
Samuel, I need help. I am getting sexually assaulted at home. I hate it! I need your help sam. I want to leave this place I want to. But my old man will find me and do worse. I tried to leave to many times and each time is worse. I don't want to get the cops involved, my fathers good friends with a few of them. They will believe him more than me.
I set the paper down trying to take it in. "Fuck" I could let him stay here? Nope that's not happening. I set the paper down by my bedside. I laid down and rubbed my temple trying to think. I grabbed my phone and saw a bunch of messages and missed calls from Colby. I shut my phone off and laid down. My mind clouding with worrying thoughts. What the fuck am I supposed to do now?
