Life's Never Simple • SIDEMEN

• TWO •

Friday, 5th October

• Harry •

Much to my relief, English flies by. I end up zoning out for most of it, which is almost definitely a bad idea, since this stuff is for my exams. But staring out of the window and allowing myself to get caught up in my thoughts is so much more fun than listening to my teacher drone on about Shakespeare.

We're packing away our desks when Stephen comes up to me.

"Hey Haz," he says, leaning against the spare seat next to me.

"Stephen," I greet, not looking up at him as I continue shoving my books into my battered backpack.

"It's Friday," he states simply.

"And?" I ask, already knowing exactly where this is going. And I'm not entirely opposed to where it's going either.

"Fancy getting lit with me?" He says quietly, and I can hear the smirk in his voice. This has become a tradition. After school on a Friday, I will go to some secluded spot with Stephen, and get high with him. Usually just weed, but he has brought along stronger substances a couple of times.

"Sounds great, as usual," I grin, straightening up, and pulling my bag onto my back. "Let me tell Callum first though, he'll let the boys know where I am." He just nods, staying where he is as I walk across the classroom towards where Callum's desk. He's standing neatly behind his chair, waiting for the bell to go, and our teacher to dismiss us.

"Hey," I say to him, and he smiles at me.

"'Sup Harold," he responds, and I glare at him lightheartedly.

"How many times am I going to have to ask you not to call me that before you listen?" I say, trying to hide the smile that tugs at my lips.

"An infinite amount. I'm never gonna stop," he chuckles.

"Whatever, idiot. Can you tell the guys I'm gonna go and smoke with Stephen tonight, so I'm not walking home with them?" I request, and Callum gives me a disapproving look.

"Harold, again? This has happened every Friday. It's not good for you," he says, a small frown on his face.

"I don't need you to judge me for my decisions," I snap harshly, and he flinches. I sigh quietly, and make my tone calmer again. "Can you please just tell the guys?"

"I can. But I'm still worried," he says. And much to my surprise, I can hear genuine concern laced into his voice.

"Don't worry about me, Callum. I'm fine. It's just an escape," I respond, before turning on my heel and walking back over to Stephen. I don't look back, but I don't need to. I already know that I've left him looking deflated. A small part of me feels bad. This kid really is worried about me. But he shouldn't be.

"What was that about?" Asks Stephen. I just shake my head at him.

"He says he's worried about me," I respond, and Stephen rolls his eyes.

"He's known you for what, a month? He need to chill," he says. I nod, but guilt twists in my gut. Why do I feel like I'm betraying Callum by agreeing?

The bell rings loudly, and instantly, everyone piles quickly towards the door. Stephen and I wait a minute before joining them, to avoid getting crushed.

The walk out of the school is made in a peaceful silence. It allows me to collect my thoughts. Callum is right, I guess. Letting myself to fall back into this habit with Stephen isn't good for me. But like I said to him. It's an escape. It allows me to have just a couple of hours where I'm not thinking about all the things I'm doing wrong. Thinking about everything that's going on.