Group Home (Discontinued)

Chapter Six

Thursday in PE means it's a CrossFit day, at least for athletic PE. Don't think I just magically have a snatched body, it does take effort.

As I enter the stuffy, disgusting boys locker room a hear laughter and think nothing of it. I'm nearly finished with my second attempt to open my PE locker when a strangled cry reaches my ears and the laughter grows.

I elbow my way to the back of the locker room and find a trio cornering someone huddled on the floor. I'd know that mop of dark hair anywhere, Virgil.

"What did you do to him!" I growl, shoving the trio away and crouching in front of the trembling boy.

I hear a scoff from behind me, "We just asked why he always changes in the bathroom. Then the bitch doesn't even respond." I hear a whimper from Virgil and take both of his hands in mine.

"Had to put him in his place for ignoring his superiors." A second voice decides to add.

"Virge, can you look at me?" I tune out the three boys as I tend to the small boy. Virgil's knees fold closer to his body and he hides his face.

I then remember a breathing exercise Patton taught everyone. "Breath in for four seconds, cmon I know you can do it." I feel him squeeze my hands as he inhales.

"Good good, now hold your breath for seven seconds." Patton decided it would be a good idea to learn these incase he wasn't there to help Virgil out of a panic attack.

"Now breath out for as long as you can, you're doing so well." I take one of my hands away from him and run is through his hair.

"I knew you could do it." I whisper for him and only him to hear. Virgil peeks up from his knees and sends me a small, shaky smile.

I take my eyes off of Virgil to get a good look at the boys. "Get our of here before I make you." Ethan, Zeke, and Lucas. I'll be sure to talk to Coach Boomer about them.

"What are you going to do Roman, you're just Mr. Twinkle Toes and we both know you wouldn't stand a chance in a real fight." Zeke spits and towers over me from my spot on the floor.

"Is there a problem here, boys?" Coach Boomer takes one look at the trio and then to Virgil's tear stained cheeks and shakes his head. "Detention for the three of you. Roman, you and Virgil have the rest of the class off. Go ahead and sit in the great hall."

I nod and pull Virgil up, allowing him to clutch my arm as we walk past the three with their slacked jaws.

I quickly gather our things and find the close test table to the gym doors in the hall. I drop the contents of my arms onto the table and give Virgil my full attention.

"You are okay? Did they hurt you? Have they bothered you before? So help me if they laid a single finger on yo-" My rambling is cut off when arms wrap around my torso. Gasping breaths are the only noise that comes comes from the sobbing boy.

I wrap my arms around him as he tucks his head under my chin. "I'm here, I'll be your hero for as long as you need me."

After a few minutes Virgil removes his head from my collarbone. I stare down into his dark eyes and can't help but smile. Gently, I wipe away the remaining tears from his porcelain cheeks.

I lower myself onto one of the large cushioned chairs and pat the space next to me. I notice him roll his eyes before plopping beside me.

As I busy myself with math homework I notice Virgil pulling his phone from the pocket of his new patched jacket. I feel a poke on my cheek to find myself being offered an earbud.

"Thank you, Virge." I put the earbud in as he scrolls through his music. For only getting that phone Sunday he's got a long playlist. He rests  his chin atop my shoulder and hooks his right arm around my left, getting comfortable enough to close his eyes when the song starts playing.

"Ah, Panic! At The Disco for little Panic at the Everywhere." I get a punch in the side for that comment. "I'm just saying you have good taste."

I attempt to focus on my homework buts it's extremely difficult when circles are being rubbed onto the back of my hand. My thoughts drift to the events of Monday night.

The six of us were in the basement watching one of Janus' favorite, Howl's Moving Castle. We were celebrating Virgil's first day at our school. We would have let him choose a movie but he hasn't seen many movies and Janus has a good movie taste.

Patton and Logan found themselves cuddled at one end of the couch while I sat beside them, Virgil tucked into the corner. Janus is under several blankets in the recliner and Remus is splayed himself out on the floor.

I could tell the school day took a lot out of Virgil as his head was bobbing toward my lap every few seconds.

Not very long after the movie started he was fast asleep with his head in my lap. "I'm surprised at how fast he's become comfortable with us." I say quietly, running my fingers through his hair.

"He seems to find a lot of comfort in you, Roman. That does surprise me." I huff at Logan's words but he continues nonetheless. "You have been there for the few days he has been here, always very welcoming and warm even with your relentless teasing. Maybe that's why he takes to you more, your not too uptight but still comforting."

"Or maybe because your so warm," Patton chuckles, "Virgil does seem to use you as a personal heater. He reminds me of a cat."

I'm ripped from my thoughts as the bell rings. I look down to Virgil, who's closing a notebook with very intricate drawings. "Wow Virgil, those are really good."

His face flushes and he shakes his head, gathering his things as I do the same.

"Don't be so modest, you're a very talented artist." I say as we stand. A sudden gasp escapes me, startling Virgil. "You should help decorate the set for drama. I could ask and Mrs. King would love the help." I glance down toward the awestruck boy.

I don't get an answer until I dropping him off at his study hall. "So can I ask her if you can help?" His cheeks are flushed as ever but I get a nod from him before he rushes into the classroom.

I turn away with a smile and flushed cheeks of my own. I begin to hum the last song Virgil and I were listening to, Panic! At The Disco's Roaring 20s.

1172 words my chickie nuggies. If anyone has any suggestions for what play/musical Roman should do I would appreciate it, cause I'm having trouble deciding. I hope you like this chapter!! Until next time, Zoe signing off.