A Beautiful Reflection From Firework Eyes

There's No Place To Go

Thank god we don't have the early shift for Study today. Otherwise, I would have fallen asleep in the middle of using my powers. I can't help but smile, though. It was worth it, sneaking out and staying out late. Meeting Alex and Jack. Two others, just like Kellin and me. I am not alone anymore.

I wake up at the buzzer signaling food is arriving. A hand touches my shoulder. I roll over, not wanting to open my eyes. If it's around noon now, I've only gotten a few hours of sleep.

"Vic," a voice says. "Wow, you were tired."

"Go away," I mumble, burying my face in the blankets. "I'm sleeping."

I hear Kellin's light laugh as he shakes me again. "C'mon, wake up," he says.

I groan, finally opening my eyes, blinking in the light.

Kellin is standing over me with an amused expression on his face. "Morning," he says when he sees I'm finally awake. "Or should I say afternoon?"

"Shut up," I mutter as I sit up, running my hand through my hair. I notice he's still moving stiffly as I sit down on the floor next to him. "You seem happy. How are you feeling?"

"I've been better," he admits. "But, I'm okay."

"Can I see?" I ask, motioning to his shirt.

He hesitates, then nods, pulling it off. My cheeks heat up, and I look away, not wanting him to see that I'm blushing. I look at him, seeing his cheeks are red too, his gaze avoiding mine. I come closer to him, waiting for him to nod before I touch him. I carefully pull off the bandages, trying not to hurt him. The bruises look more faded than yesterday, the cuts much shallower. Is it possible he's healed faster? He shifts uncomfortably as I run my fingers along the mostly healed skin. I drop my hand quickly, moving back from him.

"Do they still hurt?" I ask.

He shrugs as he pulls on his shirt, wincing as does so. "Not as much as yesterday. I think my powers are working."

"That's good," I say. "At this rate, you'll be healed by tomorrow."

"They're just gonna do it again," Kellin says. "So, there's no point is there?"

I don't know what to do or say. Comfort him and lie to him? Or tell him the truth. Neither is a good option.

He sees my expression and seems to read my mind. "It's okay," he says hastily. "I know."

"It's not though," I say, frustrated. "They're hurting you."

"It's just for my powers," he says. "I'll be okay once they kick in."

I shake my head. "They're still hurting you," I say. "That's not okay."

He just shrugs, looking away from me. My stomach twists as I remember what he said last time. I've had worse. Anger flares in my mind. None of this is okay. They shouldn't be allowed to hurt Kellin. No one should.