Saturday came and went with ease. George had a very awkward interaction with Dream. George was tasked to ask Dream about his medical experience so far. He couldn't help but get distracted every time Dream, Clay spoke. He had a voice as sweet as honey, George could honestly listen to him speak for hours. It was nearing the evening, and George's shift would be over soon.
It was now Sunday. George felt a pit in his stomach. Clay was going to be discharged today. So the likelihood of the two boys ever interacting again was very slim. He found himself leaning against the receptionist's desk as usual, though Dan wasn't there today. Instead it was a sweet lady with big eyes. George didn't have the same connection with her so he left his pounders to himself.
Spread out in front of him was a study guide. It was very thick and held practically all the information George had ever learned about medical practice. He had a test in the Spring. This test would tell if he got a scholarship into an elite medical school, a scholarship he desperately needed.
George had tried to immerse himself in study but the charming smile of Clay kept appearing in thought. His stomach filled with butterflies every time he thought about the football star. I can't have a crush on him. He thought. I don't even know the guy. Plus its so obvious he's straight. George wanted to believe that was true. But he clang onto the fact Dream called him cute, even if he was heavily out of it.
"Hey! It's you." Sapnap's voice called out to George.
Awe fuck. George turned to Sapnap and forced a grin. "Hello."
"I'm here to see Clay, i even brought him flowers." Sapnap beamed. He was so proud of himself.
"Yeah i saw you buy those last night." George looked passed Nick to see if his group was also there, but he just saw Clay's parents. They must've come together. George concluded.
"I'm off to see lay now, i guess I'll see you tomorrow at school then." Sapnap dipped his head and walked off down the hall, followed by Mrs. Blocc. Mr. Blocc lingered in the lobby and then approached George when he was alone.
He looked nervous, uncomfortable even. "Hey Founders." George mentally cringed when he was called by his last name but he forced a cheerful look anyways.
"Mr. Blocc, how may i help you?" George asked.
"You are a smart kid, right? Good grades n all?"
"Uh yes sir, I have straight A's. If i may ask, why?" George's face twisted in confusion.
Mr. Blocc rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, Clay is... struggling, grade wise. And me and his mother are afraid that with his injury he wont be able to get a scholarship." George nodded, pretending that he followed. "He wont be able to graduate with the grades he has now... so I'm asking if you will tutor him."
"As much as i would love too, I just don't have the time, with work and school-"
"We'll pay. Fifty bucks an hour." Mr. Blocc offered.
"I- FIFTY DOLLARS?" George breathed in disbelief. He knew the Bloccs were wealthy but that much money was just a wild concept to George. How could he not take it? He would be getting paid handsomely to tutor the hottest boy in school. George got giddy. "It would have to work around my schedule."
Mr. Blocc nodded. "Of course."
"I... I am free after school tomorrow. Since your son is getting discharged today i can come over after school tomorrow and start, if that's alright."
Monday morning George awoke on the couch of his living room. Since his house only had two room, he gave the privilege of having a bed to his mother and sister. He kind of liked sleeping on the couch anyways. He rose from his sleeping place and tidied up the room. Now it looked clean. George was overall a really neat person. He like calm and order. Having a messy house gave the boy anxiety. It was about five in the morning, classes started at eight.
He went to work following his morning routine. He went to the bathroom and showered quickly. When the steam cleared from the mirror, George looked at himself. He was very thin. George wasn't eating properly. It was rare they had a lot of food in the house so every meal was made for his family. He usually ate scraps. He was so thin, his ribs started to poke out. George grimaced.
After he was bathed and dressed, George went to work in the kitchen, making breakfast for his family. His sister would be up in about twenty so George took his time. Grabbing waffle mix from their almost barren cabinet he mixed some up. He prepared two plates. He grabbed a glass of water and dropped a pill into it and waited it to dissolve.
George's mother was chronically ill, which was why George was the only one fit to work. His mom had been suffering from illness ever since he was very young, but it have only recently gotten worse. George knew she didn't have long left. He hated thinking that way but, he knew medicine, and he knew she wasn't getting better.
"Good morning mom..." George spoke ever so softly as he entered the dark master bedroom. His mother stirred in her bed as she awoke, then she sat up.
"Good morning Georgie..." She responded, her voice rasped with sick.
"I made you breakfast, and i got your meds." George placed the food on a bed table thing and placed it over her lap. "I have that tutoring after school today so ill be home late, and Liz has theatre rehearsal too..." He mumbled the days plan. He then began to help his mother eat.
His mother grabbed his hand and squeezed. "You are a good son... i don't deserve you." She offered a very weak smile. Sorrow squeezed George's heart. He knew damn well he wasn't good enough. His mother, his sister, everyone deserved way more than he could offer. George swallowed back tears.
"I love you mom, i have to get Liz ready now..." George kissed the top of his mother's head and walked out of the room.
George had a strange childhood because he didn't have one really. He needed to grow up so fast and that ruined him. He was smart and everything, but he was emotionally cut off. Sure he could express love and such but if he received it, he panicked. George always thought of himself as lesser. He didn't deserve dinner when his sister hadn't eaten. He didn't deserve to sleep when bills needed to get paid. George worked himself to the bone everyday and no one really saw it. No one noticed he was wasting away like a corpse in a grave.
How long until George fell over the edge? He had a breaking point, and it was only a matter of time before he shattered.
