ELIJAH
As I watched Nadia arrive early in the morning, every fiber of my being yearned to rush to her, wrap my arms around her, and hold her close. But the look on her face told me she was still reeling from the events of the previous day.
I clenched my jaw, memories of yesterday's turmoil flooding back. Glancing down at my hand, I felt the pain in my knuckles for the first time – a physical reminder of the anguish I'd unleashed.
Nadia walked with her head down, her hoodie pulled up, and her hands tucked into her pockets. She maintained her distance, and I sensed she didn't want me near her. Respecting her boundaries, I kept my distance during lunch.
But the pain of pushing her away still lingered. I had spoken words I didn't mean, intending to drive her away. The hurt in her eyes haunted me, consuming me with guilt.
As I brushed past her, the sweet scent of her perfume wafted up, tempting me. I bit my lip, closing my eyes to maintain my composure. I needed to put distance between us, or this wouldn't work.
"Hey, bro. I didn't see much of you today," Nicholas said, breaking the silence.
Anthony sat down beside me, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know."
"What's wrong? Did you guys get into a fight?" Anthony asked, his eyes following mine to Nadia.
I exhaled slowly. "Kind of. I messed it up," I admitted, shaking my head.
Ishan's expression turned concerned. "What happened, bro?"
I hesitated, replaying the events in my mind. "There was this guy sitting next to her... He handed her,her bag, but I saw a fresh bruise on her wrist."
Nicholas's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying he did that to her?"
I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. "That's what I thought, but she defended him. I don't know, man... Maybe I misread the whole situation."
The memory left a bitter taste in my mouth. I pushed the thoughts aside, trying to focus on the positive. "You know what? Maybe it's for the best." Nicholas continued, "Relax, man. She probably just needs some space."
But Anthony countered, "I don't know, man. I think you should talk to her."
Their words faded into the background as my gaze drifted back to Nadia. She didn't look okay, like something was bothering her.
Something was wrong.
Just as I stood up, unable to bear the uncertainty, my sister and Blue approached Nadia. They enveloped her in a warm hug and sat down beside her.
A wave of relief washed over me, knowing she wasn't alone. She didn't need me right now.
I turned around, heading to my next class, leaving Anthony and the rest of the boys behind.
□□□
"Bro, I have to ask you something," Anthony said, trailing behind me.
I stopped and turned to face him, my patience wearing thin. "What is it now?"
Anthony hesitated. "So, I want to take Blue out on a date, but I don't know where to take her."
I raised an eyebrow. "Well, what does she like?"
Anthony thought for a moment. "Uh, picnics?"
I chuckled. "Maybe you should ask her what she likes a bit more often, but a picnic is a good start."
Anthony's face lit up. "You think?"
I nodded. "Yeah, man. Whatever she likes guarantees everything. At least most of the time."
Anthony beamed with excitement. "Thanks, man! You're the best."
He turned serious, his expression sympathetic. "Look, I know things aren't going well for you and Red, but... don't give up on it. This is probably the happiest I've seen you."
Precisely, I thought to myself. It'll be good until it's not.
Just then, we heard hurried footsteps approaching. "Guys, guys, hold on!" Blue called out, running toward us.
We turned in unison, concern etched on our faces. Blue was breathing heavily, her hand on her chest.
"Blue, what's wrong?" Anthony asked, alarm creeping into his voice. "It's about Red,"
I straightened up, my instincts on high alert. "What happened to her?"
Blue's eyes locked onto mine. "Her father... something happened to him. He's not doing well. And neither is she."
My expression turned grim. "What do you mean? Where the hell is she?"
Blue's voice trembled. "On top of the school building."