My heart drops when Travis enters school.
He looked nothing like the boy who managed to accept that he liked me back in the rain. Nothing like the boy who smiled at Phillip's words.
He was still himself... But, he wasn't there.
He bumped into someone as he walked through the halls, and when they said something rude to him, he didn't even bat an eye towards them, just kept walking.
I swallow the lump that dares to form in my throat, and I feel a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Sally... You alright?" Larry looks down at me as I turn to look up at him, and even he couldn't try and smile.
I shake my head, my pigtails following my movement. "No, I don't think I am."
Larry squeezes my shoulder before pulling me into his embrace, distracting me from Travis, even if it was just for a small moment.
~~~
After first period, Phillip had texted me and told me that Travis snapped back at the teacher when he was told to pay attention.
I feel like I have to do something. But I tried to snap him out of it yesterday, but it didn't work.
I fear that if I try and snap him out of it again... It might just hurt him more.
The look on his face when he realized that he pushed me, it was a look of fearâ Heartbreak.
I know exactly what he was thinking, which was why I tried to tell him I was fine.
I know he thought he was just like his father. But he's not. He's so much more than Kenneth and I just need to get him to realize it. But I don't know how.
I fear-
"Fisher! Are you even paying attention to the lesson?" Mrs. Packerton raises a brow, and I could tell she was slightly surprised that I wasn't paying attention for once.
"Sorry." I apologize, and I saw Travis lift his head, but he doesn't turn to look at me.
I wish he did.
The bell rang not long after, and I walked to the cafeteria, grabbing my lunch before heading to our usual table, Ash and Larry already there.
I sit down across from Larry, watching silently as people walked into the cafeteria.
I spotted Phillip, but I don't think he noticed me.
When everyone was settled in the cafeteria, though...
He wasn't here.
My gaze drifts to the table that Travis always sits at, and his spot was empty. Even Phillip turned to look at the empty spot before his gaze meets mine.
Something has to be wrong. Why is Travis gone? He was just in class moments ago...
Next thing I know, Phillip is walking towards us. He pauses next to Ash, an awkward, fake, smile on his face. "Can I sit down for a moment?"
I scoot over, giving him space to sit down, and he does.
Larry, Ash, and Todd glance over at Phillip, curiosity in Ash and Todd's gaze. Larry and I haven't told them about Travis yet, but they're about to find out real soon.
Not that I care. Not right now.
"What's up, Phillip?" My hand subtly reaches up to tug on one of my pigtails. I felt like something was gnawing on my heart, very slowly, very painfully.
"It's bad, Sal." Phillip turns to look at me, and I saw the fear and sadness in his eyes. "He'sâ He's never been this bad."
No.
I swallow hard, my hands lowering to rest on my jeans, hiding the way they started to sweat from nerves. "How do you know he's worse than before?"
Phillip runs a hand across his face, a sigh leaving his lips as he tries to control himself.
"He snapped at me. He's never gotten mad at me like that." Phillip closes his eyes, shaking his head.
I know Ash and Todd are piecing it together, but I'm glad that nobody else is saying anything right now. I don't think I would be able to handle it.
"What happened?"
"I tried to talk to him a few periods ago. He told me to fuck off, and when I tried to push him to open up, he started shouting at me."
I saw the slightest tremble in Phillip's hands.
My heart now felt like it was running a marathon. I feared the words that could possibly come out of Phillip's mouth.
"You don't think..." I struggle to keep my voice even, the pounding of my heart echoing in my ears.
"I don't know." His voice cracks as he closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I don't know."