Hush, Hush \\ KELLIC BOYXBOY

12

Finally, class was over. I was eager to get out of there because the essay to make up for my failing grade was due today, so I needed to lock myself in my room and finish it before the deadline. I should have just skipped class really, but we get graded for attendance too. I shoved my books into my bag and quickly left along with everyone else. I still hadn't managed to make any friends in class. Then again, I wasn't really trying.

"Kellin."

The voice surprised me. I had planned on going home and having a boring day filled with working on assignments, but instead I was thrown this curve ball. Waiting for me just outside the doors to the classroom was Oliver.

"Oliver..." I spoke quietly. I looked around, desperate for a quick escape. I'm in public. He can't do anything to me here.

"Hey, Kellin," he said in a friendly tone. Students were pushing past us, making disgruntled noises because I was standing in the main walkway. I moved to the side with Oliver following my every movement. I looked at him, wondering what the hell he was doing here. He knew I had class here, so he was waiting on purpose. This wasn't just coincidence.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I just want to talk, that's all," he said.

"Well, I'm busy. I have things to do," I said.

"Five minutes. That's all I ask, please," he begged. I stood there, gnawing on my bottom lip as I contemplated his request. I told myself that I never wanted to see him again, but when he stood in front of me with those pleading eyes I couldn't help but give him the time of day. After all, we had been through a lot together. I owe both of us at least one conversation.

"You have one minute," I said. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited.

"Okay well, for starters, I've been seeing a therapist who specializes in anger management," he said quickly. I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

"A therapist?" I questioned.

"Well, yeah...you always said I needed help so..." he trailed off.

"Okay, and?"

"And I want you to come back home," he said. I dropped my arms and sighed.

"Oliver..."

"I'm serious. I'm getting better. My therapist says my issues go back to my parents," he said.

"Your parents?" I questioned. I didn't know all too much about his family. He never really spoke about them. All I knew was about his brother who was in the same boy's home that I was because his parents couldn't handle how he was always breaking the law doing stupid things.

"Yes," he said simply. It was almost like he didn't want to elaborate.

"You're almost out of time," I said impatiently.

"It's complicated, okay," he sighed, "But basically my dad used to hurt my mom when I was kid. She wanted to leave him...but then...he'd hurt her and she'd stay," he spoke so quickly and in a quiet voice. He was obviously uncomfortable about the topic. Part of me wanted to go into more depth about this, but another part of me didn't want to talk to him at all.

"So you're basically becoming your father?" I accused.

"No...yes...I don't know. There's so much more to it, Kellin," he said. There probably was, but I said I'd only give him a minute of my time. I wasn't his boyfriend anymore. We weren't even friends. I didn't want to delve into all of his issues.

"I have to go," I told him. He frowned, looking kind of pissed off.

"Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to open up like that?" he asked.