#rrl01d66

Gen One, Day Sixty-Six

tw abuse

Almost half an hour later, the social workers and others came out, with Allan in tow. He had a backpack strung over one shoulder, head hanging low and a withdrawn look on his face. Eris stood, wringing her hands in her sleeves nervously as she watched. She half expected Allan to simply walk past her and get into the car with the social workers. 

He didn’t. He looked up at her and paused, glancing over his shoulder at one of the workers, who gave him an encouraging smile and a nod, before he headed over to stand in front of Eris. 

“Guess I’m leaving,” he said, tone detached, like he was lost standing there in his own skin. 

She didn’t know what to say. Good seemed cruel when he was still struggling with it. You’ll be fine seemed like a promise she couldn’t make, but one she hoped for. So she said nothing, just stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. To her relief, Allan did the same. He seemed to relax, his forehead coming to rest on her shoulder. She placed her hand gently on the back of his neck, not knowing if this was goodbye forever or just for now. She hoped the latter. 

“No one messes with my science partner,” she whispered to him. It earned her a laugh. Though reserved and followed by what sounded like a sob, she’d cherish that sound for a lifetime.

Gen One, Day Sixty-Six

tw abuse

Eris had made up her mind almost immediately after talking things through with her Mom. While she hadn’t given her the details, or even hinted at something this severe going on, the advice had still been sound. No matter what she was afraid of, one of her friends was in danger and it meant she couldn’t just sit on it and let it ride. He could hate her all he wanted for the rest of his life, but at least he’d have the rest of his life. 

Knocking on Allan’s door, she was pleasantly surprised when Allan came to the door instead of his father, but she was reminded why she was here when she saw all the bruises still lingering on his face. She couldn’t tell if there were more, but his eyes weren’t as swollen. 

“Hey,” he greeted her, almost sheepishly. “Look, I’m- I’m sorry about the other day...” 

“Can I come in?” she asked, not really acknowledging the apology and Allan nodded. 

“Yeah, Dad’s not home right now.”

It solidified in her the idea that she was doing the right thing, the fact that he felt obligated to tell her that. She stepped inside the trailer for the first time, taking a look around. There wasn’t a living room, just a small kitchenette with an old tv on the counter. A broken down washer and dryer in the hallway led to what she could only imagine was Allan’s father’s room, the door slightly ajar and showing an old lounge chair surrounded by beer bottles and plastic cups. Down the other side of the hall looked to be Allan’s room, his door off the hinges and just a mattress on the ground. She chewed her lip. God, he couldn’t even escape in his own home if he wanted to. 

“Uh, so...” Allan said, taking a seat at the counter. “How’d the presentation go?” 

She gave him a look, before crawling onto the stool next to him. “Not why I’m here.” 

Gen One, Day Sixty-Six

tw abuse

“Allan, you’re my friend and I really care about you,” Eris started. 

With a sigh, Allan shook his head. “No, Eris, stop. I know what this looks like, but...” 

She couldn’t listen to him deny it anymore. The evidence was all there, just the state of his house and the way he’d acted around his Dad, he was two different people. He was less scared today, but the moment their conversation turned serious, he was back to being that scared kid from yesterday. She hated it. Hated that someone did that to him, because she knew the real him. Knew how sweet and funny and intelligent he was. It tore her apart inside to know that his home life was hell and when he came to school, no one cared enough to see what he was going through. 

“This wasn’t a motorbike accident, Allan. I’m not buying that.” 

He floundered for a moment, torn between wanting to deny it once again or stick to his story. Luckily, this time he gave in, she could see the moment she’d deflated his defenses, his shoulders practically slumping. Running a hand over his face, he told her, “He doesn’t mean it.” The whispered words were painful to hear. “He’s going through a rough time...” 

Eris reached over, settling her fingers against his arm and it paused him, his gaze lingering on those fingers for a moment. “I’m sorry he’s going through a rough time, I am. But he can’t do this to you. You know that, right? You don’t deserve this.” He didn’t say anything, just sat there and let that small touch act as an anchor for every horrible thought in his head to be pushed aside. “I’ve asked for help.” 

That widened his eyes, his gaze flickering up to meet hers and the look of betrayal struck her hard. A car door from outside opened and closed and Alan’s breathing quickened. 

“What did you do?” 

Random Event Roll - Total Makeover (Change Style)