02

02: Friend

I made my way into the hall where everyone seemed to whisper about Evan; their voices thickly admiring him which made me inwardly cringe. The guys wanted to be him whereas the girls wanted to fuck him.

Running a hand through my hair I looked disgustingly at the slop of food on my plate, it was meant to be some form of lasagna but clearly the school didn't have the greatest funds to insure adequate quality.

"You know the people in this school sure do like to talk" Evan chuckled briefly as he sat opposite. Frowning I instantly swallowed saliva and turned my head away.

"Have I said anything to offend you?" The now curious guy queried with a low tone. "I just meant that everyone seems to be talking about me"

I scoffed "I wouldn't be too happy about it. You're the new play toy" which made Evan stare at me curiously.

"New toy..." He hummed to himself "what does that even mean?" Evan began to laugh lightly which made me nibble down on my bottom lip.

"Stop laughing" I mumbled bleakly "people are staring"

Evan instantly quietened "they were kind of staring before anyway" he played with his food and put a forkful in his mouth. "Not to make you uncomfortable but they keep talking about you too"

"Tell me something I don't already know" I mumbled with disdain "apparently everyone here decided early on that I'm someone not to be friends with"

"So.. at this point I'm just counting down the days until I can leave" I shrugged

"You know, if they actually sat down and talked with you they would realise you're a nice person" Evan told me with a kind voice, his voice melting puddles inside of me.

Blushing I felt the familiar tears build up in my eyes but I blinked them away. It's been awhile since someone was so kind towards me- I almost missed it.

"Thank you.. but like I told you earlier. You should stay away from me" I retorted "people here don't like anything out of ordinary and I scream unordinary" my humour was dry and sarcastic but I didn't have much warmth left inside me anymore.

Evan frowned "I don't know why people are so cruel to you... do you not have one friend ?"

Embarrassingly I nodded and continued playing with my food "sadly, nobody wants to be my friend and I'm somehow okay with that" I lied. It would be nice to have a friend, someone that I could actually go to if I was feeling upset.

"I'll be your friend" Evan blurted out with a grin "I'm not too bad- though I am very annoying sometimes"

Chuckling I shook my head "I wouldn't allow you to revel in my torture. But thank you for the offer"

Katie walked over to our table and sat next to me as if we were close, it made me feel nauseous and instantly my whole body froze. Her boyfriend Charlie sat the other side of me with a dark glimmer in his eyes which was unreadable to me.

Evan flickered his eyes between the both of them before landing on mine, as if asking me if I was okay which I nodded.

"My name is Charlie" The blond introduced himself to Evan with a grin. "And this is my lovely girl Katie" he pointed towards the brunette with adoration.

"Nice.. to meet you both" Evan greeted back. "You're friends with Maeve?"

Instantly Charlie began to laugh with Katie joining in, placing a hand on my shoulder. "She wishes- that's why we came over actually"

Evan's face faltered as he scanned the two intently. "And what would that be ?"

"You shouldn't be hanging around with girls like her" Charlie said with a shrug, acting as if I was non existent.

Deciding not to be involved and be disappointed with Evan's response I decided to stand up from the table but Katie glared at me, tugging my arm so I was sat back down. "No- you're staying"

Evan shook his head with distaste "I'm pretty happy with being friends with Maeve. I rather that then be surrounded by assholes"

Instantly taken back Katie released her grip and Charlie looked stunned. "We are only trying to help you- we aren't assholes we just have common sense" Katie scoffed.

Evan rolled his eyes bleakly "common sense... that's why you bully someone that doesn't fit your standards ? I'm good thank you" he said flatly.

The confidence radiating off him was making my whole body shudder; he was standing up for me.

"Evan you don't have to- I began to say but was instantly cut off by him talking. "I suggest you both leave us alone"

Katie looked between us and scrunched up her nose "it's a shame. Enjoy your charity project"

Charlie had the same displeased look and stood up "we gave you the opportunity, but go ahead and hang out with this weirdo and see where it gets you"

Evan pursed his lips together "I'll gladly hang out with Maeve. Thank you for your reassurance"

The two then walked away and began whispering towards other people which made me lower in my seat. "You shouldn't have done that"

Evan grabbed my hand from across the table "you're right I should of said more. Dickheads.."

Widening my eyes I ushered for him to quiet his voice but he simply smirked. "Stop being so worried. What did I say? These people only excel in high school. When they leave school we can sit back and laugh"

I smiled softly "maybe you're right..."

"But still, you shouldn't of done that because now people will be the same with you" I admitted lowly. Now worried that Evan would receive the same treatment that I do.

"I don't care. Just shut up and be friends with me" He said smugly "if you're that worried least make it worth my upcoming torment"

Blushing I shook my head briefly "I don't do friends-

"Well looks like you have one now. Friend" he teased with his signature smile I've so quickly become accustomed to. His dimples showing themselves in all their glory.

"F-fine but you'll regret it" I whined above a whisper which made Evan tighten his grip on my hands.

"I won't regret it, you seem like my sort of person"

**

School had ended and I wish I could say I was relieved but all it meant was a beating from my drunken father once I'm home.

Walking towards the familiar building with my cigarette in hand; all I could think about was Evan and how he truly was a light in all the darkness. As much as I tried to protect him; I knew he wouldn't listen to me.

The toxic fumes from my cigarette made me shudder as I trudged home; trying to mentally prepare myself for my father. Maybe if I was lucky he would be passed out; but that rarely happened.

Opening the door I creeped up our stairs, trying not to make a sound from the floorboards.

"Is that you Maeve ?" Dad slurred, his footsteps nearing me which made me gulp back saliva.

"Y-yes dad I'm home" I responded numbly, my whole body going rigid.

"Good because I've wanted to see that disgusting face of yours" he snapped with disdain, his face now coming to sight as he stood by the stairs.

I shuddered "dad- I'm really tired I'm going to go to bed. We will talk later-

"No! Come here right now" he demanded thickly, his demeanour angry and bitter.

Deciding on going back down the stairs I faced him with pleading eyes.

"I'm hungry, make me dinner"

Looking towards the ceiling I nodded "sure.. what did you want ?"

Dad slapped me harshly across the face making me wince; my body almost stumbling over. "Don't speak to me like that! You should ask me what would I like not what do I want!"

He grabbed my arm firmly and pulled me across to the kitchen. "I don't want to hear a single word from you. Make me dinner and it better be good- if it isn't then your beating will be worse later"

Biting down on my lip to suppress the tears I began preparing the food, not wanting to receive anymore backlash.