Tell Them!
The first thing Donella hears is “Where is that god damn kid?!”. She takes a deep breath and looks at Varian.
“How about we go talk with Mr. Jefferson. Would you want Hugo in the room?” She offers gently.
Varian thinks for a moment, then writes “I think my uncle would want him in there, so yes.”.
She nods.
“Then let's go say hi to him. I'll let you two talk and make your way to Mr. Jefferson's office while I grab Hugo, alright?”
He nods as he stands up, but almost loses his balance. She quickly stands up and stands next to him, putting her arm around him as support. He accepts it, and leans into her.
They both walk out, her being his beam of support.
Hector, who was swearing up a storm, looks over and sighs in relief.
“Kid! Oh shit, he got you good. Where the FUCK is that son of a bitch?!”
“Don't mean to put input in here, but I am not a bitch. I request for you two to head to Mr. Jefferson's office while i grab my *son*, got it, Mr. Drivas?”
He glares at her then looks back down at his nephew. He gives him a nod and Hector rolls his eyes.
“Fine. And control your son, I already know Varian wouldn't do anything to that kid if it wasn't for a good reason.”
“I am aware of this, and my son will be getting punished. Now please go to Mr. Jefferson's office, where we will discuss this problem further.” Donella says, glaring back at him. He picks up Varian and brings him to the office without giving any more fuss.
She starts walking back to her office, but hears a bunch of kids snickering in the conference room. She peeks her head in, just to see about 8 kids sitting there, 1 of them a crying mess, another one staring off into the distance, 3 snitches, 2 popular girls laughing, and a very frustrated Eugene.
“Uhm, why are we laughing?” She says, strictness in her tone. They cover their mouths and put their head down.
“Well Ms.-” one of the snitches says, putting their finger in the air.
“WELL ACTUALLY!!” One of the popular girls mock, making Eugene stifle laughter.
“Uhm, quiet down, Jess, come with me. Eugene, where's his phone?”
“Oh, I hid it behind the trash can, he wanted me to record it.”
“Assuming that's why you all are in here?”
“Yeah. We're all getting suspended. You can *see* how that affects a *certain* person.” Eugene says, looking at the kid who is crying.
“Well, do dumb stuff, get dumb rewards. Eugene, aren't you not even allowed to bring your phone to school?”
“Yeah. But Mr. Jefferson is accusing me of knowing about the situation, so he's suspending me for like 10 days.” He says, leaning back and crossing his arms.
She slightly snorts.
“Well, you guys are in here for a reason, so shut your mouth and sit here. Jess, come on.” She says, stepping out, Jess following after. She sits her down in another room and walks to the history class, the door being shut tightly. She looks through the glass, and sees the teacher cleaning up the blood dripping down the wall. Her eyes slightly widen as she opens the door and fully looks over.
She sees a few desks pushed out of the way, with two being flipped over. There is blood on the floor, and a pencil broken in half, with blood on one end of it.
She walks over to the scene, and the teacher looks up at her. She remains silent as she stares.
Her eyes glance up to the dent on the wall, blood dripping down it, along with two bloody handprints right near the dent.
She looks back down, and sees more blood on the floor, especially the pool of blood that is smudged around. She slightly shutters, the smell of metal, specifically iron fills her nose.
“Donella?” James says.
“Sorry, I was distracted. Don't worry about cleaning this, the two of them will take care of it, together.”
“Are you sure that's a good idea?”
“They hate each other. In order to do this, they need a plan. At least Hugo does. He prefers planning this kinda shit.”
“Oh, well good luck dealing with them. I think I'm going to need the next few days off..”
“I think so, too. Let's go.” She says, patting his back gently. He nods and walks out.
Donella quickly looks over near the trash can, and sees the camera slightly peeking out. She walks over and grabs it, ending the recording. She walks out, making sure to turn off the light and lock the door on her way out.
She walks to the main office, rewatching the recording that Hugo made.
“It really *should* have been you that died, shouldn't it have been?”
“God damn it, Hugo.”
She continues watching the fight commence, still walking to her office.
The office managers look at her.
“Is that Hugo's phone?”
“Yes, it is. He isn't getting it back, and we're going to Henry's office right now.” She says, putting it in her pocket. She slowly opens her door, and hears “WILSHIRE” by Tyler, The Creator playing from her laptop.
“Hello, problem child. You gotta come out.”
(E/N) ts is NOT the closet. ^
|
She says, moving the chair out of the way.
Hugo slowly looks at her, and she sees the blood dripping from the back of his head.
“Oh shit… how did I not notice that?” She says, helping him get out. She turns him around and sees that his hair is drenched in blood, and there is blood running down the back of his shirt and neck.
“There is- not a lot I can do..” She says, grabbing a water bottle and some paper towels.
She gets a few paper towels wet, and starts wiping the blood off of his neck and gently scrubs the wound on the back of his head.
“Mom..?”
“Yes, Hugo?”
“‘M sorry.. I don't know what's wrong with me.”
“You shouldn't be apologizing to me.”
Hugo sighs and nods. He turns towards her, and she sees that he has a severe black eye, nose looks slightly out of place, and red claw marks on his throat. She checks his wrists, and sees deep bruises forming, slightly making his scars less visible.
“I'm so ugly!” He randomly starts crying out. She jumps, not expecting his sudden emotional outburst. He leans against her, and she supports him up, rubbing his back in a supportive manner.
After a few minutes, his sobs die down into little sniffles. She breaks their hug, and looks at him.
She sees large streams of red falling down his face from his nose, and Hugo wiping away his tears.
She quickly grabs a tissue, commanding him to hold it by his nostrils. He complies, and she gently tips his head back, gently placing her hand on his nose, making him slightly flinch.
“We're going to fix this. Give me a countdown from 5.” She says, slightly tightening her grip.
“Five.. four.. three..” he slowly says in a shaky tone.
Before he can get to two, he hears a snap and excruciating pain cover his face. More tears fall down his face as she grabs more tissues, wiping away all the blood that remains on his face.
After a few minutes, his cries die down again, leaving him standing there with a few tissues pressed against his nose.
“I'm sorry, Hugh. I know it hurts. Want to get some ice from the nurse before we go to Mr. Jefferson's?”
He nods, his hands slightly shaking. She quietly guides him out of her office and to the nurses office, letting him awkwardly shuffle further away from her.
“We need some ice for his nose, if that's okay.” She states with a soft smile on her face.
“Of course! Just give me a minute.” She says, getting up from her desk and getting the ice pack prepared for him.
“While you're here, I wanted to let you know that Hugo hasn't been taking his meds the past few days, other than his ADHD meds. I was concerned and have been meaning to bring this up with you, but I haven't been able to see the right time.”
Donella looks at Hugo, and he quickly looks away.
“Well that explains the issues! You haven't been taking your main medicine!” She says in a frustrated tone, concern for him audibly showing in her voice.
“Not like it matters anyways..” he says, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms while looking away.
“Hugo Isaac Rottenwange!” She says, staring directly at him. He slightly lowers his head.
“Whatever.. Can I just get the ice?” he says, looking towards the nurse. She nods and gives it to him, a look of pity showing in her face. He shoots her a glare.
“I don't need your damn PITY! That's why your tits sag so much…”
“HUGO ISAAC!” Donella yells, making him jump and glare at her.
“Apologize to Nurse Bendy right now!”
“Uhm.. Nuh-uh! I don't want to! I thought you didn't want me lying to anyone?!”
“Jack, I am so sorry about him.. thank you so much.” She says to her, giving her a soft smile. She nods and the two walk out.
“What has gotten into you! You're not taking your medicine to make you feel better, you're starting physical fights, you're attacking this poor kid's family, and now you're insulting random women! This is not how I raised you! I am so disappointed in you, Hugo!” She says, gently pushing him to the office.
“That woman did not deserve to be told that, and that's not true!”
She opens the door, and the three people look at her and Hugo.
“You will apologize for causing trouble to this whole school! You will apologize to the nurse, you will apologize to Varian, you will apologize to Hector, you will apologize to the principal, and you will apologize to me! Got it?!”
He shakily sighs and nods, keeping his head down and avoiding eye contact with everyone in the room. He nervously fidgets with his hand, rolling his wrist around in circles, and picking at his nails.
Varians eyes slightly grow softer while looking at him.
“What this kid did to my nephew is unacceptable! Varian has suffered enough in his life and he doesn't need this *freak* making it worse!” Hector angrily says, glaring down at Hugo.
“I may be mad at him right now, but you do NOT call my son a freak. He may not have correct morals, but he is still a human being. We are working with his therapist with his issues. I admit, Hugo was making comments about your family first, but Varian is the one that started the physical fight AND caused my son to have a mental breakdown. This school doesn't defend bullying, and it most DEFINITELY doesn't support physical violence!” Donella says, her words sounding like poison. Hector glares more, and opens his mouth to argue.
“It's my fault.” Hugo says, causing the angry Uncle to look at him.
“Mr. Rottenwange, you know that this will most definitely include you being suspended, most likely expelled?” Mr. Jefferson says.
“I know. My mom has my phone, and it has the whole interaction, even me talking with a friend. The attack was out of nowhere and I take complete and all blame for the situation. It was encouraged by immaturity on my behalf. I have been refusing to take my medicine for my conditions and disorders. I'll accept any and all punishment that you choose to give me.” Hugo says, holding onto his arms tightly, slightly wincing. Henry glances at Varian, who is giving him pleading eyes, almost as if he's saying leave him be!!!
Mr. Jefferson sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Hugo, you will be guided to each class by an officer and will be escorted to the nurses office everyday. Considering it could have possibly been due to being overwhelmed, you will be allowed to go to Ms. Rottenwange's office to hang out for 2 class periods per day. If you abuse these advantages, I will not allow you to hang out with your mom, and instead put you in a cubicle. Teachers will give me everyday reports on your behavior. Is this clear, Mr. Rottenwange?” Mr. Jefferson states.
“Yes, sir. Again I apologize for what I have done. Varian, I'm sorry for making comments about your family. I don't really have room to talk. Mr. Drivas, I'm sorry for causing harm to your family and loved ones.”
“Good. Now, Varian, you can't go without punishment either. You stabbed him in the arm with a pencil, and slammed his head into the floor multiple times. You will also be escorted to each class and will also have teachers moderate your behavior. Is this clear?”
Varian nods blankly.
“You both will be suspended for 2 weeks, and will not be allowed to return to the school until those 2 weeks are up. Understood?”
Both of the teens nodded, tension clogging up the air.
“Good. Now starting today, you both will be suspended, starting now. You will have officers with you as you grab your stuff.”
“Henry, I also have a suggestion on the matter of the state of the classroom.” Donella says, looking at him.
“What is it?”
She smirks while glancing at the two boys.
====☆
Hugo sighs in frustration as he scrubs the floor, attempting to get the blood out of the cracks. Varian is attempting to not pass out as he starts wiping the blood off the wall.
“Ugh, I like being on my knees, but not like this!” Hugo says, attempting to lighten the mood. Varian shoots him a death glare, making Hugo jump and continue scrubbing.
“Listen, I know you might not believe me, but I really am sorry.”
“No, you're not.” He says, years of pent up anger hiding in his voice. Hugo tenses up and looks at him.
Varian is staring directly at him, stare icy and cold, full of agony.
“I am sorry, Varian. I knew it was a sensitive topic, and I made fun of you anyways. You don't deserve it.”
“So only now you're sorry? When you get in trouble and your step-mom can't get you out of the situation? You're only sorry when you actually face what you've done? You're only sorry when you get in trouble? Where was this when you made fun of my Aunt for her culture? Where was this when you made fun of my Uncle for being an animal lover? Where was this when you insulted my dad, saying that “he could have survived”? Where was this when you made fun of me dying my hair out of respect for him? You made me hate my dads favorite color. You made me hate the voice that my dad loved. You made me hate the way I solved problems. You made me hate every single thing you said to me. So yeah. I'm REALLY sure that you're sorry.” He says, walking towards him, as Hugo gets up, and steps back.
“Varian, I KNOW it doesn't make up for what I've done, and I KNOW it doesn't seem believable! But I really wanna try here! You're a nice guy, and you deserve to have friends that respect you! I want to help you with that!”
Hugo's back hits a wall.
“I know i fucked up! And I want to make up for that! I hurt you, I really did-”
“You're making it all about yourself. Why don't you give me a few examples of how you hurt me?”
“Well, for starters, I made everyone hate you because I was talking shit!”
“Everyone talked shit. You didn't start it. You just played as a pawn.”
“Oh.. w-well-... I.. uhm..”
“Mhm.. have A LOT of examples there. You don’t see anything you did wrong.”
Varian gets close to his face, a dark look looming over him.
“You attack people for shit, but for the same shit that you have done. You should feel nothing but pure dread when you see me around.”
Varian angrily turns around and walks towards the door.
“Varian, I-”
“No. Just-.. No.”
He hears Varian slightly sniffle.
“You've already done enough…” his voice slightly breaking as he fully walks out the room, leaving Hugo to clean up the mess.
====☆
Varian blankly stares out the window, watching the trees and cars go by. He has his arms wrapped around himself as The Smiths are playing over the radio quietly.
“So, you wanna explain what happened? Y'know, before Adira goes on a rampage?” Hector says, a slight tone of humor in his voice, attempting to lighten the mood.
Varian gives him a weak glance, then he brings his knees up to his chest and hugs them. He slightly shrugs his shoulders, avoiding eye contact.
Hector frowns.
“Well, he has a *very* poor fashion sense.”
He receives another shrug from the quiet teen.
“Kid, I know you have some sort of feelings about it. Not just shrugging it off like it's nothing. We're with each other for the rest of our lives, just please, respond with something more than a shrug.”
Varian glances at him, then lets out a slow sigh.
“I guess I'm just mad.” He manages out in a whisper. Hector gives him an understanding look.
“He just thinks that I'm going to sit around and do nothing about him teasing my family? I'm pissed off.”
“You're allowed to be mad.”
“And he makes comments about my dad! He.. accused me of killing him. I didn't know what was happening!” He raises his voice, slight tears pricking into the corners of his eyes. “I didn't see the car coming. I-.. he..”
“Kid, you don't need to talk about your dad. I know what happened and I believe you. That Hugo kid just can't handle how bad his life is. But that doesn't justify what he said. I'm proud that you attacked him!”
“You're proud of me?! After I ruined our family name? AGAIN?” Varian says, his eyes widening as he looks at him.
“I really am! That kid was talking shit and you stood up for our family name! It takes a lot of guts to do that, kid!”
Varian angrily pulls on his headphones and rests his forehead against his knees. He can hear his uncle sigh faintly through his headphones.
====☆
Varian kicks off his shoes and he quickly goes to his room, shutting the door behind him.
He turns on his galaxy projector and TV. He lays down his bed and stares at every single detail in his ceiling. His mind replays the situation, over and over again.
He thinks of what he could have done to stop it.
What he could have done to stop his dad.
A tear rolls down his cheek as he stares at the crevices emotionlessly. His body grows heavy against his messy bed. He can hear gentle but fast footsteps approaching his room. He slowly moves his arms to wipe at his tears. He attempts to sit up, but his torso refuses to move. He glances down at his door, and he watches his aunt walk in.
“Hey, hairstripe. How are you holding up?”
Varian weakly shrugs his shoulders.
She walks over. “Can I sit?”
Varian gives a bored nod towards her. She gently sits down next to him, keeping her eyes glued to his face. He makes eye contact with her.
“So a fight, huh?”
He looks up towards his ceiling, then down, to look at her again.
“Hm. By the looks of it, you won?”
Varian shrugs a shoulder.
“Well, who got in more damage?”
“Can you just please, stop with the whole ‘pretend to be calm’ thing? I'm clearly not okay right now. He said some fucked up shit about my dad. I just need a minute alone for now.” Varian says, exhaustion layered in his voice.
Adira gives him a humble nod, gets up, and walks towards the door.
She gives him a final glance, before walking out and shutting the door behind her.