(Jae’s POV)
Tap, tap, tap.
I look out my window at around 6pm to see Tyler tossing pebbles at my window. Both my “parents” are passed out cold from utter exhaustion from having beaten me because they found out I snuck out the night before.
I take a look at myself in the mirror

• Black eye
• Tear stains
• Split lip
• Bruises
• Cut thighs (but no one needs to know about that)

Tap, tap, tap
“Calm down, I’m coming.” I yell down at Tyler’s impatient ass. I take one last look at myself before pulling up my hood and starting down the fire escape. I slide down the last couple of rungs of the ladder and land on the picnic table, giving me steps back up to the ladder. I turn around to face Tyler and his face drops as soon as he sees me.
“What happened to you?” He asks, pushing back my hood, trying to get a better look.
“Nothing, I’m fine.” I say, pulling my hood forward.
“It was them, wasn’t it? Again?” He presses, pushing back my hood again. I nod, not wanting to talk about it. I pat down my pockets, looking for my pack. I fucking forgot it. I turn to head back in, but I’m stopped by Tyler grabbing my arm, knowing exactly what I was gonna get. I sigh but give in and we start walking. I learn that we’re going to see a movie before heading back to his house to watch the Leafs-Kings game.
“I’m not letting you go back there tonight. Not after the shit they pulled today.” He says, pulling me around to look into my eyes.
“We have school tomorrow. If I were to stay at yours, I’d have to get clothes and shit to cover this,” I point to my eye, “and I also need to shower and get my books.”
“So sneak in, get your crap and come back to mine. You can shower here and I’ll help you with any homework you might have.” He offers, really insisting on it happening. I finally give in and we get on with our day.

Notes