“Don’t worry, I’m just taking her to the station.” Az said as he opened the door.

“It’s still cute, though. Be sure to visit again, Zoey.”

“I will, Az’s mom-“

“Ah-ah. Call me mom in law.” Gloria said with a wink, but Az simply grabbed Zoey out of the house before closing the door.

“My goodness. Sorry about that.” Az said as he and Zoey left for the train station.

The sun was quickly setting and it was getting rather dark.

“No, she’s amazing! I wish I had a mother like her.” Zoey said with a giggle.

“Oh?” Az sounded.

“Yeah… it’s just me and Lucas. He’s all I’ve ever had. That’s why it-“

“It sucks when people treat you differently out of their fear of him?” Az asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Exactly! Look at you finishing my sentences.” Zoey said as she punched Az’s shoulder lightly.

“The more I learn about you, the easier your situation is to understand. That’s all.” Az said.

“Do you always have to talk all pragmatic like?” Zoey asked as they approached the station.

“That’s just the way I talk.”

“Hey, wanna learn more about me?” Zoey asked as she stopped.

“Perhaps-“

“You’re supposed to say yes, ya idiot!” Zoey cried before pinching Az’s cheek.

“Fine. Yes.”

“Then why don’t you take me out or something.” Zoey said.

Az’s eyes widened.

“No! Not like a date or anything. I mean a movie or something like that.” Zoey said as she lowered her head.

“Ok. How about we go see a movie this Saturday?” Az asked.

“Deal!” Zoey said as she offered Az her pinkie.

Az raised an eyebrow.

“Our promise. I just you to know how serious I am about being your friend.” Zoey said.

Az sighed before linking his pinkie with hers.

“Together forever?” Zoey asked.

“Together forever.” Az said just as the train approached the station.

“Ok, bye!” Zoey said as she ran into the station.

Az laughed softly before returning home, to find Rose sitting by the kitchen table.

Az took the first step to his room when Rose spoke.

“That girl… looks like she’s serous about you.” She said.

“What do you mean?”

“Mmm… nah. Forget I said anything. Sleep easy, champ.” Rose said as a frown formed on Az’s face.

He then breathed deeply before making his way into his room where he plopped onto his bed before staring at the ceiling for a bit.

His phone then vibrated and he checked to find that Zoey was calling.

“Hey, did you make it home safely?”

[Kinda, I’m not there yet. I’m like down the street. Anyway, I don’t know when it was, but you said that Holly said something to you. What was it?]

Zoey asked.

“Oh, that. She said she wanted money. A loan to be specific. That and I also saw her on the roof with Ryan. It sounded like she owed him money or something-“

[Fuck!]

Zoey yelled.

“What?”

[That little rat is a fucking drug dealer]

Zoey yelled. Az heard what sounded like keys.

[You see why I told you to steer clear of that creep?]

“Yeah.”

[Yeah, sorry I’m late. I was at Az’s house. Yeah, I texted. Check your phone.]

Zoey said. Az deduced that she was talking to Lucas and even though he was nowhere near Lucas, Az felt a chill run up his spine.

[So, yeah. She’s probably taking Rapture or something.]

“Rapture?”

[Yeah. Actually, I’m pretty sure Jude or whatever her name was gave you some. Males you feel all good and numb and shit.]

“Yeah… I remember... kinda. So what do we do about Holly?” Az asked.

[Mmm… let’s leave her be. If she really never saw me as a friend, there’s no point in me intervening.]

Zoey said. Az noticed that her voice had a distinct echo.

“Are you in the bathroom?”

[Yeah, so? I can multitask.” Zoey said as Az heard what sounded like a shower.

“Yeah… bye.”

[Wait! I can put you on speaker-]

Az ended the call before taking a shower, getting dressed and slipping into his blankets to sleep.

He had taken his prescribed pain medication and so sleeping was a breeze.

.

..

Az yawned as the train stopped at station G02 and he watched as Holly entered a different carriage.

Az simply sighed as the train made its way to station G03. Upon arrival, Az made his way to school and promptly took his seat.

Holly entered the classroom soon after, but she was called to the teacher’s offices just as she sat on her chair.

The math teacher entered the class before crossing his hands.

“Holly Daniels is being moved to class 12b. Although I will not disclose the reasons why, just know that it could happen to any of you, should you chose not to take your schooling seriously.” The teacher said.

Mutters and Whispers filled the classroom, but Az paid them no mind.

Holly eventually returned to fetch her things. Everyone stared at her as she left.

Az sighed as he focused all his attention on his books.

Lunch break eventually came and Az made his way to the cafeteria in search of Zoey.

He found her, only she was surrounded by a group girls.

Az hesitated approaching her before ultimately giving up and leaving the cafeteria.

He then made his way back to class where he had lunch.

.

..

The learning day concluded and Az found himself waiting outside the school building for Zoey, who exited the school shortly after before skipping to Az’s side.

“You don’t have to wait for me every day, ya know.” She said.

“I know. I just wanted to say bye, I guess.”

“Aww… what are you? A puppy? Can’t deal without 5 seconds of affection?” Zoey teased as she ruffled Az’s hair.

“That’s not all. Holly’s been sent to class 12b.” Az said, dimming the smile on Zoey’s face slightly.

“Hey… she did it to herself, no?” Zoey asked.

“I guess so.”

“Mmm… now, go on home. I don’t want you getting pushed down either. Matter fact, I want you to graduate at the top of the class!” Zoey declared rather loudly.

“Can’t promise that’ll happen, but I’ll try.” Az said as he turned to leave.

“Bye, Az-“ Zoey stopped as a skinnier looking Eric walked past by.

Az and Zoey watched as he stumbled down the street, his eyes devoid of light.

Az looked at Zoey, but she raised her hands.

“I didn’t say anything and I don’t think Lucas did anything either. I think he’s just upset that he’s dad’s dead.” She said.

“That’s understandable. Anyway, bye.” Az said with a wave.

Zoey waved back as she watched Az leave.

.

..

Az arrived home and after taking a bath, changed and did his homework.

He closed his eyes to sleep, but just as the thought of sleep entered his mind, a crash from outside shook him awake.

Az dashed out of his room to find a panicking Gloria.

“What happened?” He asked.

“I don’t know!” She cried as she ran downstairs, covered only in a nightgown.

Az quickly opened the door to find his father’s car sloppily parked in the driveway.

Radhi crawled our from the driver’s seat and stumbled towards his family.

“What the hell is wrong with you- and why are you so drunk?” Gloria asked as Rose stood behind her.

“Mmm? Me and… me and the boys wanted to have a few… and here I am.” Radhi said as he approached Gloria while opening his arms.

Az then placed his hand in front of mother defensively.

“Oh? What’s this? Bah! No matter. I need some water.” Radhi said before stumbling into the house.

Az, Gloria and Rose exchanged glances before following him in and closing the door.

Some time passed and Az returned to his room while Gloria scolded Radhi.

The sounds of yelling eventually filled the house and Az distracted himself by thinking about other things.

Well, he tried, but nothing could drown out his mothers strained yells.

He then heard loud footsteps and the slamming of a door.

Az quickly stood up before walking to his parent’s room where he knocked on it lightly.

“Leave me alone, Radhi!-“

“It’s me, mom.” Az said.

“Oh… come in.” Gloria said prompting Az to open the door.

His eyes widened as he watched his mother messily wipe tears from face.

Az quickly handed her a box of tissues.

“Thank you.” Gloria said before patting the spot next to her on the bed.

Az sat next to her before she wrapped her small arms around him.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into your father. He’s been like this recently. Agitated, reckless, rude. He won’t even tell me if something’s bothering him. I mean, there’s only so much I can do.” Gloria said as Az hugged his mother back.

“Sorry for making you sit here with me. You should be thinking about school and stuff like that.”

“No, it’s fine. I just want to make sure you’re OK, is all.” Az said.

“I’ll be ok. Your father is the one who’s giving me such a stressful time.” Gloria said as she wiped the last of her tears.

“Anyway. Go on back to your room. I’ll be fine.” Gloria said before kissing Az on the forehead.

Az nodded before leaving the room.

He reached out to open his door, but stopped as soon as he heard something.

Az’s eyes widened as he quietly made his way towards the stairs.

He then lowered himself before crawling down.

“Ah!”

“Quiet, you filthy bitch! Unless you actually want to tear this family apart.” Az heard his father whisper.

Az stepped down a few more steps before witnessing something that made his heart scream in pain.

He watched his father plunge his dick into Rose while violently squeezing her neck.

The two stood by the kitchen table and Radhi hadn’t even take off his suit.

Rose’s teary eyes rolled back and forth as Radhi fucked her before they met with Az’s, who sat mortified by the stairs.

“Radhi-“

“Shut up!” Radhi shushed her before squeezing her neck even tighter.

Az slowly crawled back to his room where he fell to his knees, clutched his head and silently screamed.