Sorry for the wait! We're getting to the end and it's gonna be goddamn cute, you can bet your sweet ass on it. I will NOT give them a dark ending, I will not give them a dark ending, I will give them a dark ending,

(Mental note with 's voice in my head)

Thanks for reading, don't forget to vote if you like it!

*

Getting a word in with Charlie all day felt impossible, but the icing on the cake was having to go home with Donovan Hughes. Tom was all caught up in school preparations so Mum suggested Donny come home with me and get picked up later. This worked for Tom since he had Donny-related papers being delivered to our address, reason being that his rural location would take longer.

It was awkward to say the least, and I couldn't help but feeling bitter. I get that my family wanted to keep a kid safe, but why was I being dragged into this whole good Samaritan bullcrap with my bully? Did they conveniently forget everything he's done? He was an asshole and no matter what, I hated him.

Mum had me sit in the back so Donny could sit in the passenger seat. We stopped at his house along the way.

From the outside, it looked completely ordinary. White weatherboard exterior surrounded by wooden fencing, barely high enough to keep a dog in. Mum went inside with him while I stayed in the car. They were gone for around ten minutes before he came out carrying a few plastic bags. Mum held one in her hand, but it didn't look like she particularly needed to. Probably just insisted to be helpful.

They opened the boot and threw the rustling bags inside it. They settled back inside the car and put their seatbelts on when I asked him, "That all you have?"

He looked back at me blankly. "Should I steal all my dad's shit?"

Pissed by his reply, I leaned my chin on my hand against the car door and stared out the window. They spent the short drive with broken up, forced conversation. Mum asking Donovan questions here and there, and him responding in a series of grunts or yes's and nos.

We really needed to spend the next few hours with this guy while Tom wrapped things up at school? Seriously? It'd have been so much nicer to spend this time with Charlie instead. He said he had something to do instead, but what? If he finished it before long, he could still come over, couldn't he?

I just had to think of an excuse. No, a legitimate excuse. Like...

Chrlie, can u help me with poetry assnmt

"Aubrey, you aren't gonna join in on the conversation?" Mum asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. I slipped my phone back into my pocket. He'd be sure to take the bait and come running at first opportunity.

I huffed back at mum - yeah right. We pulled into the driveway just two minutes later, saving me from an unholy conversation exchange with Donovan Hughes and my mother. This was ridiculous. He could make himself comfortable wherever he liked, but I was gonna go start figuring out some presentation ideas.

The minute we got in the door, I headed up the stairs to my room and threw my bag down by the door. My phone hadn't vibrated yet but my conscious mind kept conjuring up phantom vibrations, anxious for his reply. I slumped on my bed and stared up at the ceiling. Just last week I was in hospital with a near secondary TBI, and today the person responsible was sitting awkwardly in my living room.

It was my decision to tell Mum about his situation, and I knew this was exactly how she'd respond. But the fact that it was now real made it just as frustrating. Since Donny was over sixteen, he was able to leave his dad's without interference from CPS. But Principal Atkinson's conflict of interest meant that Donny's case would be assessed from third parties.

That meant that until they decided whether Donny would stay or go, he'd be staying full time at my granddad's home. Even while Tom was at work. The best me and Charlie could do was help put in a good word for him and say we trusted he wouldn't make more trouble. Though I didn't really feel like it, I had the feeling reality hit him this time.

I doubted he really would cause any more trouble.

"Aubrey, come down here, please," Mum called from the bottom of the stairs. "You have a guest. Don't be rude."

Ugh, he was not my guest.

But whatever. It'd be awkward doing whatever in my room while knowing he's sitting uncomfortably downstairs. Fine. I forced myself back off my bed and slumped my way down to the lounge, then took a seat on the couch across from him. He looked so huge compared to any of us. And super uncomfortable, too.

Mum had gone off to the kitchen and appeared to be pulling together mugs of hot drink and after school snacks. Tess would be home soon, too. Wonder if she knew Donny'd be here. He looked every bit as scary as he was, so I was curious to see how she'd respond to his being here.

I stared at his dirty shirt and remembered the wounds underneath it. The sight was ghastly, but it suddenly occurred to me that he must've been hiding it all this time. Did this mean he hadn't showed anyone? Did he take himself off to the hospital? Did he go to the nurse for it? Did he even have a first aid kit back at home?

Snagged and pulled by the stubborn claws of curiosity, I walked over and knelt in front of him. Something came over me, which I wasn't sure what. Donny's eyes were on me, I knew that, but I didn't know what face he made when I reached for his shirt and pulled it up to reveal his discolored torso.

"What the f-" He yanked the shirt back down again, catching himself from swearing since Mum was within hearing distance.

Being this close to him, I caught whiff of an unpleasant stench. Being this up close to his injuries, I saw clear as day just where that smell came from. Along with his bruises were numerous infected welts. They were red with dried blood and pus. I glanced up at him, seeing his anger and embarrassment.

"Move the fuck away from me," he whispered through gritted teeth.

"You didn't get them treated?" I asked.

"Who the fuck's gonna treat em'?" he snapped. "No one fuckin' cares so back off."

Prick.

I stood up and looked up at Mum who was currently paused in her kitchen endeavors to make a text. "I'm gonna get him in the shower, Mum," I said.

She looked up at me and smiled. "Good idea, honey."

"What?" he snapped again.

"You stink," I said. "Use my bathroom to shower then I'll help treat your wounds."

"You won't fuckin' touch me," he snarled, just quietly that his words would be muffled from Mum's distance.

She didn't know how angry and vulgar this guy could be. But somehow, I didn't feel scared of him now. I saw a frightened puppy, or cat, growling and hissing as an attempt to protect itself.

Because it's scared.

Donovan Hughes was scared; and it broke my heart.

Charlie's heart was soft, I knew without a doubt that he'd do the exact same thing. Or maybe it's just him that turned me soft, but for some reason, I could sense his struggle for power play. It'd be why he picked on weaker people. That's what's been role modeled to him for maybe god knows how long.

"Mum I'm hoooome," Tessa sung as she bounded through the front door. She tended to get home later than us since she stopped at the corner-store and bakery most days after school. As soon as she noticed Mum in the kitchen, she skipped over and almost tackled Mum into a hug while she peered over to see what Mum was prepared.

"Welcome home, sweetie," Mum answered. "Your brother has a friend over so we'll wait for them before I dish up."

From where she stood in the kitchen behind this couch, she could see me standing, but would only be able to see the back of Donovan's head. I glanced down at him, seeing how uncomfortable he looked. Seems like I really put him on the spot by leaving him with no choice but to shower and dress his wounds.

The only problem was, I had no idea how to do it.

Gritting his teeth, he stood up, leaving me no chance to get out of his way. Still on my knees, he literally towered above me. I stumbled back and watched him move up the stairs to where he must've seen me enter my room before. I took a moment to catch my breath. He could've quite literally kicked my head in like that. Well, he was at Mum's and Tom's mercy so I'm sure he wouldn't.

But it put me on edge anyway. I checked my phone for any texts from Charlie I might've missed, only to be met with disappointment that he hadn't. It was quarter past four already. Tom probably wouldn't be finished until around six-thirty. I really needed Charlie here with me. I hoped he'd answer soon.

"Aubrey, go get him a towel and set him up. Grab something light from your dad's stored winter clothes in the spare cupboard. They should fit."

"Wouldn't he get hot?" I asked, considering we're in the middle of summer.

"That's why I said something light. It gets cold at your uncle's," she answered, still standing in the kitchen cuddling with Tess.

"Then why not lend him one of Dad's summer shirts?" I asked.

Mum's eyes narrowed at me. She stuck her finger out and motioned me to come over to her when she sent Tess away and upstairs to her room. "Do you notice he's wearing long sleeves despite it being like forty degrees out? Aubrey, we need to be mindful and respectful of his situation. He wants to hide them to feel secure, we won't compromise that, okay?"

I nodded. It was like we were talking about a rescue animal or something.

"It's hard to get my head around him, though. When I said I'd help, he acted so happy and friendly and excited. Then after you guys went in together, he came out acting like a total dickhead again."

Mum frowned, but it didn't appear to be at me. It's like she was recalling something from within that house. With a quick glance at the top of the stairs, Mum put her hands on my shoulders and leaned forward, looking me straight in the eyes.

"I wasn't going to say anything to you but, I think it might help you understand him better. His father wasn't... happy... when I showed up," she started. "His mother's urn smashed as we were heading out. I didn't see it, but I have a feeling his father threw it. Donovan would be shaken up and fighting some feelings right now. Try to be understanding."

My heart twisted into knots. How could somebody be so vile? If I had to deal with that kind of person every day for my entire life, would I also act out the same way he does? It felt probable. The thought made me so, so angry that it didn't even feel difficult to express that to anyone or everyone around me.

That must be what he's been dealing with. Why he's a bully. Why he projects his anger and hatred and disgust onto everybody else. It made so much sense to me. My eyes were pricking, and a small curved lifted the edge of Mum's mouth. She kissed me forehead and gave me a reassuring smile.

"My sweet empathetic boy," she said, voice filled with enough pride and love that I could feel it. "Your own experience has made you able to relate to others. I wouldn't be surprised if you became a psychologist or therapist one day. I couldn't think of anybody more perfect."

I smiled, letting the words soak in until I was drenched with them. I'd never considered any sort of aspirations since my accident, but this might be a good place to start. Even with a disability, there might be a chance of a future for someone like me after all. For a deaf guy with one functional eye.

This, with Charlie, made me think the future could be a little bright after all.

"Also, if you can," Mum continued, "convince him to let me treat his injuries."

"You know how?" I asked, surprised.

"Of course," she answered as a sly grin spread across her face. "As a business owner I have the responsibility of safety to my staff and customers. Also, between you and your overactive sister, I'm basically all but professional."

I smiled back and went to choose some thinner long sleeves from the wardrobe. Donny was sitting on my bed when I came up with spare clothes and a towel, and I had to suppress how gross it was. Empathy. Empathetic. I'm empathetic. Empathetic people wouldn't be grossed out by somebody else's pain and misery, right? I'd have to work on that a little.

"Had a nice chat about me?" he asked with a grumble.

"Yes," I replied and stuck the towel and clothes in his hands. Now, that may seem harsh, but he really didn't seem like the kinda guy who'd appreciate being waited on. Or at least not in his present mood.

"No special tricks to use the shower and just use whatever you want in there." After what seemed like some silently indignant resignation, he clenched his jaw and stood. This time I had opportunity to move out of his way, but remembering what Mum said, I quickly stopped him. "By the way..."

He half turned and glared at me. "So bossy today," he snapped. "What?"

"Since I don't know how to do First Aid, my mum's gonna have to help," I said.

"Nah," he said without thought and turned back towards my bathroom.

"Wait!" I called, reaching for his shoulder. His shoulder violently shrugged beneath my hand, as if I'd scorched him with my touch alone. He looked horrified; disgusted. "Ah, sorry."

"Don't touch me," he snapped again.

"Yeah, sorry," I said, trying to take a deep breath and calm the storming pulsations in my heart. How could I approach this? "But um, I mean, Mum really cares, y'know? She wants to patch yo-"

"She's not my mum," Donovan said, as if it wasn't among the obvious. "She's yours. She can just worry about you."

Why was he being so stubborn? He was already turned and reaching for the bathroom door handle. Before I had the chance to really think things through, I dove past him for the handle in hopes of trying to stop him. Instead, I completely and utterly missed and smacked my fist against the door instead. Since the door was already opened a crack, it opened and sent me flying inside.

I yelped as I hit the tile floor, clutching my hand and internally cursing every goddamn god who existed. Why did I have to miscalculate the measure of space right at this moment? Now I basically sat at his mercy just like before. But instead of kicking or throwing a punch, he looked at me pitifully.

"D'you have a fake eye?" he asked, squinting a little as he stared.

I nodded, trying to fight back and potential tears threatening to spill. I'd had one breakdown in front of Charlie the last time I messed up this badly, but I wouldn't do it in front of Donny. "Look, you respect Tom- Mr. Hardy, right?" I asked.

He squinted his eyes further, but this time it was a glare rather than unnecessary interest. Since it didn't seem like he was willing to reply to that, I continued to speak. "Most people do. He's kinda just like that. He's strict on attendance and making sure we pass, but he's the most understanding and chilled out teacher. Most people like how forgiving and relatable he is. Right?"

Donny folded his arms. "That's what other people think," he said, defiantly. "Not me. What're ya even tryna get at?"

His standing ominously in front and above me made me way too nervous, but it wasn't like he'd attack me in my own bathroom. Not when my mum and uncle were just trying to help him. I was sure of that much, no matter how much I had to keep convincing myself of the fact.

"T... Mr. Hardy is the one everyone at school trusts, right? Well, my mum's kinda the one that Mr. Hardy trusts most. She's always checking on him, always caring, always making sure he's okay. She's just like that."

"Awesome," Donny said with a roll of his eyes. "What's that got to do with me?"

"Because," I sighed, pulling myself up and rubbing the dull ache in my knuckles. "She's caring for you the same way. If Mr. Hardy trusts her, why can't you?"

He looked genuinely annoyed by now. "Whatever," he grumbled, shoving past me and turning the shower handle. "Get out now so I can get this over with."

I didn't know if that meant he agreed, but I did what he said anyway. As I left the bathroom, my phone vibrated in my pocket. My heart jumped as I snatched it up and opened to see who it was. Four thirty, I finally got an answer from Charlie saying he's free now and asking what's up.

Dnnys here. Come hang n help

Time passed with no reply, though I wasn't sure how long so far. Donny showered and inside the bathroom with Mum while he very reluctantly allowed her to dress his wounds. I wasn't allowed inside there though. He wasn't interested in me getting an even closer up look than what he'd already exposed.

It's good my talk seemed to work with him at least. It was definitely a development and there was only another hour and a half before Tom would be here to pick him up. The idea of him staying in my grandad's house still rubbed me the wrong way, but it was safer than with his dad. A shudder crept up my spine. His poor mother's urn. Her ashes must've ended up all over the floor.

No wonder he was so messed up.

Since they were in my bathroom, I sat in the lounge in front of the TV with Tess playing a two-player car game when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Tess said, starting to move.

"-Nah, I will," I said while I jumped up and quickly raced to the door. It could only be Charlie. It had to be him, it had to be him, it had to be him.

It had to.