Going back to school is worse than I thought it would be. Everyone is staring and whispering as I walk down the hall with Dustin. I'm wearing long sleeves as always, but it still feels like everyone can see the giant self-inflicted gash on my arm. It's like everyone is looking right through me.

"Hey," Dustin whispers, grabbing my hand, startling me. "It's okay. Just ignore them."

I nod, not finding my voice. Dustin walks me all the way to my first class, and doesn't let go off my hand until we get to the door.

"See you for lunch?"

I nod again, giving him a wave.

The day ticks by slowly. As I'm heading to my last class before lunch, I'm approached yet again by the school counselor. She asks me to see her in her office later today after classes, and I agree hesitantly.

I don't want to go, and I already know what she's going to say:

I missed too many days of school and will not be able to walk for graduation or attend prom.

I'm falling behind in my classes.

Finally, the final buzzer rings and I'm speedily packing my bag to leave campus. I'm at Dustin's car before him, not wanting to cross paths with the guidance counselor, and being forced to talk to her.

"That bad, huh?" Dustin asks when he sees me. I don't answer him, pulling the car door open and getting in.

"Ice cream?"

"Please." I say.

He puts the car into gear and drives off, pulling into the The Big Scoop's driveway a few minutes later. Dustin gives me a hard time again about ordering vanilla, but I refuse to give into pressure.

Vanilla ice cream is delicious and no one will change my mind.

"Wanna talk about it?" Dustin asks me after a couple minutes of silence.

I give him a confused look.

"Your shitty day." He clarifies.

I chuckle, shrugging. "Graduation can't come fast enough, I guess."

"Tell me about it! I'm so over high school."

I nod, laughing along.

"Do you have any plans after high school?"

The question catches me off guard, and I have no idea how to answer. I refrain from saying that I was in the hospital for a suicide attempt a week ago so not really, and just shake my head. "What are your plans?"

"College."

"Cool."

He chuckles. "Way to make it sound lame. That was such a pity answer."

I roll my eyes. "It was not."

"It totally was."

I don't deem him a response, knowing we'll go back and forth forever if it were up to us. "I think college is awesome." I say. "Is that better?"

He scoffs. "Hardly."

I give him an unimpressed look and continue eating my ice cream. When we're finished, he drives us back home.

"Do you know how to drive?" Dustin asks me randomly as we pull into his driveway.

I shake my head.

"Lame."

I shake my head at him, getting out of the car. Dustin's mom and dad aren't home yet, but I see Miriam is out back in the garden.

"Water?" Dustin asks me, dropping his bag on the counter.

I nod, putting my bag down too.

We walk into the backyard to say 'hi' to Miriam.

"Want some company?" Dustin asks his sister.

She looks up at us, using her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. "You hate gardening," she reminds him.

"Yea, but I can still sit here and talk."

"You're always talking," she teases.

"So are you." He plops down next to her, handing her a glass of water.

"Want to help, Blade?"

I shrug, sitting down next to her.

She hands me a pair of gloves. "Okay, first thing first. How do you feel about earthworms?"

I shrug.

"Good answer. You're off to a great start."

Dustin leaves me and Miriam in the garden. We're there for a couple hours, and I'm surprised how much I enjoy it. Something about getting my hands into the dirt, and putting time into helping something grow feels therapeutic. I didn't do much- just plant some flowers- but I'll probably ask Miriam to help me start my own bed soon.

****

"I talked to the police today." Mr. Swaz informs me as sit together in the living room. We had dinner about an hour ago and Dustin and Miriam are in their rooms so it's just Mrs. Swaz, Mr. Swaz and me. "Todd does indeed have a criminal record. I informed them of the situation with Faith and the passing of your aunt. They told me they'll reach out to social services and try to track him down. They have a few recent addresses of his, so hopefully it won't be difficult to get him."

"Okay..."

He smiles at me reassuringly. "This is good news. We're one step closer to reuniting you with Faith."

I try to return a smile, but it feels forced. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I feel like something will go wrong. I'm grateful for their help and will try to keep a positive mind, but it's not easy for me.

"Don't worry," Mrs. Swaz pulls me into her and gives me a hug, rubbing my arm. Her embrace feels calming and my nerves calm slightly from her motherly presence.

"Thank you." I tell them sincerely.

Mr. Swaz smiles. "Of course. Happy to help."

They bid me goodnight, and I retreat to the bathroom to get ready for bed. When I come outside, Dustin is laying on the couch.

"Dustin..." I sigh. I poke his cheek, causing him to open his eyes. "Go to your room. You've been sleeping on the couch for almost a week now."

"So?"

"This is your house. Sleep in your own bed. I'll be fine on the couch."

He shakes his head and I grow annoyed at his stubbornness. I'm not some fragile doll. I can handle sleeping on the couch.

"Please." I whisper. "I feel bad enough burdening you."

"Like I said before, you could never burden me."

I huff, dropping on the floor. "Fine." I pull a cushion from the other chair and situate myself on the floor.

"What are you doing?"

"Going to sleep."

"Blade..."

"Dustin."

He laughs. "You're so stubborn."

"You more."

"Fine. I'll sleep in my room tonight. Only because I don't want you sleeping on the floor."

I grin, satisfied.

"Goodnight." He says walking upstairs.

"Goodnight."

****