text: Jason Tru, Jason Tru January 9th CALEB This book's dedicated to my best friend, 'Niki', as I'd call her, alone, with one 'k'. 
  
  Thank you for being there for me, supporting me, and being the best friend that I can actually have. 
  You've grown to be a part of me, and I respect that.
   
   
   
   Chapter 1; DAWN 
   '' Hah, c'mon dude, stop '', '' No way. It's your dare, now do it. '', argued Caleb and Blake, while the group of beer-drinking friends, cheer on. '' Is anyone looking? Keep lookout! '' Blake demanded as he strips his clothing, looking frantically, back and forth. '' Okay, thee, two... '', '' Too late! '', Caleb screamed as he shoved Blake onto the dusty road, '' Run boy, run ! '', he'd chant, influencing the group of boys to cheer as well, as they'd drunkenly laugh and roll all over the ground, making a muddy mess in the dirt with their drinks. As Blake ran back, he tackled Caleb and wrestled him, friendly, on the floor, shoving his face into the mud, '' I'll get you when it's your turn. ''. 
   As turn 'pon turn passed, morning rose, while annoying birds started filling the air. Having the last round of beer, everyone got tired and was leaving for bed, forgetting Caleb's turn. On a spark of remembrance, Blake popped up from his spot, nearly hopping in the dying campfire, itself. '' Caleb! It's your turn! Thought you could have gotten away? '', '' What? Oh, okay. No man, go on. I'm tired as can be. After this, is bed. '', Caleb replied. '' Well, I have to think of something. You're not going to get away. '', '' Well, hurry up? '', '' Ah, I dunno'. But, when I do, it'll be something. '', '' Bro', I'm tired as can be, please hurry '', Caleb fussed as his other friends started to whine about sleeping. '' Just give him something already! '', Matthew begged, '' Like, what?! '', '' I dunno', man. '', '' Well, if you don't have any ideas, then just butt out! '', '' We need to sleep! '', '' Too bad. '', '' Oh, just make him an organ donor or something for Christ's sake! Let us sleep! '' they argued. '' Oh, wait. That's not a bad idea. I've heard about organ donning. '', '' What? '', '' Nevermind. It's settled. You're signing up for organ donning. '', '' Is that the best you can do? '' Caleb teased. '' CALEB! JUST TAKE IT ALREADY! '', everyone exlaimed. '' Fine! '', he replied, in a joking manner, as they all scuffled into their tents to sleep. 
   A few hours later, after their late nap, they all got up one-by-one, rolling out of the tents like ants, with headaches that could stop a truck; their breaths, stink of stale alcohol and muddy, dirty bodies was just ignored. As they all changed dove into the nearby river, a discussion blew up as they discussed their last days in their highschool, and the start of collage, soon. '' I'm not really looking forward to collage, to be honest, '' Matt started, '' I mean, I'm not sure yet. I guess I want to, but I don't even know what I'll study. ''. Coming out and sitting on a little rock, to where was named ' Caleb's rock ', Caleb responded that he wasn't sure as well. He's always wanted to explore the world, really. He expressed his dreams of moving out of the little town that they lived in and just exploring the world; living in a different country, living away from home. He described every little detail, to what he wanted it to be like and how far he wanted to go. Blake then admitted that all he really wanted was to go to collage, just to get away from his parents. He didn't mind staying in the town, but just the expierence of living alone that he craved. He'd talk about all the girls that he'd get and how they'd look, and how much alcohol he'd own. All of the guys chuckled underbreath, shoving eachother. '' Girls, man, girls! '', yelled Matt, following a burst of laughter. 
   Standing on another rock, opposite Caleb's, he'd make random pelvic thrusts at everyone, as the water from his body flew everywhere, making all the guys scream, splashing water back at him, aiming to throw him back into the water, '' Aye, save that for the girls, would you?! '', yelled Caleb. 
   After their fun, they all got dressed and cleaned up thier beer cans and garbage and bags, placing their tents, folded up at the side of a tree, to where they always leave it, being that they come there most weekends and most little holidays that they'd get away from school. 
   Caleb would then brush his hands over his semi-shaved head, every time, before getting into vehicles. '' Is that like a ritual or something, dude? You always brush your hair, as short as it is. '' Jasper teased. '' No questioning me. '', Caleb'd reply as he jokingly went blank to the question as he started his old passed-down truck that his grandad owned, before everyone was in, forcing them to hurry. '' You know, starting it early won't make us pack faster. You could have at least come and help. '', '' It encourages you to hurry. '', '' Not me... '' Caleb cut Jasper short by stepping on it, moving the truck, quickly, a few feet away, having the bags emptied again. '' CALEB, AW MAN! '', everyone'd whine. '' Haha, oops? '', Caleb'd annoyingly reply to them. 
   On the way, they stopped at a local diner, as they collected some food to go. '' Caleb, remember your dear. You still have to sign up for it. '', '' Fine, I will. I'll go do it before we get home, calm down. ''. 
   They stopped along the way and applied, Caleb. He stopped singularly at their houses and dropped them off. 'Pon reaching home, he sank his tired face into his pillow, and completely blanked into sleep. Around two hours later, he got up in urge to use the bathroom. Walking over to the bathroom, he stretches and yawns as he zips down. Yawning one last time, his eyes started driftng and closing, again. Not too long after, his head started bobbing back and forth, finally falling asleep, losing total control. He woke up to a warm, wet feeling on his pants, as he soon fell to the floor. '' Aw, crap, man! What time is it, even?! '', he exlcaimed, raising his wet hand to look at his watch. '' Why am I even up at 3am? Ugh. '' he guffs, as he attempts to clean himself up and change into a night pants, before falling asleep again. 
   Miraculously, he changed and slowly made his way out of the bathroom and back to his bed, before being annoyed by noises and random talking. '' Ugh, seriously? What is going on? '', he breathed out, raising the little blinds next to his window. '' Moving in? New people are moving in, oh. But, at this hour? Dear gosh. '', he whispered in a soft voice as if he'd bother any tired people in his room, when in reality, away from his little tired/hangover world, it's only him. He violently closed the blinds as he slammed his face into the pillow, once more, mumbling to himself, '' I'll see who it is tomorrow. ''. 
     
   
   
   
   Chapter 2; ARRIVAL 
   '' Mum, I don't really like it here. Why can't we just stay where we used to? I feel so odd. '', '' Oh, stop it, alright? Just stop. Your father needed this job and it's hard as it is, already. And take off those bracelets! '', August's mum would yell as she'd scramble the bracelets, nearly ripping them, '' We're here in a new town and I will NOT allow you to embarrass me. Fix yourself; you're already a shame. God, why did I even have to give birth to you? You have no purpose, you're just an embarrassment. '', '' I have a purpose, '', '' And, that's what? To dress like a sick human and parade, making everyone's life hell, right? Is that it? Because, that's the only thing that you get done around here. '', '' That's not true; I... '', '' Oh, just stop. '', '' Mum... '', '' Stop! August, stop! Just, go upstairs or something. Just leave. '', she demanded as August held his wrist with the bracelet, running halfway up the stairs before tripping. '' Can't even walk right. God. '', she'd tease while he just tries to ignore and get back up again. 
   He leans his head on a random door that he found, with scratches all over it, and little wholes. At that point, he didn't really care much. Just banging his head on the door over and over, he'd shove his head as hard as he can, against it, pressing all his anger out, not caring if he gets injured. In a high-pitched tone, he'd huff, as tears quickly escaped his wrinkled, eyelids, pushed together so neatly by the tense muscles in his forehead. A few of August's nails started braking while he repeatedly smashed his fists into the door, and clawed it, having his eyelids shoved together, tighter and tighter, raising all the veins in his neck, as his lips started bleeding, while he bit them. After a few minutes, his headache got unbearable, to where he could barely stand, so he unlocked the door and walked in, not caring to what's behind it. Closing the door as hard as he could, he sat inside the room, leaning on the door, in total darkness. '' Reason?... '', he mumbled softly, while holding his hands and one-by-one, ripping off the broken nails. His world just went black for a moment. 
   His hands rose to his face and fingers gently glided over the quick-drying blood as he felt the small bruise that was made, questioning himself over and over, to why he did it. With one last breath, he closed his eyes and leaned on his side, touching the ice-cold floor. Still in the dark, he cared less to where he laid or what he was laying on. His knees curled up, into his chest, and his arms wrapped around them. His mind was just overworked and his body just gave into sleep. 
   '' Ah, what is this?... '' August's mum, Kathy would guff, while opening the door and having it stopped by something. With several shoves, she voluntarily kicks the door open, seeing August's leg and sneakers on the floor. '' August! Wake up, it's time for school '' she expressed, and opens the door once more, before August can stand up, hitting him in the side of his tummy, '' Hurry. '', she masked as if she didn't know that she hit him. 
   August holds his side tightly, as he still tries to wake up from his sleep. He stands and sees the sun peek through the small window next to his bed. Stretching his arms up and turning his head a bit to the left, letting it make a sharp crackling sound, he walks over to the window to close the blinds, before getting ready, for he wanted the sun to be away as long as possible. Rubbing his eyes, over and over, not knowing where his glasses are, he sits on the bed, next to the window, before closing the blinds and stretches more, tapping his feet on the floor while yawning. As he sat there for a bit, he tried to quickly, plan out his day, and to think of what he'll do next and how he'll survive, generally. He's at a new school and being himself, he knows from a start that this was not an easy task. Gently raising his hand, with some of the semi-broken nails, he kisses the bracelet, then holds it close to his chest. 
   'Pon getting up to leave, he leans over to close the window, but notices in the distance, another window, with someone in it. Not knowing who the person was, and his vision, half-blurred itself, from just waking up and not having his glasses, his eyebrows lowered and eyes squinted and his face got focused and firm, while he tried to settle his eyesight. His hand then raised to itch his head, as his vision finally cleared, only to notice that the guy was just standing there, looking back in only his night-pants. August fell to the floor, not realising that the window is open, with his rear, stuck in the air and his face, planted in the floor. '' God, he probably thinks that I'm a creepy goof! '', '' I heard that? '', '' He's still there?! '', '' I heard that too?...''. August just got up and scratched his head and laughed gently, scratching his head more, until he notices that he's still scratching and smiling, then stops both in a frantic. Still being awkward, he then realises that he's now paused, without a smile and his arm still in the air. With no words, he just turns and walks out of the room. 
   
   
   
   Chapter 3; FIRST ENCOUNTERS 
   '' Mm, haha... '', Caleb'd chuckle to himself, gently, after seeing the clumsy person, leave the room, as he looked down, fondling the drawstrings to his night pants, for over two minutes, before dropping them, with a smile, and walks to the bathroom to get ready for school. '' Who was that kid? Haha, that was interesting. Was it a kid, even? '', he'd softly mumble to himself, still smiling, while he generously smears shaving cream all over his sticky, prickly, stubble. As the cold blade of his razor met his skin, he'd move it roughly, up, against the hair's direction of his face, and drag it as close as he could. Being that his facial hair grows back painful at times, rates him to shaving twice per week. To his mind, shaving as close as he could, getting most off, would be best, removing most hair. In a sudden, without a warning, he sneezed, letting the razor slide against his skin, cutting his chin. The cut wasn't as deep, but was visible. Caleb just sighed and kept shaving the rest. 
   '' Mum, do you have anything for this? '', he'd ask his mother. '' For what? '', '' This, on my face '', '' What? Oh let me see. Aw, you know that you should be careful with those things... '', she'd stress in a low voice, '' Just go put some ice on it until you've finished your breakfast and leave for school. ''. As Caleb finds something to eat, he held a ice cube on his wound, just as his mum asked, so it would ease the blood vessels, and not swell or be infected. He'd find leftovers in the bottom left of the fridge, every morning, and eat it as breakfast, if not, just go to school without anything. While walking out of the fridge with a bowl in his mouth, held by his teeth, and one in his other arm, he slips on a little puddle that the ice dripped, having both bowls fall. '' Caleb, be careful! '', his mum, Beth yelled as she'd slap him behind his head, having him drop the icecube onto the floor, splitting open. '' Are you serious?! '', she'd scream as she hit him once more, '' That one wasn't even my fault! '', Caleb replies. '' WHO EXACTLY ARE YOU RAISING YOUR VOICE TO? '', Caleb's mum, Beth would scream, waking half the neighbourhood up. '' No one... '', Caleb'd respond in a disappointed tone, looking down with puffy cheeks and a red, drippy cut on his chin. '' Oh, man up. '', she'd tease, forcing him to look up and walk away. Caleb immediately grabbed his jacket after getting out of the kitchen and headed to the truck. 
   '' And, I'm late. Yeah, thanks mum. '', Caleb teases, underbreath, sarcastically while in his truck, knowing that he's a safe distance away from his mother's ears. Realising that he didn't brush his hands over his short hair, his face fades into a deep smile, with bright eyes. As he opens his mouth, pulling off a goofy smile, he'd close his eye and rub his right hand over his short hair, then burst into a light chuckle, to himself. '' I never really noticed how crazy I am... '', Caleb softly mentions to himself, as he smiles again, turning on the old radio, flipping from station-to-station, to find one that works. '' Ugh, dumb thing. You never wanna' give me a break and play, huh? '', he'd argue with the radio. With his attitude to fix it, and the radio's will to just, not work, Caleb finally sighs and gives up, '' You win this time, Mr. Radio. ''. 
   With a sigh, Caleb fixes his eyebrow down, attempting to start the old, cold, truck. After, over twenty tries, it finally kicks up, making a puff of grey smoke in the back. '' You old dust trap. Didn't wanna' start, but I made you. Mwahahah' '', Caleb would tease the truck, once more, having it puff one more time during his laugh, '' Alright, alright. No jokes. Sorry, haha. ''. 
   ''Great, no parking spot. '', Caleb nagged, while turning the stiff steering wheel, cornering the truck on the side, behind the school, parking it there. '' And, I forgot my lab book. Oh, just awesome. '', he'd sarcastically slur. As he got out of his truck, he'd rub his short hair, once more, before leaning back in the truck, getting his books. 
   '' Ah, so, first period's Biology. I wonder if I could duck it. I'd need a note. Or, pretend that I'm not here. Oh, that'd be so great. I mean, I do want to miss class, after all. Actually, no. I want to be in school, being that it's the last year and all, but I'm so tired. Oh, and I still have a headache from the hangover, oh, that'd be my excuse. Yes, yes. It's all set. Oh, lord. No. I can't. I'm not going to lie. Ah, it's my last year anyway. What am I going to get? Suspended? Haha...'' Caleb would stop rambling by the sound of chanting. '' Oh, a fight? I'll miss these. '', he'd mention as he quickens his pace, using his ears as a sense of tool, to spot the fight. The chanting gently fades into laughter as he got closer. '' Haha, fag. '', '' Why are you even here? '', '' Go back to where you came from, you little shit. '', the chants and laughter would build. '' Caleb! Did you see the fag? Ugh, God. He's so sickening. '', questioned Deborah, Caleb's 'girlfriend', that Caleb's group of friends assigned him, as she bumped into Caleb, right in front of his face, nearly scaring him, to drop his books. '' What? Haha. '', Caleb'd reply, in a sort of confused voice. '' I don't know. I guess a gay guy moved into our school. '', she'd reply, leaning on his arms, stepping on her tip-toes to kiss Caleb at the side of his mouth. '' Well, where is he?...''. Caleb'd get cut off once more but a loud thudding sound. As he turned around quickly, to see what made the noise, he found what seemed at the time to be the 'gay-guy'. Another thud is heard when Matthew hit the guy from behind, in the middle of his back, having him bend forward in impact, dropping his books. As they fell to Caleb's feet, and having all eyes on him, he shoved it softly, forward, back to the guy, laughing along. As the guy picked the books up, Blake would point his fingers to the guy's head, shoving him forward, '' Why'd you come here, bro'? Hmm? Or, should I call you, sis? ''. With no reply, he'd shove the guy on his forehead harder, '' Answer me, man! '', he'd yell, having everyone chuckle, underbreath. Just being more silent than before, the guy would just cough, because of the lash to his back and close his eyes slightly, looking down at the floor. '' Aren't you going to answer me, pretty boy? '', Blake would annoy. '' Hey ! '', he'd yell again, this time, louder, scaring the guy as he lightly jumped in surprise. '' Oh, he's scared. Aww. '', teased Blake, as he looked back at Caleb, giggling to himself. '' And, what's this? '', Blake deviously slurs, grabbing the guy's arm, slipping his finger under his bracelet. '' No! Leave it alone, that's mine! '' the guy would finally exclaim, in a high-pitched tone as he pushed Blake by the chest, away with his weak arms. '' Excuse me? '', Blake would question as he pushed back, having the guy push Blake back, once more, automatically. Knowing what he did, his eyes were red and filled with fear, with Blake just tightening his fist. Before Blake could hit, Caleb gabbed Blake's arm, pulling it away from the bracelet quickly, then loudly hits the guy's books once more, having them fall to the floor on his feet, '' Don't shove Blake! Do you even know who he is, little man? Haha, '', Caleb teased having the bell ring in the dead silent moment. '' Aye, see you at lunch? '', '' Yeah, man. '' Alright. See ya' then, Caleb. Bye faggy! '', Blake teased one last time as he left with Matthew and Deborah. 
   '' Coming, Caleb? '', questioned Jasper. '' Ah, yeah. I just forgot something in the truck. '', '' Alright, see you in class. '', Jasper replied, leaving slowly. Scratching his head, Caleb left, walking to his truck, knowing that there's nothing there. Walking back slowly, he peeks from behind a grey wall, and watches the guy kneel to the floor, as his eyes hastily starts leaking into tears, covering his face. Sitting on the floor, he uses his sleeve to wipe his right eye, as his nose and around his eye started getting puffy and red, from the tears. He coughs and holds his chest, as he buries his face into the sleeve of his forearm. Caleb, at this point, was unsure to what should be done or what he should do. He just stood there for a few moments, looking on. '' Should I go say something? Yes I should. But, what if someone sees me? No, I shouldn't. Why is this fag even here? Why does he look like that? I'm so confused right now...'', he'd mumble to himself, over and over, making literal body movement, forward and backwards, every time he agrees and disagrees to go look. 
   Finally, he builds the courage, after seeing the guy, sit there, and cry as much. The guy leans forward, eyes still dripping, as he attempts to pick his books up. His tears dripped on something that splashed back to his face. With a sudden breath, he jolts up a bit, as he realises that it was a hand, on his book. '' Biology? Same class as me; only, I forgot this book. '', Caleb would softly mention in a low, whispery voice. '' Just freezing there, the guy refused to move for a moment out of shock. As he raised his head quickly to see who it was, his eyes widened, as he just stayed, knelt there, looking up in fear. '' I'm not going to hit you, dude. Haha, '' Caleb gently asures. '' Y-You're not? '', '' No, do you want me to? '', Caleb joked, as it went silent again. '' Uh, anyway. Are you okay?... '' Caleb asked. '' Yeah, I'm fine. '', the guy would reply, having Caleb kneel in front of him, picking up the books with him. '' You don't have to help; I'm fine. '', '' Ah, shush. '', Caleb softly joked, as he gathered the books, and helped the guy stand. '' Well, uh, what's your name? '', Caleb would ask, holding the books, over his. '' Oh; I'm August... '', the guy replied, airily, in a gentle, husky voice, as he held his throat. ''And, you're Caleb, I'm gussing. '', he'd mention, trying to sound a bit popular. '' Haha, yeah. I'm Caleb. Well, uh, we're both extremely late. We should get going, right? '', Caleb noted, while placing August's book in his arms, keeping back the Biology book. Pausing for a short second or two, '' Can I borrow this? ''. '' Oh, sure. '', August replied in a burst of panic, unsure to how to respond. '' Thanks '', Caleb masked, before taking off to class. 
   '' Oh, wait! '', Exclaimed August, having Caleb turn around briskly, scaring August a bit, as he retreats, rephrasing in a softer tone, '' Hold on... '', '' Hmm? '', '' I don't really know where my class is or how to get there. '', '' Oh. '', '' Yeah... '', '' Well, that's a problem, hmm? '', Caleb replied, while he thought to himself and questioned how he was going to help, without anyone seeing. '' Ah, I'll help you find the school's office, alright? They'll help you from there. '', '' Thanks. '', August replied, softly, while he followed Caleb. 
   '' There it is, right through those doors. Just ask at the desk for assistance. '', '' Okay, got it. '', '' Haha, alright, bye now. '', '' Bye. Haha '', they both chuckled as they departed. 
   As Caleb walked to class, he looked at the ground with a smile, while he kept repeating what happened just now in his mind. Bushing his short hair once more, he'd laugh as he tried walking a bit faster to his class. 
   '' God, I'm still shaken up. Why am I? And, why did that guy help me? '', August mumbles to himself as he makes his way to the front desk. '' Ah, hello? Is anyone here?. '', August would question, unnecessarily, seeing the people sitting there, ignoring his existence. '' Anyone? '', '' What do you want? And, why are you not in class? You are a student here, aren't you? '', one of the secretary asks. '' Oh, yes, I am. I'm new, but I can't really seem to find my class. ''. '' I'll just get the principal. She'll help you with a class. '', '' Alright, thanks '', '' Mhm. '', she replied with a sarcastic tone. 
   
   
   
   Chapter 4; IDYLL 
   '' Caleb? Why aren't you in class? '', questioned Mrs. Jasmin, in a firm voice. Mrs. Jasmin was Caleb's old teacher. She's an elderly teacher that's been teaching for years, and taught Caleb in multiple classes in the history of his school-life. She grew more so as a strict-playing mother to him. '' Oh, I just came a tad late... '', '' And, what's that on your chin, young man? '', '' Ah... '', '' Oh, her? '', '' Haha, nah'. This one was my fault. Shaving can be dangerous, kids. '' he'd tease, as they both shared a light chuckle. '' Be careful. '', '' Ah, I know. '', '' Alright, get to class now before I write you up. '', '' Alright '', Caleb would tease back, flashing his fingers in the air, in a sarcastic tone of voice. 
   As Caleb reached the class's door, he expected everyone to somehow, know, that he helped a 'gay-guy', pick up his books. He was so new to the entire thing, and felt odd. Opening the door, finally, he walked in, sweating coldly, but to his surprise, no one even looked at him. Everyone was blissfully unaware, paying attention to class, and laughing to themselves to their own stupid jokes. They were passing notes and just enjoying their last year of high school. 
   Knowing now, that they don't know, in some strange reasoning, Caleb walked in the most questionable way, possible, to his seat. He just sat there in suspense, looking left to right, gently clawing his teeth into his tongue. '' Boo! '', Debby screamed in a whispery tone, keeping her hands on his shoulder. '' Dude, jeez. What happened? '', '' Ah, I dunno'. You look like you've seen a ghost or something. ''. She'd joke, as she chewed on some gum, which was not allowed in school. '' Nothing. Haha. '', he replied, as he quickly opened his Biology book and started writing random things. With a curious mind, Debby runs her fingers along the side of the book, trying to seduce Caleb in a sense, before, finally grabbing it. '' Caleb, this book looks new. Where's all of your notes? '' Debby asked, flipping the pages. At this point, Caleb was about to surrender, putting his hands up and getting on his knees. He remembered, quicker than ever, that it was August's book. '' Shit, I forgot. It's Summer's book. Summer? Winter? Seriously? I've forgotten his name already? May. It's May, no, June, October? OH, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT HIS NAME IS; IT'S HIS BOOK! '', Caleb argued with himself in his mind, taking a while in reality. '' Caleb? '', '' Hmm? Oh, that book. Well, see. That's a new book. '', '' Oh, new? '', '' Yes, new. I lost my old one and got a new one. '', '' Right, well Mr. Smartface, why'd you get a new one and we're at our ending class, anyway? '', '' Don't question my process, woman. '' he'd end. '' Alright, man. Haha. '' Debby would reply, as she quickly kissed Caleb, running back to her seat, next to him. 
   '' Well, at least that's over with. '', Caleb would talk to himself, silently, as he ignored the teacher for his own thoughts, '' Why am I even panicing, anyway? ''. As Caleb sat, settling himself, he rocked back on his chair, putting his foot up on a small bar, on the bottom of the chair. As the words of the teacher started getting into his mind, he tried to figure the questions out, and remember things. Not too long, after he started settling down, he heard a bit of mumbling, by the class's door. While he squinted his eyes, trying to see what was going on, he saw a kid at the door, looking confused. the kid kept peeking in and walking back, then peeking again. At the moment when he realised that it was August, he nearly fell back, off of his chair. Gladly, no one noticed him nearly falling. He just sat forward, with his arms rest up against the table; sharpner in his left hand and pen in the right. '' He looks confused as hell. '' '' Am I going to help? Yes, yes I will. No, actually, no. But, he needs help. Oh, I'll just sit and wait. '', Caleb went back and forth in his mind. As time passed, August just stood outside the door, without budging. 
   Breaking his vow, Caleb decided to go over to the door and help. As soon as he was about to stand, August opened the door, and stepped in. Caleb just sat back in his seat, quickly, before being noticed. '' Ever heard of knocking? '', Mr. Greg, the teacher, asked, before reaching forward for his drink. August just stood there, silently for a moment, looking back and forth, at the class and to the teacher, without moving his head. '' Are you going to talk? '', questioned Mr. Greg in a jaunty mood, as he sipped his drink. '' Yes, sir. '', August replied, singularly, with his hands clenched firmly on his books. '' Oh? '', Mr. Greg jokingly responded, in a high-pitched voice. '' Yes. '', August replied once more, leaving his replies, lesser and lesser of words, to which at a point, became quite amusing to the surrounding class. '' Well? Your presence in my classroom is because? '', he'd tease, raising his drink in an old-timely fashion. '' Well, sir, I was told that this was my new class... '', August would reply, being cut off by random scuffle and argument to the notion by the classroom. He'd turn his head back to the teacher, firmly keeping his eyes on him, trying his best to avoid visual contact with the class. '' The principal said that this was my new class... '', he'd get cut off, once more, as a paper ball hits him, directly in the face, having the entire class burst into a blazing laughter. '' Class! Keep it down, alright? '', Mr. Greg exclaimed, trying to contain them. '' So, the principal sent you here? Are you sure? '', '' Well, yes, sir. It's classroom B.6, isn't it? '', August questioned as he awkwardly tries to unravel the torn, little, white paper that he wrote the name of the classroom on. '' Yes, this is classroom B.6. Ah, just have a seat anywhere, alright? '', Mr. Greg replied, softly, as he angled his arm with the drink in it, pointing at the classroom. '' Oh, okay. '', replied August in a dubious tone. 
   With his arms locked even more firmly around his books, he digs through the trash and garbage, having his head faced to the floor, in attempt to block any hits or things thrown towards him, while searching for a desk. Finding a dusty, old seat next to the wall, he exhales in relief, as he dives into it. Still not raising his head or looking at the class, he ignores their presence, while he tunes them out with the sound of his new teacher's voice. 
   The noise of his other classmates grew so obstreperous, that he was forced to lay his head on the desk. At this point, Caleb kept looking back and forth at August, laying on the desk, unsure on how to react. August's mind just went a blur to everything, as the scuffling and mumbling, and giggling, started to increase, more than what it was, in his mind. Flashes of this morning to now, kept replaying, over and over, with the noise building to such a height, and his heart beating out of number, to where August was near a point of screaming or bursting out of the room, creating the final touches on the crescendo of it all, before the school's bell finally rings, having August hop up, scared to it, while the room went blank silent. August just looked around, and saw everyone packing their stuff in a rush, ignoring his presence. He thought that it was all in his head. 
   He started grabbing his books once more, in his hand, and got up, beginning to walk to the door. '' Hey, where are you going, hen? '', '' What? Oh, I was just leaving. '', '' No, you stay there. Wait until real people leave. '', Blake blurted in an abhorrent manner, before pushing August by his chest. Blake stared at August in a disgustful way, before fixing his jacket, and leaving. August just sat there for a moment after Blake's leave, as he dug in his bag, trying to find a pill for his headache. Failing to find any, he realised that he'd probably left them at home. His eyes turned red. August quickly dropped his books in a panic, as he slammed his bag on the table, turning it upside down, looking in all directions to locate his medication. With a sigh of relief, he found one. August didn't realise that he had no water to drink it, though, until about a minute after he finished packing his stuff back in the bag. '' Oh God... '', he whimpered, '' Really? '', he'd question, no one in particular. August had no choice but to place the large pill in his mouth and swallow it dry. Not to long during his attempt, he choked, spitting it out in his hand. With his eyes, beginning to water from the taste of the pill, starting to dissolve on his tongue, and choking, he plopped his head backward, as he took his finger and forcibly shoved the pill down his throat. His face grew a few beads of sweat from the act and panic, but he was finally alright, once the pill was down and secure. 
   '' Why are you still in class? '', '' Oh, I was just... '', '' Who are you? '', '' I'm August. I was just leaving, sir. '', '' But, why are you still here? '', '' I was just... '', '' Look, school's over and you need to leave. '', '' But, I was just about to... '', '' I said, leave. '', '' Okay, okay. '', August replied, confusingly to Mr. Greg. Mr. Greg stared at August in an odd way as August awkwardly left the room. He just snorted at August, before closing the classroom's door and walking in the opposite direction of August, to the Staff Room. 
   August's bag slipped off his shoulder, and fell to his forearm. He flicked it up, back, quickly with his left hand, before walking out of the hallway, having the 3PM sunlight, hit his face. He easily dipped his head downward, letting his hair fall over his left eye, to his nose, blocking some of the sun. As August looked around at the quick-emptying parking lot and people leaving, he walked over to a nearby, shady tree and leaned against it, while taking out his wallet, finding some money for cab-fare to get back home. He gently placed his books on the grass as he counted the money. '' One, two, three, four, five, six, eight, nine... '', he'd stop himself, '' Wait, no. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, ten, eleven, '' he'd stop again, in frustration. '' Ugh, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. '', August ended, with a sigh of relief. He'd scratch his head while he mumbles to himself about his dyslexic mind. He'd always have problems with reading and interpreting letters, numbers and counting objects because of his dyslexia, but, in his mind, he doesn't have it. He ignores the existence of it, nor does he want to believe that he does. To him, he's just stupid and needed to work harder, more than he is already. 
   He swiftly removed his glasses, as to where they laid on his head, left a wet print of sweat. Under the tree, a gentle wind started flowing, as the clouds eased over eachother, and over the vision of the sun. August rested his head back on the tree, looking up into the cool, green leaves as he watched them sway through the motion of wind. With the wind blowing over the beads of sweat on his forehead, his headache slowly started to ease, as the temperature gradually decreased. August sedately lowered himself, sitting on the soft grass, while he laid against the tree. As the light dimmed, August's eyes opened. He then rubbed his hand on his, now dry forehead, and sat up, as he collected his books and bag, once more. He braced himself o n the bark of the tree, while he lifted himself up, before dusting the back of his clothes from loose grass and leaves that might have stuck to him. August hastily walked over to the pavement, seeing less people standing there, from before. He waved his thumb around, trying to flag a taxicab, only to realise how much the cars ignored him. August stood there for a good while, maybe an hour, before finally getting one. The car was old and filled with dents and scratches. At this point, August had no say in if or not he'd be judgmental to the person's car. 
   As he lowered his head, facing the car, he gave his address, and asked if the driver would be going that way. The driver, an old man, probably in his late fifties, giggled at the question, as he looked around at the area, seeing that August was alone, without anyone being with him. He nodded his head in approval with a warm smile, as he pat the front seat of his car, having it blow up a small amount of dust. August then opened the door, having it creak loudly, before slamming back. '' Ah, just pull it harder. It's an old door, that happens at times. '', the old man would mention in a jolly voice. '' Haha, alright. '', August replied, as he pulled it harder, attempting to go in. The door quickly close back, once more, as it hooked August's bag, pulling him against it. The old man laughed lightheartedly, as he leaned over, unhooking the bag, and opened the door himself. '' Get in quickly, boy '', he'd command in a husky voice. August smiled a bit before lowering his head, and sitting in the taxicab. 
   With a puff of grey smoke, the old man flicked his gear, starting the taxicab on its way. '' So, who are you? I don't see you here often. Never saw you before, to be frank. '', The old guy would attempt to converse with August. '' Oh, I just moved here. And, I'm August '', August would reply. '' Oh? From where? You look quite different. I don't see much people like you around these neck of the woods. '', the old guy would state, as he flicked his cigarette out the window. '' What do you mean? '', August questioned, senselessly, for he knew exactly what the old-man meant. '' Haha, nothing. '', '' Nothing? '', '' It's nothing. Haha, just be careful, alright? '', the old man tried to say in the calmest way possible. '' Okay. '', August replied, lightly, as they both knew the meaning, but willingly avoided the topic. A solid five minutes past of awkward tension and silence, before August popped up with a question to break it. '' So, what's your name? '', August asked, breaking said silence, nearly scaring the old guy. '' Oh, I'm Mr. Hemreck. But, you can call me Denis for short. '', '' Denis? '', Yes, Denis. I hate when people call me Mr. Hemreck. It makes me feel old. '', Denis hissed, as they both burst into laughter. '' Oh, really now? '', '' Yes. I may be old, but you don't have to know it. Haha '', '' I guess not. '', '' Heck, I'm not even old. I can be like, twenty-five. You don't know. '', '' Oh, I'm pretty sure that you're not twenty-five...'' August would say in a funny manner. '' Who says? Haha. Hey, lemme' tell you. You're only as old as you feel. I feel like I'm young still. Time isn't going to stop me. '', Denis laughed, resting his right arm on his tummy. 
   '' Oh, right around here. '', '' Around? '', '' Yeah, I'm not sure. '', '' You're not? When did you move in? '', '' Like, last night. Haha. '', '' Oh lord. You better learn your address young man, before you walk into the wrong house. '', they'd laugh once more. Denis stopped in a distance, not to a particular house, seeing that August's still confused. '' It's that one. I'm sure of it. '', August demanded. '' Sure, you're sure... '', Denis played in an iffy tone. '' Just stop here and you go find your house. Write on the door next time so you know. '', he'd joke. '' Alright, Mr. Denis. '', '' Ah-ah. No misters. '', '' Haha, alright then, ' Denis ' '', August would tease with air quotes. '' How much is it? '', August questioned as he took his wallet out, holding the ten dollars, counting them once more. Denis looked at August's hand with the ten dollars, seeing him count it, and looked back at August. '' Aye, no charge. '', '' No? '', '' Nah', it's fine. I'll give you this time free because you forgot your damn house. Haha. '', '' Aw, thanks. '', August replied in relief, knowing that he didn't have to count the money again, and give the wrong amount. '' Alright now, bye, August. '', '' Bye Mr. Denis '', '' Hey! '', Denis screamed in a playful manner as August ran to his home. Denis looked down and smiled for a bit, before starting the engine again, and taking off. 
   '' Mum, I'm home! '', August yells in excitement. '' Stop talking like that! '', Kathy, replied in a disgusting tone, killing August's joy. He ignores it anyway, running up the stairs, tripping again. '' Not even going to comment. '', she'd remark as August giggled lightly to the harsh sense of humor and trotted up the stairs once more. 
   Shoving his old, creaky door open, August ran in, full speed, tossing his bag on the floor as he dove into his bed, hitting his hands the pillow as he screamed into it out of excitement. August stayed there for a while, laying on the pillow, staring at the ceiling as he thought of his new friend, Denis. August didn't care much for his age or anything, but, more so to the fact that someone laughed with him. '' August, dinner's ready. '', Kathy assured, August. '' August? '', '' Hmm? Oh, I'm here. '', August blurted out with a smile, as he tries to break free of his cloud of happiness, and sink down into reality. '' Dinner's ready. '', she repeated. '' Oh, alright. Is dad coming home tonight? '', '' I don't think so. '', '' Oh. '', he'd respond in a softer, lower tone. '' He has more than one shifts. He'll be home soon. '', '' Alright '', they'd end the conversation. 
   August got up, and walked into the bathroom, taking off his shirt, getting ready to take a bath. He splashed water on his face with his hands as he stared into the mirror with a smile that's unbreakable. He kept staring into the mirror as he wet his hair with the water, pulling it back, and holding it all to the side. '' A new friend. Haha '', he giggles with himself. '' I wonder if he's working tomorrow. I wonder when I'll see him again. '', he'd question with the smile still glaring. August's eyes slowly turned red, once more and his veins started showing at the side of his neck. August gradually froze, as his smile refused to end. Panicking, he tried to talk to call his mother, but his words never left. It was as if he's talking but the voice chooses not to sound. August hastily started falling to the floor, as his body started to refuse movement. Using his brain, he swiftly knocked some bottles off of the sink's counter, as he fell, having them break, making a loud noise. '' August? '', Kathy asked, from downstairs, as she heard the noise, looking around in a suspicious manner, but having no reply, she exclaimed in fright, '' AUGUST! ''. Kathy dropped her bottle of nail polish that she was painting her nails with as she bolted up the stairs, bursting to his room. 
   With the door being jammed with his shoe, Kathy began to scream even harder as she started kicking the door until finally knocking it open. She looked around horridly, trying to find him, before noticing a stream of water, running from his bathroom's door. When she reached into the bathroom, August was laying on the floor without movement, with the sink overflowing, nearly covering his face with water. She quickly grabbed his arm, and dragged him out, trying with all of her might to carry him, being that he's taller than her, but only managed to reach him to the staircase. Kathy, at this point, was confused and screaming, trying to figure out how she's going to carry him downstairs and to a hospital when she has no car. She bursted out of the house, as she banged on the Asher's door - Caleb's parents -. '' Help! Someone, please help! '', she pleaded. Caleb's dad ran out, and grabbed Kathy firmly, trying to calm her down to understand what she was saying. Kathy could not speak. She just grabbed his arm and pulled him to her house, showing him August's body on the staircase. Michael, Caleb's dad, ripped the key off, out of his wallet and slammed it into her chest, as he ran up the stairs, trying to lift Caleb. Having the key slammed into her chest, with no words, she understood what he meant as she ran to his car and started it, driving it over, nearly knocking down a garbage bin. Caleb, through all of this, was out cold in sleep. 
   Beth woke up and ran to the doorstep to witness what's happening. Michael nearly slid down the stairs from the water of August's body, while trying to reach the door. Beth ran down and opened the back door quickly, as she held August, pulling him in the car, while he laid on her lap. Kathy then got out and ran to the front seat, while Michael took the wheel, racing them to the nearest hospital. 
   At the hospital, August was rushed on a gurney, strapped down, while other nurses prepped his head, putting an oxygen mask on his face, running with the gurney's movement. The doors slammed behind the gurney, keeping August's mum and Caleb's parents out. They all just sat outside, in a moment of silence and thoughts. Beth then grabbed Kathy's hand, along with Michael's, as they bowed their heads while she said a light prayer. '' And, God; please watch over her in the ER. Please put your hand over her head, heal her and let the light fix her. Don't let her be hurt '', she'd go on, for over a half-hour, before ending. '' How old is she? '', Beth asked, holding Kathy's hand. '' Well, seventeen. '', she'd reply in a lower volume. '' She's seventeen? But, she didn't come in yet? Late bloomer? '', Beth would question in an odd manner, gesturing at her breasts. '' No, it's a boy. His name's August. '', Kathy replied, turning her face. '' But, she doesn't have any muscles. I meant, 'he'. '', Beth would reason, looking back at Michael, then to Kathy. '' I know. '', Kathy responds, moving her hand away from Beth's, folding them, as she tried to keep herself warm. 
   After about, two hours of silence, the doors were open. The doctor signaled them in, nodding his head. As they walked in one-by-one, they saw August, sitting on the bed with needles, an IV hooked up to both arms, and an oxygen mask over his face. He was still shirtless and somewhat wet, and his body soon began to shiver. The nurse moved the locks of ice-cold, wet hair, stuck together, in front of his face, and pulled them to the back, as she swirled them in a little washed-out blue towel, trying to dry them. '' Did he take his medication? '', the doctor asked, looking at everyone, not knowing which is the parent. Kathy raised her hand timidly, '' He did; well, I thought he did. ''. '' Well, mister... '', '' August. '', '' Right, Mr. August here, his heart disease is getting worse and he can't afford to be missing his medication for that and his diabetes medication, not to mention the insulin shots. We've found his files and he doesn't seem to be one hundred percent, per se. You can't afford to be missing these things. '' he warned, waving the papers. '' Yes, sir. '', Kathy'd respond as she reached over to August. '' Oh, no. We want to keep him here for a bit, '' her hands pulled back '' just to see how he'll react and what's going on. We're not keeping him overnight, but just for a few hours. Maybe, two or three? '', '' Oh, alright then. '', Michael would agree, in an understanding manner as placed his arm around Kathy's shoulder and walked her and Beth, both outside. 
   '' Well, I'm just going to drop Beth home, okay? I'll come back for you and August in a few. Are you okay, waiting here? Or, do you want to come with us? '', Michael asked, as he stretched and folded up his sleeves. Knowing that she should just avoid time alone with them, she nodded her head and assured them that she'll be okay. Kathy gently dozed off, laying her head back on the cold hospital chair, while Michael and Beth drove left. 
   With the car in eye's sight, Beth nudged Michael on the arm. As she reached the car, she wiped a bit of dew off of the window, creating a small circle, allowing her to see inside. '' What do you have to say about August? '', Beth asked in a rough manner. '' Well, I'm not sure. '', responded Michael, while they both got in the car and started on their way. '' It gave me the shivers when she said that it was a boy. It isn't right. '', '' Well, I mean, it looks like his body is like that. He looks so feeble and frail. '', '' No, and what about Caleb? Boys are supposed to have muscles. They're supposed to have strong shoulders, they're supposed to have strong belly's with abs. At his age, that's not right. '' she nagged in disgust. '' I guess so. '', Michael would slur. '' ...God's children. Boys should be boys, girls should be girls. '', she kept going on and on, while Michael agreed, tuning her out a bit with the radio while driving. '' I can honestly say that if that was my son, then I'd have no son. '', '' But, what if it was Caleb? '', '' It doesn't matter. '' Beth growled. 
   With semi-loud cracking of stones under the tires, they pulled up at the driveway of their house. Beth sighed for a moment, '' What should we do? '', she questioned, running her unkept, short, bitten fingernails along the hem of her skirt. '' Hey, not out problem, remember? '', he'd respond lightly, placing his large hands on the steering wheel. '' I'd suppose. I just don't want 'it' around me or us, or, anything. '', '' Shh, just go and get some rest. Don't wait up for me, I don't know how long they'd take. I'll just go wait by a coffee shop. '', they agreed, before both waving and departing. Michael soon reached and eased his way into a parking lot at a nearby coffeehouse. He fixes his clothes and steps out, nearly stepping into a puddle, watching that one, not paying attention to the one in front of him. '' Crap '', he blurted, as he knelt over, rolling the damped edging of his pants up, tucking it in the back of his shoe. He then hissed at the puddle before storming into the coffeeshop. '' One coffee please, no cream, two sugar cubes. '', he orders, '' You've got it. '', the woman at the coffee shop assured in an annoying, pissed off sense of one, with a yawn, before making it. '' One cup, no cream, two cubes. '', she tiredly recited, handing him the coffee before walking back to her seat at the register to lay her tired head on the desk, only to doze off. 
   Michael just sat there with the coffee in his hand, swirling the little spoon in it, as he just spaced out into thoughts. His mind kept racing in circles about August. He was unsure about it, but hated August. He thought that August was disgusting, but wasn't sure if it was because August was sick or if it was willingly. His body kept twitching while he thought over and over at August's appearance. His eyes just went into space, thinking of August's face and body and hair; he looked like a girl, but he also looked like a boy. '' Was he gay?... '', he'd question, in a whispery voice, trying not to allow anyone to hear, even though he's alone in the coffee shop with no one else in sight besides the sleeping waitress. He never met someone like this before, nonetheless touched one. '' What exactly happened? '', he'd sip his coffee. Realising that he'd spend more than a half-hour, there, he got up and slid the cup next to the sleeping waitress's head, and walked to the car. He silently started the car and slowly drove back to the hospital, to meet Kathy and August. 
   As soon as he walked in, it was as if Kathy sensed it; her eyes opened immediately, and automatically, she stood. They both walked over to the doors and knocked, waiting on approval to enter. The doors opened and the doctor gave them a piece of written paper, to where he wrote a prescription, and stamped it. He then gestured them that they can leave. The both held August's arm around their necks, as the toted him to the car. 
   Looking around like a wild animal, August jumped to the sound of Michael, rolling down the window to the car. '' Oh, you want it up? '', he'd ask, but August just stared at him in fear like a scared little, wet puppy. August didn't even know how he got there. '' Ha, up it is. '', Michael lightheartedly chuckled, as he sat at the wheel. While driving home, all August did was watch outside, and see the moving houses and colors, as he gradually started catching his senses and started thinking of his friend once more. He wasn't sure to what happened, but remembered that, that was the last thing he thought about before ending up, here, so August kept trying to change his mind, over and over out of fear. 
   '' Alright, Ms. Kathy, are you guys okay from here? '', Michael asked, after reaching home and setting August safely on the sofa. '' Yeah, we're fine. '', she'd reply warmly. '' Okay, goodnight now. And, be safe. '', '' Thanks again, for helping. '', she softly spoke, while waving her hand, goodbye. 
   While August slept, she shoved a towel under his head, and tried to dry his hair. August lightly woke up and looked at her. She slid his went pants off and got new, dry pajamas for him, resting it on the carpet. She gently turned August to the side and wiped a moist cotton on his lower bum, while she filled the syringe and flicked the needle. '' Just hold still, alright? '', Kathy asked in a soft, loving tone, as she tried to hold August's hand, for comfort, but instead, she held the area where he had the IV hooked up from earlier, and nearly ripped the bandaid off by accident. She apologized and moved her hand lower, and held him in care. August closed his eyes as hard as he could, as he bit his lip, with the oxygen mask over his face while the needle slowly entered his skin. He kept his eyes closed, and his forehead tense as she then pushed the syringe, and released the insulin. Kathy then rubbed it with the alcohol-absorbed cotton pad once more, having August fling his hips forward, moving from the sting. Kathy then helped him put on his pajamas, and laid him back on the sofa. She tucked his blanket over him and pet his head. 
   Kathy just made her way to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. She sat in there until morning rose with it. 
   
   
   
   Chapter 5; DELETERIOUS 
   As the sun ascended, Kathy poured her cup of tea down the sink. She washed the cup roughly, in attempt to give her hands a pastime, while tossing little sprinkles of water on August, waking him up. Remembering Denis, August hopped up quickly and sped to the kitchen. '' Can I take these off? '', August whined, rubbing his fingers over the bandaids on his arms. '' Carefully '', Kathy growled, turning back and looking at him from washing her one cup. August dug his nails into the bandaids on his arms, wiggling them in, in attempt to claw them off. '' I told you about those nails. They look disgusting. '', '' Oh, mum. '', he laughed as he ran upstairs to his room. As he reached the top of his staircase, he gasped in shock, '' Mum, what happened to my bathroom? Why's it a mess? '', '' Ask yourself. '', Kathy snarled, as she climbed up the tiring stairs, to him, handing him a mop and broom. '' Was it that bad? '', he questioned, rubbing his arm. '' Next time, don't forget your medication! '', she'd yell, as she stormed back down the stairs. 
   August swept the wet, broken bottles away and mopped behind it. After cleaning the bathroom, he turned on the shower and eased out of his pajamas, rubbing his bum with the insulin shot, still a bit swollen, before closing the door and stepping in. 
   As he finished his shower, August turned knob off and stepped out. He coughed lightly, then brushed his wet hair back, and applied deodorant to his body. August stretched for a moment, still trying to warm and loosen the area up, where he got the insulin shot. While brushing his teeth, he stared into the mirror with a semi-angry face. He remembered this moment, as of earlier, to where he smiled in it, and ended up in the hospital. He just spat his mouth of minty foam out and reached for his glasses. August ran his wet hand on the new box of insulin, trying to find the edge, to open it. He briskly slid one of the bottles out and held it in the palm of his hands for a few moments, warming it, then started to roll it a bit being careful not to shake it, to avoid clumps. He then took the cap off and set it down. Ripping the packet for the syringe with his teeth, he flicked the needle's cap off, as he slowly pulled the plunger back, letting air in, to the equal amount of the insulin dosage that he needed. He then fixed his glasses and carefully inserted the needle into the bottle, and injected the air. Leaving the needle in the bottle, he turned it upside down, and pulled the plunger to fill the syringe with just a little more than the dose that he needs. He then pulls it out and taps the syringe with his finger, sending all possible air bubbles to the top, as he then pushes the plunger, squirting the excess amount out, along with the air bubbles. August then breathed out softly as he felt around his tummy for a loose area. Insulin's not supposed to be injected into the muscle, for it absorbs into the blood stream too fast. He settles on an area on his tummy, and pinches his soft skin, trying to pull it away from any possible muscles. With his right hand, he places the sharp, cold needle to his skin, and closes his eyes to the sight of injection. He quickly inserts it, as he bites his lip. He breathes slowly and counts to ten, ensuring that all of the insulin is inserted. August then removes the needle and throws it in the little bin to the side of the sink. He rubs the cotton pad over it and presses it there for a few seconds, before brushing it off and getting dressed. 
   '' Mum, do you know where my bag is? '', he'd ask while running down the stairs. '' It was somewhere in your room, I believe. '', Kathy responded, while she began packing up the mess downstairs that was made the last night. '' Ugh, '', snorted August, as he ran back upstairs, looking for it. He found the bag behind the door, with all the books thrown about. '' Really? '', August sighed, packing the pens and papers back, which was scattered all over the floor. He ran downstairs speedily, nearly tripping again. '' August! '', Kathy'd yell at the sound of his accident. '' It's the stairs's fault! '', he'd joke, laughing at himself, with his mum, apparently not finding his humor. '' There's some food in the kitchen with your pills and other medication. You did take your shot, right? '', '' Yes, mum '', he'd whine. '' Good, now go in the kitchen and get your medication and breakfast. '' August lightly teased her before skipping into the kitchen. He devoured the sandwich in which she made, in such a manner, as if he hadn't eaten in years. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, '' Oh, mum! This is delicious! '', '' Stop talking like that! '', '' Sorry. '' he'd sigh, having his joy killed, once more. His voice is his voice and he always found it confusing and hurtful when she would force him to talk lower and deeper and make him into this built 'thing'. After he ate the sandwich, he shoved most of the pills in his mouth at once and swallowed with his orange juice. He then finished getting ready and came back for the rest, giving the pills time and spaces apart. 
   '' Mum, I'm leaving. '', '' Did you get your bag? '', '' I did. '', '' Alright, go before you're late '', Kathy gestured at August with the blankets in her hand. August trotted outside to the pavement, as he searched for a spot and stood there in the misty, morning dew. There were really, no cars in sight. He stood there for a while, while everthing slowly started to take movement. The sun slowly started to take light to the roads and the fog and mist, slowly started to fade into the vision of the area. While August stood there, he randomly sat on an old bench near the road, somewhat a bus stop. No busses ever passed or stopped there. The bench was old and made of iron and concrete. The paint on the bench looks like they had a story as old as wars, itself, having chips and cracks everywhere. Half of the bench was in ruins. It was just broken and tarnished, but somehow, interested August. 
   August started to cough, lightly, due to the coldness of the weather, but, it was as if it echoed. The place was so silent and empty that he heard his cough echo as loud as a monster's roar. '' Gee, that's loud '', he'd mumble to himself in his mind. August saw this time a good one to sketch something. He doesn't really enjoy drawing or anything, but, he doodles when he's bored. It's just a natural thing that happens that he really doesn't have much control of. August pulls out his little sketch pad from his bag and opens it. He gently runs his fingers through his soft hair, fluffing it a bit, to keep his face warm, while he tugs on the little yarn strings of his knitted hat, pulling it lower and lower. After fixing his warmth, he drew his pen and began on his doodles. With random winds keep blowing his hair in his face, he just pulls it to the right and tucks it. As the sun became even more prominent, cars eased their way in, one-by-one, not too long before multiple cars, driven by busy people, trying to get to work, took over. Caleb ended his little sketch while raising his head with squinted eyes, looking at the hustle of cars. He stood up and made his way to the pavement, no too long before flagging a taxicab, and getting a ride to school. 
   '' One, two, three. Alright, here you go, sir. '', August handed the cab-fare with a smile, having the driver look back in confusion in somewhat a comical manner. Caleb hopped out of the car and scampered to the school's doors in the most delightful of moods. August totally ignored the existence of hate that he had or problems with the school; all he had on his mind was the ending of the day, the moment where he tries to find his friend once more. 
   August fixed his knitted hat once more, before entering the compound. His smile turned everyone else's into a grimace. Their heads turned with his presence, as he walked passed them. August's dreamy mind gradually eased into non-existence, as he quickly sank back into reality. '' Mm, haha '', he awkwardly giggles in an undertone, while trying to make his way through the hateful crowd that kept building, more and more like smoke from a fire, just suffocating him. '' Excuse me '', he murmurs, sliding his hands through two girls who seemed to be like buildings next to him. '' No, excuse you. Don't touch me! '', one of them exclaimed, shoving him on his shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance. '' Yeah, don't touch her, or us. '', the other backed her up. '' Well, I just needed to get to class... '', August tried to explain in a soft voice which seemed to be fading into a whisper. '' Oh, shut up. Why are you in school? I don't think you deserve school. I don't think you deserve to be in our presence. '', the first girl, growls, while combing her shoulder-length, frizzy hair. August didn't know what to do, so he just stood there for a moment, looking at the floor or to the side, trying his best to avoid looking at them before they accuse him for not being worthy of seeing, now. The two girls stood there for a few seconds, chewing their gum before accusing him of being ugly, then leaving. August breathed out in relief, when he saw them walk away. He quietly picked up his pace to get to his class before anyone else notices him. 
   His safty didn't really last long, when he slammed right into Blake's chest, falling to the floor, while running, with Blake standing there as a rock. Automatically, Blake kicked August's leg while on the floor, in anger, '' Watch where you're going, faggot! ''. Blake kept going, once more, as he gripped August by his shirt, lifting him up, ever so quickly, then shoving him again. August notices in the distance, Caleb walking by with Jasper, and completely tunes Blake out. As soon as Blake noticed August's ignorance, he smacked his cheek, '' Wake up, faggy. ''. While August was being slapped, Caleb took notice and pulled Jasper along with him, to witness. With August not saying a word, Blake got more and more angry. He twisted August's sweater even more firmly, having it pull tightly around his arm. '' Ah! Stop! '', August squeaked, closing his eyes tigtly in fear. '' Stop what, huh? Oh, this? You don't like that? '', Blake would tease, doing it harder. He tightened his grip and pulled August, bringing him close to his heated, red face. '' What're you going to do, faggy? '', he'd whisper in a monstrous manner, in August's ear. August just lost himself during the hold-up, as he looked at Caleb with his eyebrows raised at the front, and widned, glassed eyes, soon glaring red from the pain, waiting for Caleb to stop Blake. He kept staring at Caleb, waiting, and Caleb stared back as well, but in an oblivious way. '' Haha, hey, I'm gonna' go buy me a soda, alright? Coming? '', Jasper laughed, poking Caleb. He broke his eye contact with August, and laughed along with Jasper, walking away. He acted as if he never saw what was happening to August. August just stood there, being lifted by his shirt and having Blake insult him. He didn't understand what happened. He could not wrap his mind around why Caleb ignored him; he could not wrap his mind around why Caleb didn't stop Blake. He couldn't understand why he just became invisible. '' Fall asleep again, faggy?! '', Blake boomed as he scrambled at August's lower shirt, accidentally grabbing August's wound from the Insulin shot. August squirmed and kicked his feet, as he tried to get away from the grip. '' Stop! '', he yelled, trying to move Blake's hand from his tummy. '' Haha, oh you want me to stop? Alright then. '', Blake calmy teased, as he took his other hand and grabbed August's waist and squeezed it, before finally taking his fist and digging it into August's tummy, where he knew was injured. August's left leg flew back from impact, as he fell to his knees with his hands over his tummy. His eyes just saw blue and black for a moment, flashing over and over. All he could hear was the loud screech silence, as he took in the pain. Blake just walked off with his laughing friends, leaving August on the floor like that. August lifted his shirt and placed his little hands over the area where he was injured, and kept it there for a bit, trying to ease the pain. When he lifted his hands off, he saw it getting more and more, red, and having it feel like a heart was in it, beating as loud as trumpets. He quietly gathered his books once more and managed to make his way to class. 
   August settled in his seat at the back of the class and opened his books, turning to the page instructed. '' Well, this seems alright. At least it's a bit safer now '', he'd whisper to himself, as he started to note the teacher's voice with his deep-purple pen. He's always been really fond of that pen, or purple in general. August was okay for a good few moments, writing the notes and finally being left alone, before being shot in the head, randomly, with wet spitballs. As he continued, another hit him. Snickering could just be heard from the back, raising, louder and louder. August refused, though, to turn and see the people that are doing it, nor to see the other people who enjoy having spitballs hit him, over and over. By the end of class, August darn well collected enough moist paper to build a sculpture. He just tried to dust them off and continue into his next class. 
   By lunch, August, once more, skipped his meal. He did, this time, though, remember his medication and took it. He just left and went to a small opening at the back of the school and stood there until lunch was over. It was somewhat of a hideout in a sense that he found. It was an old messy place that no one ever goes to. He just used it as a hiding spot. The hideout was basically like, a forgotten supplies closet. 
   After school, August waited for everyone to leave, as previously warned, and then left. The doors were heavy but never so light. He felt such a relief that the school's day has ended and he could go back home. He totally forgot about Denis for a while, before stepping outside and seeing the tree again. As soon as he saw the tree, he hopped and ran full-speed towards it, tossing his bag in the grass and hopping on it as well. This was the moment that he's been waiting for. '' Oh, Denis? '', he sang in his cheery mind, taking off his knitted hat and gloves, as he adjusted himself into the warmer atmosphere. '' Oh my. Where is he? '', August questioned, looking left to right at the road. '' Maybe if I close my eyes again, like last time, he'll show up. It's probably just the timing '', he mumbled in a relaxing voice. He sat there for a while, with closed eyes, waiting for Denis. '' How far are you?! '', he'd yell in his mind, at Denis. It didn't really take this long, last time. August just switched random positions, all over, having his feet on the tree, then standing, then using his bag as a pillow, just trying to wait. He remembered that he fell asleep, lightly, the last time, so to his odd mind, he tried to fall asleep. Obviously, this turned out to be an exceptional failure, because of August's excitement. He couldn't sleep at all. In the end, he just decided to take out his sketch pad and finish his doodle. He drew his pen once more, and began on it. 
   '' Hey, kid! Need a ride? '', August popped up, ever so quickly, looking around, trying to see who said that. He looked past the car for over a minute, trying to find the person who said that, before catching his senses that, that was Denis's car. When he noticed, he literally jumped off of the grass, nearly hitting his head on a branch. '' Hey, watch it. '', Denis joked, as he reached over and opened the door that August found difficult. '' Oh, I'm fine, '' August replied, laughing along as he scratched the back of his head and walked over to the car. '' You took quite a while, today, huh? '', he playfully questioned as he bent down, fitting himself into the car. '' Aren't those your books? '', Denis questioned, pointing under the tree. '' Oh! Yes it is. '', August blurted, handing Denis his bag and bolting out the car to pick them up. '' What's that? '', Denis questioned, handing the bag back, with his eyes caught on the book on top of the rest. '' Oh, it's my sketch pad. Haha. '', '' Sketch pad? '', '' Yeah, or Sketchbook. It's just a little book that I doodle in when I'm bored '', '' Oh, you did that? '', he'd ask, while taking the book, seemingly permitted. '' Well, yeah. I don't really like drawing, per se, but I just do it when I have time. It's like, I don't know. It just happens. '', August'd try to explain himself. '' Who's this? '', Denis would question, rubbing his wrinkly fingers on top of the page, feeling the print of the pen's strokes and marks. '' Ah... '', '' Who is it? Haha, it looks like me. '' he laughed. '' Well, it is. '', August admitted, turning his face a bit, while Denis looked at him with a wrinkly smile, showing some of his missing teeth. '' Oh, it's me? '', he questioned pointlessly, as he looked back at the book and rubbed his fingers on the ridges of the words, '' BestFriends '', which were joined together at the bottom of his picture, like art. '' Well, I mean, this guy looks a it older than me, I'd admit. '', he commented, having the silence broken, as they both laughed loudly. '' Well, you know. You're only as old as you feel, right? '', '' Right! '', they both blew into laughter once more. '' But, best friend? What about your other friends? I'm sure, old me, I'm not the best. '', '' Ah, you're not old. '', August giggled, taking off Denis's hat and wearing it. '' And, well, I'm not; I mean... '', he struggles, '' I don't have any friends. ''. '' Nonsense! Fellow like you, no friends? '' Denis exlaimed, trying to lighten the moment. '' Eh, they don't really like me here, though. '', August sighed, lifting up his shirt, showing the marks on his body, letting them speak for itself. Knowing exactly what happened, Denis just rubbed his right hand over it and gently dusted it off, as if it had any dust to begin with. He added no comment, nor did he engage in the topic, for he knew that either way, they'll both not want to talk about it. He softly rubbed his thumb finger on it and put the shirt back down. '' Well, we should get going. We're still parked in the road. Haha '', they both timidly laughed, as he turned the key and started the car on its way. 
   '' Remember your house this time? '', Denis lightheartedly questioned, as they neared the residence. '' Haha, I do. Don't worry. It's, there. Wait, no, there. '', '' Look, I'll just stop outside here from now on. I won't ask. Haha '', Denis teased. He smiled widely, and pat August's back, goodbye, before having August leave. While August waved and scampered his way over to his house, Denis stood in the car and looked from the distance, with the same smile, still prevalent. He sighed after a while, and placed his foot on the peddle. Without anymore tie wasted, he drove off. 
   
   
   
   Chapter 6; NARCOLEPSY 
   '' I wonder what happened to him... '' Caleb's mind circled the day's events. As he layed in his bed, his hands rose to his head, as he brushed the short hair, once more. He kept looking at the empty space between his eyes and the ceiling; it was as if he was staring at the ceiling, but not, so, it settled in the middle vision, while everything else went out of focus. He then used his right hand to rest and grip the ruffles of the bed sheet, pulling himself up, sitting with his legs crossed. The thoughts in his mind just left his body in awe, for his mind was in another place. He kept questioning to if or not he was okay, and what happened. He left before anything ended, which was the reason to his worries. He had no idea to what took place, after he left. He soon started to be angry with himself, and swear at himself in his mind, blaming everything on him, because, he ignored and never stopped Blake or said anything. It's not that he didn't want to or tried to; because, he did. His mind was blown into different areas in the actual events, to if or not he should help or just watch or leave. He was still scared of helping August, and to what other people would think. He didn't want the target of August to be placed on him, or have them think that he 'helps' a fag. The way that August was treated in general, scared Caleb so much. It was too much for him. He cared and wanted to help, but this was just not helping. 
   '' Caleb? Are you coming down? Dinner's ready. '', Michael questioned at the door, noticing that something was on Caleb's mind. '' Sure, I'll be there soon. '', Caleb replied, in a questionable tone, as he hopped off of the bed and pulled the fabric, making the surface of the bed, smooth again. He walked in heavy, clanking footsteps to the bathroom. He yawned and stretched, and pulled the zipper of his pants, down, and rolled his head back, with closed eyes, as he started to urinate. His dad just stood at the door for a moment, listening, and thinking to himself. Since Caleb got home, he's been acting suspicious, like if he killed someone or something. It just wasn't like Caleb, and this worried him. '' Something's wrong. Caleb's never spaced out like this... '' he mumbles to himself, folding up the sleeves of his light green, undershirt that he wears for his work suit. He just looked at the door for a moment more, then nodded his head, thinking that it was nothing, and he probably just had it in his mind. As he shoves his weight on the door, to lightly push off and leave, Caleb opened it, having him nearly fall. '' What the; dad? '', Caleb questions in  a shocking/confusing way. '' Yes? '', '' Were you there the entire time? '', '' Oh, no. I just came up to get you and... '', '' And, what? You just decided to sniff my door? Haha '', '' Sure, let's say that. Haha. '', they both burst into laughter. '' But, your mother has dinner ready. We should get going. '', he softly reminds, gesturing to the stairs. Caleb nodded and followed, laughing still, lightly along with his dad. 
   '' Well, you two seem to be in quite a delightful mood. '', Beth teases, while sweeping the floor. '' Ah, I guess. '', Michael noted, patting Caleb's shoulder. They all sat by their table and began on their meal, after Michael's prayer. '' So, how was your day, Michael? '', Beth weakly started the dinner conversation, digging the spikes of her fork into little strips of chicken that was served with the noodles she made. '' Oh, it was alright. They're talking about a strike again, and I can't really deal with that, though, '' he follows, '' I'm really not into the striking and fighting. ''. '' Well, you know what you have to do. Striking is an ungodly thing; you just stay away. For instance, for me, today, I fell asleep and had a dream. The dream was very well, actually, but, around the middle of the dream, there was a gay person. Ugh. '', she put her fork down, twisting her face. '' I enjoyed the dream, but as soon as that happened, I forced myself awake. God, it's like, you can't get away from them these days. '', she'd end, picking up her fork, giggling a bit, as she picked up another strip of chicken, twirling it with the wet noodles, '' And, you should see her. She had a shaved head and a drawn-on beard. ''. They both chuckled a bit, having Caleb awkwardly laugh along, as sweat visibly runs down his forehead. He didn't know if they knew August, or had any idea of him. He surely, at this point, didn't want them to know that he talked to him. '' Haha, a shaved head? '', Caleb tries to relate. '' Yes! '', Beth bursted into laughter. '' But, gay girls are bad as well? '', Caleb questioned, quickly eating his dinner, faster, realising what he'd just asked. The entire dinner table paused, and quietude went rampant. Caleb just froze with his fork to his mouth, and his jaw opened, in the motion of eating. He slowly moved the fork away, back to the plate. '' What happened? '', he questioned, looking at both of them, having them stare directly back. 
   '' Caleb, all gays are bad. '' Beth stated in a soft, rude-intended voice, tilting her head. '' What kind of question is that? '', she continued, sitting back. '' Oh, I don't know. It was just a question. '', he tries to save himself. '' Caleb, you shouldn't be asking that question. You were raised in the church of God, and you should know to yourself that all gays are bad and should be put to death or forgotten. They're nasty people. They really don't deserve anything. '', she went on. '' Alright, alright. It's just a question, Beth. He probably meant it as a joke. '' Michael stepped in. '' A joke? Was it a joke, Caleb? '', she asked, in more of a light way. '' Ah, sure. It was a joke. Haha, you thought that I was serious. '', he played along, laughing lightly. '' Well, you shouldn't be joking about things like this, alright? This is a serious thing. '', she finished, looking at him for over a minute, before smiling and turning into laughter as well. '' Now, finish your dinner. '', she joked, as they all went back into their dinners. 
   After dinner, Caleb took all the dishes and toted them to the sink, scraping the excess leftovers into a little bowl, that's used to give stray dogs in the village. He then lightly rinsed the dishes and trotted up to his room. 
   '' Jeez, that was interesting. '', Caleb sighed, taking off his shirt as he dove his face into his pillows. After a while, Caleb rose and sat by the wall, pulling his feet to his chest, with his blanket over him. He couldn't sleep, and, his mind just won't go to rest on the subject. Time past, while still sitting in the same position. The room grew rather warm, for some reason, which pushed Caleb to just throw the blank et on the floor. After a few more minutes, Caleb just climbed off of the bed and walked around his room, searching in the dark for his backpack. He roughly pulled out a little grey-brown book which was his diary, and a pen, from the bag and followed the light of his window. He always keeps a diary, and, writes in it at the end of every day, specifically. Since he started, to now, he's never missed a day. It's just a way for him to get things out and to be more aware of stuff. He never really questioned himself, to why he keeps it, but, he just does. It's his unconscious habit that's stuck. 
   The window creeks softly, while being pushed open. Caleb climbed out, gripping his feet on the roof, before reaching his arms on a long tree branch that reaches from his house to the other. He uses it as a safety object, so that he doesn't fall, when he comes out at night, to sit there and have his time alone from everyone. The tree barely moves when he's on it, showing the strength. The tree's an old tree that's been there for years, before he was even born. Him and his friends, as a kid, used to climb from the bottom, to the top, playing and carving their names into it, making little houses, everything possible, that a kid could think to do with a tree. Caleb slowly took his book out of his baggy pajama pant's pocket, resting it on the little branch, as he lifted his right leg up, crossing it on the tree, acting like a table. His mind then went at ease, as the cold wind of the night blew on his semi-sweaty back, and through the small strokes of his short hair, for, he was in his own place of comfort. It was as if he didn't feel comfortable much, in that moment, in his room or 'their' house. 
   The sharp clinking of an object was heard, having him take notice, in half his writing. He ignored and continued his notes to his diary. As the wind blew once more, he heard it again, sounding like a wind charm, and then breathing or laughing, with it. At this point, he was quite concerned, and wanted to know where it came from. He then hooked the edge of the pen on the diary, shoving it back in his pocket as a treasure, and straightened his back, looking around for this noise. His eyes squinted, trying to see through the cool, thick blue light of the night, and the little flying gnats that formed little circles in the air. His eyes focused on a tiny glare. As he further looked, he saw the form of someone, sitting on their windowsill, their back facing him, and playing with a charm bracelet. Caleb automatically knocked himself back, nearly screaming out loud and falling off, for, he never had anyone with him on his tree or his little rooftop, hideaway. He slipped off of the branch, kneeling on the roof, as low as he could, as he kept staring, trying to figure out who this person was. It looked weird, and he just doesn't recall anyone like that.  '' Oh, the new neighbours! '', he exclaimed in a whispery tone, having the person, notice and turn around. Caleb just hung onto the branch, and went even lower, under vision. He stayed there for a bit, listening to hear a movement of some sort, but didn't. After a few minutes, his arms couldn't take it much more, so he pulled himself up, hooking his leg on the branch, his book nearly falling, once more. With a flick of movement, he tossed the book inside, and looked back to see if the person was still there. He didn't see anyone, but didn't take the chance of staying, so he made his way back inside, and immediately fell asleep. 
   After his hours of bother, and time taken, to go to sleep, he just did, but, this sleep didn't last very long, for the morning rose in less than two hours. '' Caleb, time for school! '', Beth knocked on his door, having Caleb fall out of bed, eyes red and looking like a tired-mess. '' Caleb, hurry up. '', she banged again, before wiping her hands on her old, raggy skirt that she wore as a dress, before trotting downstairs. 
   Caleb twisted his head, quickly, as it made a cracking sound and yawned, as he helped himself up, to his feet to go prepare himself for school. 
                                                                                                                                                         
   
   
   
   Chapter 7; INSOMNIA 
   August, wake u... '', Kathy cuts herself off, noticing August, already woken up, sitting on his bed, '' You're up already? ''. '' Yes, mum. '', he replied, in a non-related tone. '' Oh, well, go get dressed. '', she softly suggested, before leaving. August still had his smile, oddly. He couldn't help himself, and couldn't wait to go, get through the day, so he could catch a ride with Denis, again. Once more, he'd forgotten the roughness that the day held. He more so ignored it. 
   After taking his insulin shot, he moved downstairs, to get breakfast. '' August, have a seat. '', Kathy stopped him, pointing to the kitchen table's stool. '' Sure, what's wrong? '', he questioned. '' Well, how's school? '', '' Oh, it's awesome. '', he replied, keeping everything inside, just for safety reasons. He knew that if she knew that he was being treated differently, it'll just make things worse. He has enough problems at school about his difference, and needed less at home. Plus, he didn't want to lose Denis. It's his main reason for school, at this point. He just needs his friend. '' Are you sure? '', '' Oh, yes I am. It's all good. Don't even worry about it. Haha. '', he finishes, as he grabs his breakfast muffin and leaves the kitchen to find his jacket. 
    '' Ah, there you are. '', he softly talks to himself, 'pon finding the jacket. He quickly grabbed and packed his bag, holding a few books in his arms, instead of in the bag. As he rose up, he saw that his window was still open, so he went to close it, stopping for a few moments at it, looking outside at the tree and the branches, wondering what happened last night and what it was that he heard. '' Eh. '', he sighed, before closing it and walking down to the door. 
   '' Mum, leaving now. '', '' Alright, bye. '' she walked to the door with him and watched until he caught a car to school. Before getting in the car, August waved like a child at his mum, and Kathy, pausing for a bit in question, hesitated, but waved back, breaking into a smile. 
   
   
   Publication Date: September 16th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-pm4d27cfc456325