Ratbags and Scallywags [bxb]

Chapter 24

Charlie didn't say another word after that. He hung out with his friends the next break, not skipping a beat with his boisterous banter. Somehow, he seemed louder and more energetic than even before we started getting close. Was this his way of acting out? Is that the reason he acted like that in the past, because something had been bothering him? Even hurting him.

My eyes were set on him every second we were in the same vicinity. Our last class was Geography, and Charlie spent more time slapping his arms and forehead than paying attention in class. He used the edge of the table to make the ruler ricochet against it skin, but when it slid, it cartwheeled through the air and got him on the eyebrow and everyone besides me laughed.

Even Ikeisha giggled. But they didn't know why he was like this.

While he didn't get hurt, the teacher did send him outside of the class. He hadn't been this disruptive since the first day we were pushed into doing poetry together. Now I was seeing him in an entire new light. Something must go on in his life that makes him act like a clown. To draw attention to himself. To be noticed. Was there something missing in his life?

But after whatever happened with Jesse Atkinson, why would he want to draw this much attention to himself? He'd seemed so shaken up before, so afraid. It almost seemed counter-intuitive. I didn't really understand, but I wanted to. Since I'd be going home with him today, I hoped to find out for myself.

Just what makes Charlie Rascal act like a rascal?

I wrote a note to Ikeisha and slid it to her beside me on the desk. I'm going to Charlie's.

Her eyes widened, cheeks pinkening. Sorry Keish. "Why?" she mouthed.

The teacher was busy writing on the board so hopefully she wouldn't notice us sneaking messages and communicating during class.

Something happened, I wrote.

"What?" she mouthed as her brows furrowed into worried lines.

I don't know yet. I want to find out.

She pursed her glossy lips and nodded. Keish was by far the prettiest and most glamorous girl in school. It was different seeing her have a crush on somebody; it didn't happen often. The last one she ever talked about was a few years ago, before my crash. It's strange to think that now, after all this time, the person she'd end up liking was none other than Charlie Rascal.

Someone who's gay. Someone who likes me.

I was going to have to tell her the truth, at least about my side of things. But when would be the right time? Was there even a right time? I glanced at the closed classroom door, knowing Charlie would be standing idly outside of it. Alone with his thoughts out there. What would he be thinking? What would he be feeling? What if Donovan or Jesse caught him out there and we didn't know?

The thought made me clamor up from my chair, making my chair slide and drawing the class's attention towards me.

"Yes, Mr. Keats?" the teacher said, looking me at me expectedly. "Something you wanted to share?"

I looked around the room, barely meeting Ikeisha's eyes as she looked up at me in surprise.

"I need the bathroom," I muttered and headed straight for the door.

If something happened to Charlie out there, we wouldn't even know. He could be hurt again, all by himself. The moment I swung the door open, I saw Charlie flinch from where he stood against the wall. He looked at me with surprise, then let out a deep breath. Seeing him safe and somewhat settled, I was able to relax.