I just need to keep my head down

No one will ask if they don't see it

It's fine, there's at least half an hour until class starts. It's completely fine, everything will be fine. A small sigh escaped my lips as I buried my head in my hands.

It'll be fine

"Dan?"

No, I can't let him see me like this

"…Dan, are you okay?"

I jumped slightly as I felt Phil's hand on my back. Why was he so nice? He was making it near impossible to hide my feelings right now. I slowly looked up at him, my tear clouded vision meeting with those beautiful blue orbs. He made a small gasping noise as he saw my face.

I knew he was looking at the bruises.

"Dan, what happened?" he growled quietly, his hand clenching into a fist. The look on his face was one of pure aguish. It kinda scared me little.

"I-It's nothing"

"Dan"

I winced slightly as he said my name.

That tone

It sounded just like her…

"Dan, seriously tell me. Was it…someone in class"

I just shook my head, focusing on the floor again

"Was it Chris? I swear he is in so much trouble if-"

"No, no. it wasn't Chris…"

He sighed, gently pulling me out of my seat and into his arms. I hugged him back tightly.

"Who did this Dan?…please, tell me"

"It's nothing really. My mum was just a bit drunk and…it really doesn't matter"

"You're mum did this!?" I flinched at the sudden loudness of his voice "What the- just, I'm calling her right now"

I just stared at him wide eyed as he pulled away from his and turned towards the door

"No!" I quickly grabbed his arm, giving him a pleading look as his eyes met mine

"Please don't. it was an accident." he gave me a sympathetic look, sighing softly as he turned to face me again.

"Why did she do it?"

"It was my fault, really. It was. It always is" I mumbled, several tears making their way down my cheeks. I adverted my gaze to the floor again. I couldn't look at him. "Just please don't phone her…I don't want to cause her anymore trouble…"

"Oh…Dan" I felt his arms wrap around me. I hadn't realized how much id been holding back the tears until this moment. He gently ran a hand through my hair, whimpering small comforting words. "I won't Dan, I promise, just. Please don't cry" . He tightened his grip around me, holding me as close as possible. "…Why did she hit you?"

"I had a…fight, with Chris and I was late home. I don't know she just, she got really angry and hit me. It's my fault, it always is." I sighed softly, trying to wipe away the tears. "I don't deserve to have a family. I don't deserve anyone"

Phil gently tipped my chin up until I met his gaze. "Dan…please don't talk like that. No matter what you think you don't deserve to be treated that way. She's your mum, she should be looking after you. Not hitting you"

"But it's-"

"It's not your fault, okay?" he gave me another gorgeous smile, gently cupping my cheek. "Come on you, I don't want to see my friend sad, do I?"

"…Friend?" I asked quietly, remember Chris's words

"Of course, we're best friends forever and ever, remember?"

I nodded, returning his smile.

"You know you can talk to me about anything" he added, attempting to mimic my words from the other day. I couldn't help but let a small laugh pass my lips. He gave me a sheepish grin, gently caressing my cheek with his thumb. "I'm sorry I raised my voice. I just got angry when I saw you were hurt. I never get angry, so. You should feel special"

I grinned back at him, leaning into his touch.

I was so obviously in love with him

************************************************** *******************

"Nice black eye, Dan. Did you walk into a door or something?"

I tried to ignore Chris' hateful words. He seemed to have fallen out with me for some reason. I honestly don't know what I've done.

"You gonna talk?"

Silence

"Come on Dan, you're being stupid"

I just continued writing. I didn't want to talk to him.

"Dan, What the fuck!?"

"Chris!"

I looked up to see Phil giving Chris a dirty look. He really didn't look to impressed.

"Chris, leave Dan alone"

"B-But sir, I was only trying to talk to him"

"I heard what you were saying Chris, don't try to deny it. Just leave him alone"

"Of course…I'll be going"

He slowly walked away, looking back one last time before leaving completely.

"Dan? You okay?" Phil asked, gently placing a hand on my back

"Yeah…"

"Hey, remember what I said. I don't want to see a sad Dan. Only a happy Dan"

I smiled at him, slowly getting out of my seat. He patted me on the shoulder, keeping that amazing smile on his face. Suddenly the thoughts hit me

Should I tell him?

If I tell him now it'll ruin things, but…

"Phil?"

"Yeah?"

"Um, well I"

"What is it?"

"…I…I really like. Maybe I…okay, I love you…"

He sighed, adverting his gaze to the ground "Dan…"

"It's okay, I get it" I quickly added

"No-"

"No, it's fine. I'll go"

"Dan wait-" he shouted, reaching out towards me

I didn't let him finish

I just ran

Ran as fast as I could until I couldn't anymore.

Why the hell did I do that?

I'd definitely ruined everything now