Chapter 10

~Tweek~

We knew that if Craig's parents found out what was going on between us, his father would literally kill him. As much as we didn't want to sneak around, we couldn't stay away from each other in that sense now that we knew how we felt for each other, so we had almost no choice. We hid mostly at my house, since my parents were working 12 hours a day at their coffee shop and if they happened to catch us, I knew they probably wouldn't care much.

I guess Craig didn't believe that I liked him back, because at first, he wouldn't make a move unless I'd advance first. After awhile, he took up control, and ended up actually being the dominating one, which I liked a lot better.

I knew Craig had issues with trust and letting people get close. Clyde and I were the only ones that could ever even get a small glimpse of what was in Craig's head. He was always so stoic and secretive; no wonder I didn't know about his father until he told me.

He was careful with me, pretty hesitant. It wasn't like he wasn't like this before we got together, because he always treated me like I was breakable, but now it was different because I had something precious to him that he didn't want to risk losing.

His heart and his hope.

Maybe he just didn't realize that he had mine as well.

It didn't take long for us to become comfortable with each physically. Making out and heavy petting was never an issue when we were alone. At school we stole moments whenever we could. He practically lived at my house because he hated his own, and his father…well…you get the idea.

One day, Craig was halfway through making a hickey on my shoulder when his cell phone rang. "The End" by Linkon Park blasted from his jeans pocket, and he groaned when he pulled away to answer it.

"Probably Clyde looking for weed again…" He muttered when he put the phone up to his ear.

"What?" He grunted. Craig gets cranky when we're interrupted. I watched his facial expression as he listened to the rapid chatter on the other line. His face went from blank annoyance to panic. He gently lifted me from my spot on his lap and stood up.

"Calm down Suzie…I…listen to me. I want you to go into…Suzie stop crying…Go into my room and hide…the closet…you know…yes. I'll be there in five…Yes…I promise."

He hung up.

"I have to go, Tweek." My dad's up to his old shit again." I stood up as well.

"I want to come with you?" He shook his head.

"No way. I'm not letting you get in the middle of this."

"Craig, your dad's crazy! What if he-" Craig raised a hand in defense.

"I can take a hit, Tweek. You know that."

"But you shouldn't have to! Especially by your own goddamn father!"

"I know that! But there's nothing I can do! I can't let Suzie and my mom get hurt! And I'd rather die than let my dad lay a hand on you even once." His hands gripped m y shoulders when he spoke to me, although firmly, obviously scared.

"Over anyone else, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." I put one of my hands over his before he could pull away.

"You're not going to lose me Craig."

"I don't want to take that chance."

He kissed me again, twice, before turning.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow Tweek." And with that, he ran out the door.

Craig didn't come to school that next day.

I was terrified, shaking even with the medication. And the text I had gotten around noon from him didn't help too much either.

"Tweekers. I'm fine. Will B in skool 2marrow. Promise. Craig"

Lately, the more Craig tries to reassure me, the more worried I get. I know I'm weak, but the least he could let me do was sit outside in his car. That way, when the fur starts flying, I could call the police and catch Mr. Tucker in the act.

Craig assures me it's nothing he can't handle. But what he said when we first got together still rang in my mind…

"Most days when you think I'm skipping, I'm actually in so much pain, I…I can't get out of bed."

Dammit Craig, why can't you just let me help? I couldn't help but think to myself. I contemplated going to Craig's house right after school. I knew his father didn't get home until about 6 PM. That was plenty of time but…

"I don't want to take that chance."

I eventually came to a compromise. I called him.

Several tries later, he finally picks up.

"Yeah?" He sounded groggy. Was he getting high again?

"Craig?"

"Tweek?!" Wow that sobered him up a bit.

"What's up?" He sounded so out of it.

"Why weren't you in school?"

"I skipped."

"You know you can't use that excuse with me anymore Craig."

"I know…" Silence. A Sigh.

"I was in the hospital last night." My breathing hitched.

"What happened?!"

"I'll tell you tomorrow… I can't really talk about it right now."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Tell the truth."

"I am."

"I don't believe you."

"Don't you trust me?" He asked.

"With my life."

"Then why-"

"Because Craig!" I didn't want to yell; it wasn't me. He sighed again. I copied him and tried to calm down.

"You can't keep hiding things from me."

"I know. I'm sorry Tweek…I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Promise?"

"I promise." He hung up, and I managed to relax a little. One thing I knew about Craig was that he never broke his promises.

By the time I had gotten to Craig's locker there was a small crowd surrounding it.

"Tucker,what the hell happened to you?!"

"How'd you manage to do that?"

"Fight with Orange County again?"

"Street fighting? That's illegal!"

"It's underground. No one ever catches 'em."

I pushed by the spectators to see Craig, with his arm in a sling.

I think he was trying to hide it; it was partially shrouded under his jacket. He didn't look like he cared that much, but I knew better. That damn façade…

"Craig!" I rushed up to him, but then turned to face the crowd. I couldn't talk to him with them there.

"G-get lost." Shit, stutter. They looked like they didn't even hear me.

"You heard him, get lost! Nothing to see here! Move it! Get to your classes!" Kenny? Since when did Kenny stand up for me?

He pushed the crowd away and winked at me before he left with the dispersing group; I didn't get it.

I looked up at Craig. He had seen Kenny's wink and now looked aggravated.

But that could be delt with later.

"How bad is it?" Craig shut his open locker his unharmed hand.

"Doctor said it was something called a spiral fracture. It's broken in two places, and a hairline fracture somewhere else. "

"Ouch. Does he know how you got it?"

"He asked, but I didn't really answer him."

"Doesn't he have to file some kind of report?"

"I don't know." I looked around to make sure everyone was gone, then I tenderly touched the sling. The cast on his arm was hard.

"I'm getting a waterproof one later this week. Black; it's gonna be cool."

"Does it hurt?" I asked. He shrugged.

"Not right now. They have me on a lot of pain meds." I could tell; his eyes were sort of glassed over.

I pulled out a dark blue inky pen and gently grabbed his arm.

"What are you doing?" At an angle that no one would be able to see except him, I wrote;

Tweek (Heart)

"Thanks" He gave me a small smile before leaning forward and kissed my lips before pulling me into a hug and then kissing the top of my head.

I didn't notice it before I started taking my medication again, but Craig had the saddest look in his eyes all the time. A longing shimmer in those gray pools.

I've needed Craig for as long as I could remember. I needed him for protection, support, acceptance…

Love.

I rely on Craig for everything.

Now it's his turn to rely on me.

I cannot let him down.