Ripped - 21. Chapter 21

--Bailey—

Bailey woke up the next morning confused as to what day it was. It took him several moments to remember it was Friday, and he had only spoken to the Headmaster about Chris and Eric yesterday morning. It seemed like it had been days ago with how worn out he was feeling.

Last night, he had suffered through his mom's scolding for not telling her about the bullying, as well as Daniel's advice for handling any repercussions. He had had to relive the assault again for the second time that day as he'd told his mother and their lawyer—if that's what Daniel Kirsch even was anymore—all that had happened.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" His mother paced the living room, throwing her hands out.

Bailey dropped his head back on the couch. "It was done. Over. A. Week. Ago. At least, I figured it was over. If Chris could have let it go. Well, and Declan."

"You know bullies don't stop! Have you not learned anything from the last few years?!" His mother's agitation grated on his nerves. She hadn't known all of what had happened. What right did she have to lecture him on it?

"If your father were here right now, you know he'd have a few words to say about this!"

Bailey jerked as if he'd been punched.

"Michelle," Daniel's even voice stopped his mother's tirade, "It sounds as if Bailey did what he thought was best. He tried not to antagonize this Chris boy, except for maybe showing off a little in football..."

Bailey caught Daniel's small smile and nod before the man continued.

"I don't know that I would have done much different in his situation. He obviously thought once Chris got what he wanted, the guy would back off. Right, Bailey?"

Bailey blinked at the man. Was he really defending him? "Um, yeah, right."

"Your father moved us here, to this new school, so this kind of thing wouldn't happen. And now I'm having to go to the principal's office. Your father always handled all of this." His mom was staring tearfully at the picture on the mantle, the folded flag, the shrine of his father's life and death. "I don't know how... I can't do what he..."

"Mom, " Bailey sat up, "it'll be fine. You don't have to go see the Headmaster. I'm sure they can just send you a letter if you don't want to go in. Shit happens everywhere—"

"Watch your language!"

Daniel chuckled next to him at his mother's outrage. Bailey just sighed. "My point is... stuff happens anywhere. But this school, mom, this one—I believe everything will be okay. Just like they promised dad this summer. Things are different here. I still don't know what's going to happen, but I know Dr. Lansing isn't sweeping it under the rug like other schools have tried to do."

"Are you sure, sweetheart? I don't know if I can trust—"

"I believed him. Them. Even the football coach was there and said the same thing. And I did believe him. If I didn't, I wouldn't have told them anything, even though Declan already had."

"If you'd like," Daniel cut in, his eyes soft as he smiled at Bailey's mother, "I can help if you want me to go with you to the school."

Bailey glared at the lawyer. "I'm sure that won't be necessary," he bit out. You're not my father, don't try to act like it.

She stared at him for several long moments before releasing a long exaggerated sigh. "No, I think I need to go in and talk to the principal—"

"Headmaster, mom," Bailey corrected.

"Yeah, right, Headmaster. How about we eat and call it an early night?"

"I'll just grab some leftovers and eat in my room." Bailey darted to the kitchen. He heard his mom flop on the couch, and Daniel say something about getting her a glass of wine.

Bailey dug in the fridge as Daniel walked in behind him and reached for a red wine from the cabinet.

"You sure you're okay?" Daniel asked as he edged by Bailey to the drawer with the corkscrew.

"I'm fine." He didn't know how many times he'd have to say it before they believed him. Maybe it would help if he believed it himself.

"So..." Daniel tugged at the stubborn drawer. "The boy who was here..." He yanked a little harder before it gave and he could retrieve the bottle opener. "He's..."

Bailey rolled his eyes at the man's obvious fishing. "He's a friend. He's on the football team, and he's in my math class."

"Your mom seemed surprised to see him. Has he not been over to visit before?" Daniel worked the cork from the wine bottle.

Bailey glared over his shoulder at the overt attempt to get Bailey to talk about his friendship with Declan. He grabbed some leftover lasagna, dumped some on a plate and stuffed it in the microwave before turning to face the man intruding on his life.

"Not that it's any of your business, but Declan hasn't been over here before, none of my friends have."

"Why not?"

Unbelievable. Bailey shook his head. "Because I wasn't ready to have anyone here. This is my home. Mine and my mom's." He let the unspoken implication that Daniel wasn't welcome either hang between them.

"And you didn't want to open it up to anyone else after your father died?" Daniel's voice was soft, sympathetic as he tilted his head questioningly, pointedly ignoring Bailey's slight.

The microwave beeped as Bailey glared. "Fuck you."

He yanked open the microwave door, grabbed his plate and stormed up the stairs. He slammed the door shut before dropping his plate on his desk and falling onto his bed.

The man had no right to pry into his life.

Bailey's fingers twitched, ghosting to his hip.

God, how had his life gotten so messed up in such a short time?

He pressed, itching for a little relief, but found none. Those cuts were too healed. His other hand drifted to his chest but fisted before he could dig into the barely scabbed over slice. That one was a mistake. He should never have used a place too hard to conceal.

Bailey lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to gain control of his spiraling thoughts.

His mother upset with him for it happening again.

The look on Chris's face as Bailey had left the conference room.

The worry in Declan's eyes when he'd arrived.

The shouts from students as he'd taken off.

His mom still wanting his father to take care of everything, wanting to hide away and not deal with anything real.

His dad for not being here to ask for advice.

Hating Daniel for being here instead.

He reached for his nightstand, lifting his book, and peering at the empty spot looking for it.

Where was it? He needed it. Now.

He was sure he'd slipped it under there after the last time. He rolled to his side, searching frantically. Had his mother found it? No, she never came in his room anymore. Then where—?

He froze. Declan. Declan had been holding the book when Bailey had come back from the bathroom. Shit. Had Declan found it? If he had, why didn't he say something about it?

Bailey leaned over the edge of the bed, eyes searching. He sighed in relief when he saw the sweet sliver of metal on the floor between his bed and nightstand. Maybe it had fallen there before Declan had even come over. At least, he hadn't stepped on it.

A cool rush of anticipation washed over him as he shifted back on his bed. He grabbed a couple of tissues before lifting his shirt and unzipping his pants. He peeled back the edge of his black uniform trousers, barely sliding the waistband of his boxer briefs aside.

The prick of the blade gave him the sweet jolt he needed to drench the fires of self-hate, grief, and anger threatening to consume him. He dropped the razor back onto his nightstand before dabbing at the wound with the tissues.

He lay there just breathing, feeling the pull on the cut with each rise and fall of his stomach as he breathed. This one wasn't very big or deep, not like some of his others. Just enough to pull him through to the other side of his panic.

His mind sought something to hang onto, something to keep him from falling back into the abyss. He needed something...

His phone vibrated from his backpack. He'd shoved it there after speaking with his mom earlier—it seemed like forever ago, but was just this morning. He'd been vaguely aware of it making noise throughout the day but had been too upset to even look at it.

Bailey finally rolled up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and reached his backpack. He dug out his phone, shocked to see so many text messages and even a few missed calls. It's not like many people even had his phone number, so who...?

Justin. Of course. And Mateo, Cameron, Owen, and Luke. The team had apparently heard about his abrupt exit from school. And of course, he hadn't been at practice, so they were naturally worried about what was going on.

The texts escalated in concern and urgency, wanting him to text back as soon as possible to let them know if he was okay. There were a couple voice mails from the several missed calls as well.

And then the last few texts were interspersed with a new name.

Declan.

Declan. He thought of Declan asking to kiss him. Of Declan's lips against his. Of Declan's huge hand against his jaw. Of his breath as he whispered in his ear.

And he smiled.

He quickly texted his team back, letting them know he was all right, just tired now, and he'd talk to them tomorrow. Then he opened Declan's last text.

😧 <hope you're doing okay.  enjoyed our talk... and after... >

B: <thanks for coming.  Sorry I was such a shit to you at first, but it was nice to talk.  And of course, after was really nice too >

😧 < see you tomorrow, good night >

B: <night>

With his mind finally at ease, for the time being, he grabbed a pair of pajama pants, holding the bloody tissues to the new cut, and headed to the bathroom. He could still hear his mom and Daniel down in the living room, the TV on faintly in the background. He vaguely wondered how much of the wine his mom had drunk this time. Maybe sharing it with Daniel would cut the amount of her own consumption.

Bailey locked the bathroom door. Bailey glanced down, lifting the bloody tissues. It was a little higher than he'd thought, more near his abdomen, but his pants would easily hide it. Flushing the evidence of his latest break and watching the tissues disappear in the swirl of water, he thought about how Declan had reacted to the blood earlier. He'd been worried. About Bailey.

Bailey smiled to himself. Declan cared about him. And he'd kissed him, twice technically. His hand ghosted to the back of his neck where Declan's lips had been.

His body tingled with the memory, of the hope...

He'd spent the rest of the night wrestling with his thoughts, waking more tired than he usually did. He rolled out of bed, dressing for his morning run. A smile curled his lips as he wondered if Declan would be there today.

He carefully folded his slacks and polo shirt and shoved an extra pair briefs and socks in his duffle bag for school as well as his gym gear. Hefting his backpack over his shoulder, he headed quietly down the stairs.

"Good morning."

The greeting was soft, a hushed whisper, but Bailey still nearly jumped out of his skin at the voice coming from the living room.

"Jesus!" His back slammed into the wall as he whirled around, dropping his duffle bag.

Daniel. Fuck. Bailey pressed his hand to his thundering heart, as if that would stop it from bursting out of his chest from fright.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Daniel said softly.

Bailey finally focused on the man sitting in the living room, sprawled awkwardly on the end of the couch. Bailey's mom was stretched across the sofa with her head pillowed on Daniel Kirsch's lap. The man looked rumpled, grimacing a little as he shifted, probably stiff from sleeping in such an awkward position.

"What are you still doing here?" Bailey accused.

Daniel stroked his hand down Bailey's mom's arm. "She fell asleep, and I didn't have the heart to move her. She was exhausted last night... worried and..."

"Yeah, well, there's nothing to worry about. I told her that. It's fine."

"Bailey, she's just—"

"Mhmm, Bailey?" his mom's sleepy voice interrupted Daniel.

"Morning, mom." Bailey started to turn into the kitchen as his mom struggled to find her bearings and sit up.

"Daniel, you're still here," she sighed.

Bailey heard what he thought sounded like a kiss and nearly stumbled. He heard Daniel's deep voice speaking softly to her, but he couldn't make out any of the words. He was pretty sure he didn't want to hear them.

"Bailey, sweetheart." He turned to see his mom walking into the kitchen as he rummaged in the pantry for his power bars.

"Yeah?" he grunted, wanting her to just send Daniel away and go back to bed.

"Michelle," Daniel's voice interrupted, "I'm going to run out to my car and get my change of clothes. Do you mind if I use the bathroom down here to freshen up before we go?"

"No, no, of course not."

Bailey froze. Change of clothes? Before we go? He turned, narrowing his eyes at Daniel before the man smiled and disappeared back out toward the front door.

"Where are you going with him?" Bailey asked acidly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Sweetheart, he's going with us to your school. I asked him to come, just in case."

"In case of what?" Bailey nearly yelled. "I told you already, the Headmaster and Dean were taking care of it!"

"In case I need him," his mother admitted. "In case you need him."

"I don't need him!"

"Bailey! Stop it!" his mother snapped. "Daniel is just trying to help. And I need it. I thought we'd all have breakfast then head over to the school together."

Bailey's jaw dropped. Breakfast?

"So please, go get dressed in your school clothes," she added as the front door closed and Daniel's heavy footsteps tread across the floor.

"I'm going running," Bailey said stubbornly.

"Not today." His mom lifted her brow, daring him to disobey. "We need to do take care of this. Together. Now."

Bailey stared her down for a long moment, wondering what made her suddenly care so much about his life now when she'd basically disappeared after his father's death.

"Fine." He slammed the pantry door shut and stormed out of the kitchen, practically running into Daniel.

"So why are you carrying a change of clothes around anyway?" Bailey snarled, not feeling the least bit amicable.

Daniel blinked at his tone, but then cleared his throat, holding up the suit covered in plastic. "I had picked up my dry cleaning yesterday before coming over here to help your mom, and I always keep my gym bag in the car in case I have time to workout after I leave the office."

"Yeah, sure," Bailey grumbled, reaching down to snatch up his own duffle and stomp up the stairs to change.

"Bailey..." Daniel caught his arm. "Really. I'm just here to help. Both of you. I'm not... I'm not trying to replace your father. I just..." He paused, glancing down. "I want to be there for you, for both of you."

"You just want my mom," Bailey accused.

"Bailey—" his mom's sharp tone interrupted, but Daniel shook his head at her, stopping her rebuke.

Daniel took a deep breath, glancing at Bailey's mom, before turning back to Bailey. "I do like your mom. I can't deny that. We knew each other in school, and it's been nice getting to know her again. Do I hope there might be more between us? Yeah. Eventually. Maybe..."

Bailey's eyes widened at the man's admission, his mouth opening.

"But," Daniel stopped any argument he might have said, "but I know we're not ready for that right now. You're not ready for it. I'm only hoping to have a chance to be a friend right now. For both of you."

Tears pricked at the corners of Bailey's eyes at the words of the man in front of him. Bailey didn't want another man in his mother's heart. He didn't want someone to replace his dad, and no matter what Daniel said, that's what he was trying to do. Wasn't he?

But Bailey couldn't find the words to say right now, so he turned stiffly and headed back to his room to change.

 

****

 

"Bailey, it's good to see you looking well. We were worried yesterday, especially when Mr. Carter called up from the gate." The Headmaster smiled as he advanced from his office to where Bailey, his mom, and Daniel Kirsch waited.

Bailey nodded. "Thank you, sir. I'm sorry I left. I just wasn't feeling very well."

A sympathetic frown fell across Dr. Lansing's features. "Yes, I understand. Normally, leaving campus like that would not be acceptable; however, the circumstances were unusual. When Mr. Foster returned, he reported you were better and that your mother had arrived."

"Yes, sir. Declan helped a lot. Thanks for letting him come check on me."

"Somehow, I think he would have gone with or without permission," the Headmaster chuckled softly before turning to Bailey's mom. "Mrs. McIntyre, I'm so glad you were able to come," Dr. Lansing greeted, gesturing for all of them to head into his office.

"Thank you," his mother said stiffly.

Dr. Lansing smiled genuinely as he waved to the seats in front of his desk. Bailey watched the Headmaster turn to Daniel, his gaze curious as he held out his hand. "Hello, I'm Dr. Lansing, the Headmaster of Heritage Academy."

Daniel immediately clasped the outstretched out. "Daniel Kirsch. I'm Bailey and Mrs. McIntyre's lawyer and friend. Mrs. McIntyre asked me to join her this morning."

Bailey blinked. Had the man just said he was Bailey's lawyer, not just his mom's? Dr. Lansing only reacted the tiniest bit to the fact that they'd brought a lawyer to the meeting.

"Of course. Nice to meet you, Mr. Kirsch." Dr. Lansing smiled as he moved to pull a third chair over so all three of them could sit down.

After his mom and Daniel sat down, Bailey slunk into the third chair as the Headmaster rounded the desk to his own chair.

"I want you to know that we are very sorry about what Bailey has been through," Dr. Lansing began. "Heritage has very strict policies about acceptance, tolerance, and of course, bullying. This is certainly not what we expect of our students, and I assure you Mr. Vasser and Mr. Olander's conduct is no exception."

"I..." Bailey was surprised at the squeaky tone of his mom's voice. "I know my husband chose this school because of its reputation. This is... it is... We expected Bailey to be safe here. And then this..." She waved her hand, unable to finish.

Dr. Lansing was nodding. "Yes, ma'am. You are absolutely correct—"

"Mom, I told you, it happened off campus," Bailey interrupted, not liking the idea of her blaming the school for what had happened. "Sh—stuff can happen anywhere."

"But," Dr. Lansing continued with a quick look at Bailey, "it shouldn't happen, and we work very hard to see it doesn't happen here at Heritage Academy. Mr. Vasser and Mr. Olander understood this clearly from the first day they set foot on campus."

"I just need... How can I know..." his mom began brokenly, and Bailey suddenly realized just how close to tears she was.

"Mom, I'm—"

"Dr. Lansing," Daniel cut in, and Bailey watched his hand slide over his mother's which was gripping the arm of the chair. "What Mrs. McIntyre, and of course Bailey, need to know is, what is being done to ensure Bailey's safety going forth?"

Bailey gaped at the man, so strong and poised, staring down the Headmaster. Dr. Lansing smiled and folded his hands on his desk.

"Of course. Well, both boys have been expelled from Heritage for their clear violation of major school rules and community expectations..."

Bailey sucked in a breath at the confirmation of their punishment. He'd known it was a possibility, but for some reason he still didn't think football stars like Chris and Eric would ever be punished so severely. He felt slightly guilty for the warm rush of relief that overcame him knowing that he wouldn't have to suffer Chris and Eric's snide remarks or furtive assaults anymore. He sat up straighter. This school was sticking up for him.

"... Bailey won't have to worry about facing either one of them in school going forth," Dr. Lansing was saying. "Eric Olander will be picked up today by his parents. Unfortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Vasser were out of the country when we contacted them. We expect them to pick up Chris on Monday morning."

Bailey saw his mom frown. Daniel sat forward, a look of consternation on his face. "Does this mean Bailey shouldn't be on campus as long as this other boy is still here?"

"Oh, no, of course not. Chris Vasser was moved yesterday to an empty room in the faculty residence. His meals will be brought to him there, and he will not be allowed to leave the building until his parents arrive to pick him up. I expect they will arrive sometime mid-morning on Monday, and Mr. Zamora and I will have a meeting with them before they leave campus. Bailey's studies and activities will not be impacted any further by either of them."

"What about off-campus?" Daniel asked. "Could either of these boys try to seek revenge on Bailey, especially now that they are not under Heritage's supervision?"

Bailey twisted in his seat, a twinge of pain sparking on his abs from it. Revenge. That was pretty much inevitable, wasn't it? There was nothing the school could do after this, and he was sure Chris would want it.

Dr. Lansing spread his hands. "Well, of course, we won't have any direct influence over their actions after they leave. However, I can say with some confidence that they should not be a problem, but if you are worried, you could consider contacting the police."

"Why won't they be a problem?" his mother finally spoke up, cautiously hopeful.

"Well, Eric Olander lives about four hours away in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. And Chris Vasser lives in New Haven, Connecticut, over seven hours away."

"Oh!" his mother gasped in surprise. Bailey's jaw dropped as well. Over seven hours away?

"I had no idea students came from that far away." His mother's hand fluttered at her throat. "I mean, I know my husband told me how prestigious Heritage was but I... I didn't know just how..."

Dr. Lansing smiled. "Quite alright, Mrs. McIntyre. A lot of our students are from much closer, but Heritage does have students from all over the world."

"Well," Daniel smoothed down the front of his suit, "that is good to know. I'm sure it will be a relief to not have to worry about these boys going forward."

"I believe you have nothing to be concerned about. We will certainly keep an eye on things here on campus, but we feel strongly that Bailey will continue to flourish here at Heritage. We certainly look forward to his first competition this weekend." Dr. Lansing smiled pleasantly. "Are there any other concerns or questions I can help you with?"

Bailey turned to his mom and Daniel. The lawyer seemed to talk to Bailey's mother with his eyes before they both shook their heads, rising.

"No, I think we are good," Daniel stated, taking Bailey's mom's elbow.

"Yes, thank you, Dr. Lansing," his mother agreed. "I feel much better. You have handled this situation much better than I expected, considering other schools we've dealt with."

"Well, I'll take that as a compliment, Mrs. McIntyre. We appreciate the trust you put in us." Dr. Lansing came around the desk, and Bailey followed behind them all as they exited the office.

"Bailey, I believe first class will be starting in a few minutes, if you'd like to head over to the academic hall," Dr. Lansing stated.

Bailey took the hint, having no desire to stay in the Headmaster's office any longer than necessary. "Thank you, sir." He hesitated as he turned, his mom was still clutching Daniel's arm. "Um, bye, mom."

"Bailey..." she called as he shifted for the door. "Have a good day, sweetheart. What class do you have now?"

"Uh, English." He edged further toward the door.

Her eyes brightened. "Oh, maybe you'll get your paper back today, and he'll post grades online."

Bailey swallowed thickly. The stupid English paper. "Yeah, maybe." Hopefully, not, he thought to himself, but it obviously it was inevitable.

"Bye, Bailey. We'll see you later," Daniel Kirsch added.

Bailey managed a cordial wave in front of Dr. Lansing before darting out the door, hoping to make it to class before the bell rang. "Thanks."

 

****

 

Bailey managed to avoid students wanting to corner him with questions as he feigned being busy reading on his phone between classes, pretending he hadn't heard his name called until it was too late and class had started. He didn't want to deal want to deal with anyone upset that he'd gotten the star quarterback kicked out of school. Justin and Cameron caught up to him on his way to lunch, crowding around him protectively, practically escorting him to the dining hall.

It was at least effective at preventing others who Bailey hardly knew from accosting him with questions. He kept his head down as he walked not wanting to see accusing eyes blazing at him.

"Bailey, you okay? You're... well, even quieter than usual," Cameron asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine." It seemed like he was constantly saying that.

"You know you can talk to us, right?" Justin added. "We're here for you."

"I know. I just—" He sighed heavily. "You know everyone is going to be pissed, right?"

Justin blinked at him, stunned, before laughing. "Is that what you think?"

Bailey frowned.

His teammates broke out into huge grins. "Bailey, most of the school thinks you're a god for standing up to Chris and Eric. Chris been an egotistical asshole since he's been here, but his parents are loaded and he thinks he can do whatever he wants because he's God's gift to football."

Bailey stared at Justin like he had two heads. That didn't make any sense.

"Yeah," Cameron added, "I think even most of the football team is glad to be rid of him from what I heard last night."

Bailey was stunned into silence as they walked into the dining hall, dropping their bags at their usual table before getting in line. This time Bailey cautiously surveyed the students flowing around him.

No one was glaring at him. No one was sneering.

Curious looks. Some smiles. Even a couple waves.

Cameron nudged him as he absently put his food on his tray. "See? I told ya."

A tiny smile tipped the corners of Bailey's mouth. Maybe it would be okay. He relaxed his shoulders, unaware that he'd been so tense they were nearly up to his ears. He breathed a little easier as he followed slowly behind Justin and Cameron back across the dining hall. He saw Declan dropping his backpack at the table next to theirs along with several guys he recognized from the football team—Nick, he thought, and Jose, Ben, and... was it Jaime?

Declan was laughing at something one of his friends said when he looked up and met Bailey's eyes. The change on his face was instant. The softening of his eyes, the genuine smile. The flirtatious wink.

Bailey's shoulder was suddenly jerked back as a passing student slammed into it. He nearly fumbled his tray, the plate sliding precariously. He struggled to right it as he looked up to apologize. Damn, he should have been paying attention to where he was going instead of fawning over Declan.

"Sor—"

"Couldn't fucking let things alone, could ya?"

Bailey flinched at the vicious whisper, stepping back from the blatant anger staring down at him.

"What?" he stammered, stunned.

"You just had to run to the Headmaster and cry like a little girl." The guy poked Bailey's shoulder forcibly, causing Bailey to lose control of the tray.

The crash silenced the dull roar that normally permeated the dining hall. Bailey's cheeks flushed bright red as the guy smirked down at him. He dropped down, immediately attempting to clean up the mess.

Declan was suddenly next to him. Cameron and Justin were right behind him. Justin had leaned in threateningly, opening his mouth, when Declan beat him too it.

"Eddie, what the hell is going on?"

"Nothing. Just asking a question is all."

Bailey looked up to see Eddie shrugging.

"And what question is that?" Declan demanded.

"You know what," Eddie hissed back.

Bailey vaguely registered Mr. Bassinger jogging across the dining hall, his walkie-talkie up to his mouth, obviously concerned about potential trouble. Another student had stepped up behind Eddie, his arms crossed as he backed up his friend. Bailey's hands shook as he gathered up the fallen silverware.

"Yeah, well, you know what?" Declan leaned forward into Eddie's face, his voice rising. "Bailey didn't turn Chris in. I did. And he fucking deserved it."

Eddie jerked as if Declan had slugged him. "What?"

Declan looked like he was going to say something more, but Mr. Bassinger was suddenly there, pushing between the two. "Back up. Now. Everyone calm down. What's going on?"

Declan immediately stepped back, his fists unclenching, Justin and Cameron hovering at his back, letting Declan deal with the asshole. "Eddie is just jumping all over Bailey for something he didn't do."

Bailey slowly stood, most of the mess of his lunch back on the tray, as Eddie and his friend stared disbelievingly between him and Declan.

"But I thought—"

"Yeah, you fucking thought," Declan spat out. "Maybe if you had more brain cells, and thought for yourself instead of following Chris like a damn puppy, you'd know better."

Bailey stared open-mouthed at Declan, who stared down Eddie along with Justin. Cameron turned and took the tray from him, apparently satisfied that Declan and Justin could handle Eddie and his friend.

"You okay?" Cameron asked, causing Declan to glance over at Bailey, those hazel eyes raking over him worriedly.

Bailey nodded automatically.

"Mr. Bowman—" Mr. Bassinger started but stopped at the sharp, rapid click of dress shoes.

They all turned to see Headmaster Lansing striding purposefully towards them with Dean Zamora and one of the security guards on his heels. The furrowed brow and tight jaw had every boy in the dining hall involuntarily hunching in dread.

"Is this about what I think it is?" Dr. Lansing stopped in front of them, his hands on his hips.

For a moment, no one spoke. Mr. Bassinger was obviously giving the boys a chance to answer first. Bailey noticed that the Headmaster had barely glanced at him, his eyes boring into Eddie and Declan, demanding answers.

"Yes, sir," Declan finally said. "Eddie was talking shit to Bailey because of what happened to Chris."

Dr. Lansing stared at Eddie for so long, Eddie visibly cringed.

"I didn't know. I—"

"Stop with the excuses, Mr. Bowman. It is obvious this needs to be addressed here and now, once and for all." The Headmaster turned to Bailey, Declan, Justin and Cameron. "You boys, go sit."

"Yes, sir," they both murmured automatically.

Bailey turned, ready to take the tray back from Cameron to go dump it, when one of the custodians took it from his teammate. Bailey hadn't realized the man had arrived behind him with a mop at the ready. Bailey ducked quickly out of the way, Declan and his teammates following at his back, glaring at Eddie and Tripp.

Dr. Lansing slowly surveyed all the students sitting in rapt attention, lunch forgotten. The Headmaster's voice rose as he addressed the whole dining hall. "These are the facts as we know them: Chris Vasser and Eric Olander physically assaulted another student. There is video footage that is not in dispute. This is a clear violation of a major Academy rule. What they did works against everything we stand for. You need to understand this. It cannot be tolerated. It will not be tolerated. As of yesterday, Chris and Eric have been expelled and will not be returning to this school. I'm telling you this so that you know exactly what happened, and what is going to happen. Do not speculate or get involved in rumors and gossip. This is not your affair, and not your business. Don't insert yourself into this situation." His tone brooked no chance for argument. "Mr. Bowman, you can come with me to my office."

With that, the Headmaster strode back out of the dining hall, Eddie slinking behind him. Tripp had edged away from Eddie, but the Dean was still watching him closely.

"Alright! Everyone, finish your lunch. If anyone feels the need to say anything more about this, they can come tell me. Otherwise, this is done." Mr. Zamora inclined his head to Mr. Bassinger, who nodded back, slipping his walkie-talkie back onto his hip.

Silence still reigned for several minutes as Mr. Zamora spoke in a hushed whisper to the security guard before heading towards Bailey. "Mr. McIntyre, Mr. Foster, please go get your lunches."

Bailey nodded numbly, still dumbfounded by all that had just happened. He glanced at Declan, who jerked his head for Bailey to follow after the dean had exited the dining hall.

"Holy shit," someone whispered.

The chattering noise slowly rose around them as Declan and Bailey headed to the lunch line, making their way past the custodian mopping up the remnants of Bailey's first lunch.

Declan turned and grinned back at Bailey as they grabbed trays. Bailey heard other students behind him, those who hadn't gotten lunch yet either.

"Man, Dec, can't believe you said that to Eddie," someone behind them said. "And Bailey, man... so sorry Eddie was being a jerk."

Declan edged next to him, and Bailey felt Declan's hand slid to his back, nudging him forward. It was strange how it felt protective, as if Declan were shielding him from everyone.

"Thanks," Bailey muttered, abstractedly moving food to his tray.

"You okay?" Declan's whisper was so close, he nearly jumped.

Bailey looked up into worried hazel eyes, a smile tipping his lips. "Yeah, I think I am."