I didn't know what to say. I didn't want Malcolm to get mad if I did something wrong. He looked at me and smirked. He finally walked away and went to the door.
I felt relaxed yet anxious at the same time. Mr. Beal was the one who saved me and then he was doing it again. Without even knowing it.
Malcolm unlocked the door and let him in.
"Hey." He said. "How are you feeling?"
"I-I'm fine. Nothing to worry a-about." I faked a smile. "Alright. Doctor, can you give us a minute?" Mr. Beal looked over at Malcolm.
"Of course." Malcolm winked at me when Mr. Beal wasn't noticing.
Once he closed the door Mr. Beal walked closer to me. "Are you sure you're all right?" He asked again.
My cheeks blushed when he said that. It felt odd that he cared for me. I nodded my head yes.
"I don't think you are fine, Kai."
"Why do you care about me so much?" I accidentally blurted out.
"Oh, um well I uh.. I don't know, I guess you just remind me of someone." He said.
"Who?"
"Quinn."
"Quinn? Why them?" I was curious.
"Well, when Quinn and I were younger, they were so afraid to come out to our parents. When they finally did, they were scolded. Our parents said Quinn was being immature and that they were stupid for making up lies." He explained.
"So, Quinn ran away. I chased after them after yelling at our parents. But, I couldn't find them. They ran all the way into an alley. A dead end. Lost, scared, and alone. Then, there were these two bullies from our school..." He continued.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? A girl? Or a boy?" One kid asked.
"More like a freak!" The other kid laughed.
"You don't belong in this world. You're just a stupid little monster. You think anyone's gonna love you?" The kid exclaimed.
They cornered Quinn. They laughed as they began to beat them. "You little freak!" One of the kid's uttered. They threw Quinn against the wall. Quinn had tears in their eyes. In that moment all they wanted to do was die.
"Stop it!" Quinn yelled. They threw Quinn again even harder. Quinn was knocked out. They had been thrown so hard that they were unconscious.
The two boys looked at each other and then ran the opposite direction.
But, Mr. Beal was standing there out of breath. His fists were clenched. He practically had anger burning in his eyes. He hurled towards them making them fall. They tried to get back up but he was on top of one while he had the other in his grip. He squeezed the boy's neck as he punched the other in the face.
"If you ever hurt them again, I'll kill you!" He threatened. Finally he let go and the two ran off. He picked up Quinn and ran to the hospital. It wasn't too far so he could get there on foot. He ran so fast as his adrenaline was pumping.
Once he arrived Quinn was sent to the emergency room. For a whole month they we're in a coma. Mr. Beal was so worried. His parents hardly showed up to visit Quinn.
Their mom was the worst. Not only did she not show up very much, she neglected Mr. Beal too...
After Mr. Beal explained the story my body was tense.
"H-how are you telling me this? It seems so-"
"Personal." Mr. Beal said.
"Y-yeah. That's so horrible."
"I know. But, I felt I could tell you, Everson. I think you can handle it." He grinned softly.
"I want there to be someone here for you. Just like Quinn."
"Thanks. I-I don't even know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. Just get some rest for now." He stood up.