Boys Divisional School of Manners

Chapter 52

I shrug. I thought that's where it was going.

"Hale's partner was what caused the big target on my back, they've been partners since going to Divisional. And now they both teach here. Hale's partner was one of the first to be with Greg, and apparently one of the lasting." Louis laughs, "Like there Hale is, yelling at me and right in his very house! Of course, Hale was in denial. He blamed it on me. Saying that if I was good enough that maybe then Greg wouldn't have the need to cheat." Louis shook his head and sucked his teeth.

"I can tell you the rest later, but you better get to class." Louis says as we approach the stairs leading up to the school.

"We've missed so much school in the last two weeks, I'm sure fifteen minutes won't be bad." I laugh.

"Well. Okay, Yeah, so he was in denial. All those other teachers left. I don't think any got fired, they just couldn't face the embarrassment of it, I guess. Hale and his partner are clearly still here though." He shakes his head and sighs, "It bothers me that he can still be a teacher after what he said. But he owned up to it and said he thought he was doing what was good for the majority, and that from all the troublemaking I caused in class that he had no reason to believe I was telling the truth. What bull, eh? And of course, the logs that the guidance counsellor keeps backs that statement up. So Hale was obviously in the wrong, but he played innocent. Fucker. Mr. Reid knew though, made Hale take classes on something. Hale was mad at me about that too because he was talked about a lot for that."

"What about his partner? He's your teacher, right?"

Louis nods, "He seems better actually. I don't think he was his happiest before that happened. When Hale found out, he honestly must've realized that he wasn't enough. He was probably just putting on a tough exterior. I remember seeing them holding hands walking into the school one morning when I was walking outside for some air. After Greg, I stayed back in the room I was first assigned, you remember those rooms?"

I nod my head, of course I remember that shitty room.

"So yeah. On school property and it was quiet and lonely and I just liked to go for walks. I saw them holding hands and kissing and just... I don't know. Sweet. It was nice."

Louis and I have taken the path that leads to the big open space of land. I remember coming here on the first day I met Louis. Jesus, I've changed so much in two months.

Who have I even become? This is not what I pictured happening at this school. For me to get along with someone. With multiple people. I consider Niall my best friend. I consider Liam a good friend. And Louis? I don't know. He deserves more than title of friends with benefits. But we're not together together.

I don't know. Louis is just... Louis.

He's wormed his way to being a part of my life now, that I don't think I want changing. But maybe I do.

I mean, once this year is done I don't have to see Louis again. Which will be good, right? That's what I wanted and all... Right?

"Haz, there's something I need to tell you. But I'm not sure if you're ready." Louis says a little louder to catch my attention as he sits on the small stone wall encasing a garden that's only filled with the shrubs now, not the flowers I saw in September.

I sit beside him and think about what he could mean by that.

"Are you ready to tell me?" I ask after minutes of silence between us.

He seems a little shocked at my reply, I am too to be quite fair.

"I don't know, to be honest."