Just as things were supposedly moving smoothly, Elliot's blood went cold at the premonition of Dad chugging the beers had he not seen him. The most terrifying memory that still gave the boy the jitters was witnessing the drastic changes of his behavior after he finished the beers. The tears that decorated the face of once a hilarious father... was a paragon of someone going through so much suffering.
I just don't want to see Dad hurt anymore...
Since the time he caught him with bottles in his possession, the boy couldn't stop eyeing Dad and his actions, despite Mr. Zheng's presence. Moreover, his friend continued talking with Lawson as if the previous events never occurred... or maybe, he wasn't aware what actually happened behind the scene. Whatever it was, it was for the best to keep his mouth shut and never once discussed it, even during dinner.
The thoughts of his father potentially relapsing haunted him during the night, butchering his sleeping hours once again. The house had been mostly dead silent – sans the nature noises – which was supposed to be good news. Regardless, he found himself dreading the sounds of smashed glass, which kept him awake, though in the end, there was nothing.
Is Dad really gonna drink again? Well, I hope not, but why is he still having the beers in the fridge? He pondered, blankly zooming into nothing in particular. Maybe, he's really trying to throw them away...? If so... then he would just throw them without hiding it from me...
As the consequence of his restless mind, Elliot lost count on how many times he yawned and rubbed his drooping eyes when morning arrived. At this moment, he wished to be lying on his bed for the entire day, skipping school. However, at the passing thought of both Shanice and Andrew and their science project... he decided to push himself. I even said I'm gonna help them, so I'm not just gonna stay here!
Regardless, drowsiness had nearly taken over his consciousness several times, one of them being where he poured an excessive amount of milk into his cereal bowl. It would have flowed over if not for Dad butting in and stopping him. The other one was where he succumbed and ended up dozing off on the way to school. Subsequently, he was the last child to disembark the bus.
Well, Dad seems to be normal during breakfast though. He didn't seem to be doing anything weird... as of now, but ugh... I should have slept last night... He mentally groaned. I just hope... Dad's not like that when I'm in school...
As he battled with his exhaustion, Elliot struggled concentrating throughout all of his classes. He watched as his teacher moved her lips to form words, but for no reason, he couldn't get hold of them as they were blurred out. Fortunately, repeated trips to the bathroom rejuvenated him to some extent, as he was able to wash the sleepiness away, although he was met with prolonged stares from both of his friends.
I'm sorry for worrying you guys...
Elliot was ultimately able to get a breath of fresh air as soon as the lunch bell rang, causing everyone to jump out of their seats, jumping so energetically. He let out a profound sigh as he began shoving his notes and stationeries into his bag, then was about to brush off his sweater when a presence loomed beside him.
"Elliot!" Shanice's stern voice startled her blonde friend, jolting him awake, "you've been going to the toilet... like so many times! What happened?"
"Yeah, and it's kinda odd..." Andrew undoubtedly sided with her, "I never saw you going back and forth like so many times."
"Oh um... well, I'm doing fine! I'm just washing my face so that I can stay awake or something," Elliot forced himself to laugh as the trio made their way out of their room, "I've been sleepy since this morning, so yeah..."
"I feel you on that... like I wanna take a nap during class too, but it's just so weird seeing you going to the toilet so often," Shanice remarked as she lifted her eyebrow.
Elliot had no clue what and how to answer her, so he continued chuckling, further locking up the real excuse. He scratched the back of his head as they strolled through the hallway, but the boy internally breathed out in relief. At least they knew his father had been feeling better, so they weren't as receptive... especially when those problems... they weren't really that solved just yet.
They don't have to know... I just don't want to make them even more worried....
"Oh yeah, Drew! By the way, did you manage to read about all the constellations we're gonna present?" Shanice turned her attention towards her other friend. "Now that we're almost done with the jar and we just need the lights... we should already be studying about them for our presentation!"
"Yeah I did, but there's just so many things... I don't think I can remember them all," said Andrew, "we should like... you know, just explain about the constellations that are more famous, like the Big Dipper."
"Hmm," she bobbed, "well, that sounds so much better!"
As his friends were currently conversing about their partially completed constellation jar, Elliot tried his best to join in. However, before he could even mutter anything, the door adjacent to them creaked open, stopping them in their paths, and out came a young woman. Of course, she was the iconic counsellor, unmistakable from her distinct purple hair that was neatly tied up into a bun.
Ms. Fairchild...
Elliot then recalled their interactions yesterday, where she nearly figured out about Dad's health and condition if not for his great lies. He still remembered the contemplating look on her face, but he ended up not knowing if Ms. Fairchild... really trusted his answer or not.
Shanice and Andrew quickly greeted the counsellor, who immediately welcomed them with an affectionate grin. Beforehand, though, Elliot realized how her forehead momentarily wrinkled as an unusual frown etched on her face, like she was pondering deeply. And that expression she had... it made the boy gulp with no proper explanation.
What... might she be thinking about? His instincts were berating him to step back, and he undoubtedly listened. Ms. Fairchild... she seems so serious... I've never seen her like that before. Why is that? Maybe... it had something to do with her work or something?
"Hey, sweetie..." Ms. Fairchild uncrossed her arms and lowered her hands down, "just perfect timing. I was about to look for you... can I have another moment with you please?"
Elliot swallowed another round of saliva as chills spread all over him in no time, even though the school was equipped with enough heaters to keep everyone warm. While he attempted not to make his reactions obvious, Shanice and Andrew's curious gazes were proven difficult for him, gluing him to his spot. His gaze then travelled everywhere it could go, but it evaded both his friends and Ms. Fairchild.
Okay, Elliot... He hastily convinced himself, trying to overcome all the doubts lingering around him. I know you can do this! It's probably like yesterday... so you should be able to get through this today!
"Oh... um, sure...?" the child managed to stutter out, albeit his reluctance. He subconsciously played with the edges of his bright scarf, twirling its edges. I wonder what she's gonna talk about this time... I just hope it's not the same question as yesterday.
"Well, if you and Miss Fairchild's gonna have some time, Drew and I gotta get our lunches first then!" Without second thoughts, Shanice shoved Andrew out of the way despite his complaints, forcing him to walk ahead of the counsellor and their friend. Before they were out of the picture, the girl bid her temporary farewell as she yelled, "you can catch up after us later!"
Elliot forced a smile as he waved his hand at their retreating figures, before he dared himself to look at his counsellor in the eye and asked, "um... so... what is it, Miss Fairchild...?"
She replied nothing firsthand, temporarily leaving the question hanging in the air. Elliot then took note of how she... didn't appear to be as relaxed as usual. She had her eyes away from the child, and her fingers were making some sort of fidgety movements. The child blinked not only once, twice but thrice... because it wasn't ordinary to see his counsellor dousing herself in silence.
Miss Fairchild's so quiet... He started tapping on his boot. Why is she making me so nervous now...? What is she try-
"Elliot... I know this is shocking, and I know I'm not supposed to be like this, but... may I visit your home? I would like to meet up with your daddy."