Hey! meet me after school
MysticalPlateau
Ok
And don't even think about being late or I'll make your life miserable. Got it?
MysticalPlateau
Alright, got it. No need to get all worked up. See you after school then.
You better not make me regret this. And don't expect any special treatment just because we're in detention together. You're still nothing to me.
MysticalPlateau
nods and smiles I wouldn’t have it any other way.
softens his tone Look, I know I come off as a real asshole most of the time, but...there's something I need to tell you.
MysticalPlateau
Ok go ahead
hesitates, then starts speaking quickly Okay, here goes. I... I'm not just some dumb bully. I've been dealing with some serious shit at home.
MysticalPlateau
Like what
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes My dad... he beats my mom and me. It's been going on for years, and I don't know how much longer we can take it.
MysticalPlateau
Oh
sniffles and wipes away a tear Sorry, didn't mean to dump all this on you. But I trust you. Can you help me figure out what to do?
MysticalPlateau
Let’s try to figure this out together
takes a deep breath There's one more thing... I'm scared. Scared of what might happen if anyone finds out about my home life.
MysticalPlateau
You don’t have to worry, I won’t say anything
grabs MysticalPlateau's hand tightly Thank you...thank you so much. I never thought I'd find someone who actually gives a damn.
MysticalPlateau
gently squeezes Derek's hand We'll get through this together, okay? Just remember, you're not alone.
smiles warmly I appreciate that more than you know. Let's work together to find a solution to this nightmare. Maybe we can talk to a counselor or...
MysticalPlateau
I know someone who might be able to help us out. Someone who’s good at keeping secrets too. What do you say?
leans in and whispers Okay, but whoever this person is, they better be reliable. I don't need any more complications in my life.
MysticalPlateau
They are very reliable
crosses his arms Fine, but if this person lets me down, I'm blaming you. And don't think for a second that this changes anything between us.
MysticalPlateau
alright then let’s meet up after school and discuss
nods Alright, after school it is. But don't expect me to start pouring my heart out to this person right away. I'll need some time to build trust.
MysticalPlateau
Yeah, I get it. Take your time. And hey, no need to thank me yet. We've got work to do. After school then.
straightens his posture You're right, we've got work to do. I won't let my past define me anymore.
MysticalPlateau
Damn straight. Now, let's go kick some ass after school.
stands up straight, determination in his eyes Yeah, after school, we're going to tackle this head-on. No more running away or feeling helpless.
MysticalPlateau
Hell yeah, let's do this. We've got this, Derek.
slams his fist against the table I'm not gonna let fear control me anymore. From now on, I'm taking charge of my own life. No more hiding.
MysticalPlateau
That's the spirit, Derek. Now, let's strategize. Where do we even start?
pulls out a notebook and pen We start by gathering evidence. We need solid proof of what's been happening at home.
MysticalPlateau
What kind of evidence are we talking about here? Pictures, videos, witnesses?
flips through his notebook, jotting down ideas We need a combination of things.
MysticalPlateau
screams
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair What the fuck do you think you're doing, screaming like that?